Early Spring Campin' and Red Lily Calm

Ok, we've traveled through the full spectrum of camping. We moved out of the tent camping, starting with pop-up campers when we first moved to Oregon, even took a leap into the RV world towing a vehicle (you remember my Mexico tales, right?) ... with all of those now memories ... we've gone full circle again. We ordered a big 10 x 14 size (plenty of room to bed and mornin' yoga) and tested it out on the lawn at home. Then, off to truly test it out on during our May tent camping trip at La Pine, Oregon, up near Bend.

These journal pages capture some of the sweetest moments from that trip. We had some sunny and some rainy weather and I started the tent image on site, adding the luxurious plump clouds from  memory. We were joined by a dear friend who brought along his lil' camper and puppy and toured us along the pristine Metolious River (that actually has it's beginnings from a crystal clear spring that just flows out of the earth!). On our tour we ventured over to a fish hatchery (where we watched a BIG crow lunch on a sizable fish right out of the hatchery's pool) but the vision that took my breath away was the clear, brilliant colors in the churning waters of the river before the bridge.

Yep, while the boys played at the hatchery, I began my painting. I knew I'd usurp all my time getting the bridge drawn right (all that architectural stuff) so once I got the drawing down, I ignored the bridge. And went to capturing the magnificent water. T'was a challenge with the continued movement but I took many photos and feel pretty happy with the color and feel of the moment! I finished the bridge from the photo, by the way, and got to savor the time "in the water".

Those of you who own dogs ... well, you know what the scene with our friend, Roger, here is about. Perhaps you can't see the treat in hand, but you know the beggin' stance our Cody has so mastered! Had to save this into my journal!

Once home to the Rogue Valley we'd promised to spend the upcoming Mother's Day with a friend who'd lost her mom the previous year. The fresh and elegant scene along the Applegate River provided by the Red Lily Winery soothed our spirits with music. We munched on our casual picnic spread while I catch shots of the peopled, red canopied tables. Lovely afternoon.

Oh and PS ... the tent worked great, no leaks, ample room ... but we won't talk about clean up and packing of the wet and dirty behemoth ... ok?

Showcasing Oregon's Beauty for Mexican Guest

Of course, we had to show off to Efren, our visiting Mexican artist, the amazing beauty of Southern Oregon. First on the list, of course, is heading to Crater Lake. But some of our favorite spots are sprinkled along the route - so naturally, we stop there too. The Rogue Gorge is breath-taking even though the two rivers merging before the deep ravine are less than at their peak this time of year. Finally, after remarks from Efren like, "it's so green", we arrive at the brilliant blue waters of Crater Lake. It truly is a wonder! Then, on the return drive we hike into Takelma Gorge, another magnificent natural site. Here, Efren and I took out our paints and worked on capturing the image.

We lunched overlooking the Rogue River at Miguel's in Shady Cove, preparing our energies for the busy upcoming evening. Efren was showing slides and a narration of his works at the Ashland Art Center. Here you see a shot of the Art Center from my second floor studio, looking down to the main floor. I was lucky to coax from Efren, this notes for the talk - - I love that it is in Spanish and flavors my journal with the elements present during Efren's visit!!!

On the adjacent page in my journal we wake to the following, more relaxed day. After a leisurely morn, we artists head out to the wide-open arms of the Applegate Valley. I totally by mishap, land us at the lovely Red Lily Winery where we spend most of the day sketching and painting. Serendipitously, Efren strikes up a conversation there with workers who actually are from the same area in which he currently lives. And in the time I get this sweet sketch completed, Efren has completed two oil paintings. Yep, he's fast and talented! Amazing!

We return home to a rich, well appreciated meal, once more magically whipped up by my dear Roland. And we settle in the living room to chatter and relax. Til tomorrow . . .