Happy (early) Birthday Rachael!

What's the actual date?

That was quick!
No, they don't sit around. You were lucky to get that shot, which I thought was pretty good.

Thanks. I thought it was probably a vole, but I don’t know these little guys so well. I was afraid he was distressed by the cold at first, but then he suddenly rustled up and disappeared before I could get a better shot.

It is a vole. Could not find a good web site to figure the species. The red tree vole is a species of concern, but I don't think this is one.

https://oregonwild.org/wildlife/red-tree-vole

Brilliant! Now just get busy with your favorite animation software and sell it to the department of public health!

Thanks! I like the way it could be a B&W except for the bit of color from the pannier.

I have this mental image of us all jumping up and down, stomping on the top of the curve with both feet to flatten out the curve.

I was lucky to have been able to trek around the Annapurna range in Nepal in early 1979. One of my favorite memories of the hike was a section where I was walking on a carpet of red flowers. It was a thick forest of gnarled old trees that I eventually realized were old growth rhododendrons! The trees were three feet in diameter and fifty feet tall and a local person told me they were 500 years old. Amazing because I never knew they grew to be actual trees either.

And that's only because you inspired me to look up Sir Gideon!

Really nice photo!

I love this falls. The surrounding countryside is quite beautiful too. A few years ago a crazy guy kayaked the falls!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNXh9gXDd2Y

You bet! Thanks for giving us permission. It will help us remember a wonderful day. I doubt we’ll meet before we leave town, but June for sure.

Only you would have known about this.

Gideon Tibbetts would be a great name for the main character of a children's book.

I saw something about a 'Gideon's Orchard' being dedicated in 2015 with grafts from that Gravebstein.

Thanks for including photos from your visit to Silverton! It was great to see youse all, and look forward to seeing you again soon .. here or in Portland.