There’s nothing like summer vacation
August 18th, 2011Summer vacation makes me as excited now as it did in my childhood. These past few weeks have been wonderfully filled with family, friends, fishing, stunning natural beauty, and some great Oregon wine.
We've been here two years and Jan and I still have to remind ourselves how lucky we are to live where we live. In July we had a phenomenal trip on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho that included an unexpected display of Oregon tie-dye green and yellow from the Oregon outfitters who planned the trip (longtime Oregon family the Helfrich’s and Tight Lines Fishing & Rafting). We met people we will remember forever, including a great family from Oregon, the Kelloggs.
On the way to the river we spent a few days with two wonderful Duck families: first a fabulous weekend of great conversation, food, fishing, and riding on Susie Papé's ranch in Eastern Oregon, then lovely days with Scott and Linda Andrews in Idaho.
Next we went to New York to visit our daughter and her fiancé. Anyone who has kids understands why this was the highlight of our summer...and also why a week was enough for them! There's nothing more I can say other than we are very lucky parents.
We left New York and returned to Eugene on a Sunday, and Monday morning we headed off to Camp Sherman. Brooklyn to the Metolius. If you've ever been in New York City in August you can appreciate the stark contrast to the smells of pine, fir, and sagebrush. Our sincere thanks to our friends Gay and Judi Davis for a perfect end to our summer travels.
Jan and I are refreshed and ready for the best jobs in the world. We can't wait for the students to return.
