Sweet Creek Falls - Part 1

The 5th geocache on our tour took us for a long ride and a longer hike into the Sweet Creek canyon. Along the way we saw very large slugs, very green snails, very large spiders, and a series of beautiful waterfalls.

 
It was a long (for us) sweaty hike to the cache. The cool waters felt wonderful when we were done.

Another Covered Bridge

Our 4th cache on the GeoTour was at a gorgeous spot called Whittaker Recreation Area. There are camping and picnic spots, some great trails, and this lovely covered bridge.

Covered?

Yes. With a roof of trees and rails covered in moss.

The Woods Are Lovely, Dark and Deep

On our trek to the cache at Wildcat Bridge, we took the scenic route on a long gravel road under a canopy of trees. The dappled light beckoned us forward.

This beautiful covered bridge, spanning Wildcat Creek, is nearly 90 years old. Truly a treasure from the past.

It's kept in good repair. But, oh that Terra! She appears to be the local Kilroy.

Would You Like a Glass of Wine?

Our second cache of the tour was just outside this lovely winery.

Domaine Meriwether is one of more than a dozen fine wineries in the South Willamette Valley. They are known for their laid-back and friendly atmospheres.

Give Us This Day

On the first of this month, my husband Dale, daughter Jodie and I began our first GeoTour. GeoTours are custom tours showcase engaging geocaches designed to introduce you to new locations. It's a great way to combine our geocaching hobby with seeing interesting and historic sites. We chose the Florence GeoTour because the starting point is not too far from Jodie's home in Corvallis, Oregon.

Our first stop? A restaurant in Veneta, Oregon. Housed in a restored church, Our Daily Bread captures small town charm and history. It is a gorgeous setting and the folks are very nice.

Everything is quaint. Even the bike rack!

Bike Rack

While visiting our daughter Julie in Moscow, Idaho, we stopped at a local park where we saw this superb bike rack.

Shell

The Fields of Alberta ... Part 2

The Fields of Alberta ... Part 1

O Beautiful, O Canada

Purple Mountain Majesty