Loowit Wildflowers Shine

 Today my roommates took me to visit mighty Mount St. Helens, known long before that name as Loowit by the Native peoples who have lived in its shadow for countless generations.

 Standing here, it's easy to understand why this mountain has inspired both legends and respect, with its rugged beauty and powerful history.   Even today, the landscape is still flexing it's power.

A few years ago the bridge to the Johnston Ridge Visitors Center washed out and it's still being repaired.  Never fear, this fox found a trail to the visitors center. 

Speaking of history, you might remember what happened in May 1980, when Mount St. Helens erupted with incredible force and forever changed the surrounding landscape.

 Even today, it's amazing to see how nature has recovered while still leaving behind unmistakable reminders of one of the most powerful volcanic eruptions in U.S. history.  The forest service decided not to touch anything after the eruption to see what would happen.

Wildflowers are out today. 

Always a sucker for foxglove.  Such a cool plant. 

Part of the trail featured interpretive signs that explained the area's fascinating geologic history. Some had faded from years of sun exposure, but they still told an interesting story about the powerful forces that shaped Loowit and the ever-changing landscape around it.

As the hike continued, more and more wildflowers appeared along the trail, adding bright splashes of color to the volcanic landscape. One thing I couldn't help noticing was how many dandelions had taken over—hardy little plants that seemed perfectly happy to thrive where so much else was still recovering.

Now, back to that landslide that wiped out the bridge. These days, Johnston Ridge Observatory  can only be reached on foot, since the road has never been fully rebuilt. Do you see it way up on the left-hand side? And that big mountain rising in the distance is Mount Adams, another mighty volcano in the Cascade Range.

Finally, it was time for lunch—a classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich. We had the amphitheater all to ourselves, with only a few other hearty souls making the journey up here today. Between the peaceful surroundings and the incredible mountain views, it was the perfect place to sit, relax, and enjoy a well-earned meal.

Johnston Ridge's parking lot was a little eerie. After sitting unused for about three years, it showed clear signs of neglect, and it almost looked as though nature was slowly reclaiming it.....which, I suppose, is rather fitting for a place like this. 

Fortunately, there are plans to reopen the road next May, so this visit will definitely go in the memory books as something unique: not just because of the spectacular wildflowers, but because of the rare silence that settled over the monument without the usual hordes of visitors.

Welcome to Sonoma.

 Today I traded city streets for the quiet charm of Sonoma, California. While Napa is famous for its vineyards, Sonoma has a slower pace that made me feel right at home.

\

Our first stop was the historic Sonoma Plaza, where we found a giant bear standing proudly in the middle of town. It wasn't a real bear, of course, but a reminder of the short-lived California Republic of 1846. For just 25 days, California was an independent nation before becoming part of the United States. 

The bear on the California state flag traces its roots back to this fascinating chapter of history, known as the Bear Flag Revolt. It was fun imagining what the plaza must have looked like during those exciting and uncertain days.

Just a short walk away stood one of Sonoma's most important landmarks—the historic Sonoma Mission. Officially known as Mission San Francisco Solano, it was the last and northernmost of California's 21 Spanish missions.

A little tipsy from some wine tasting but being beary respectful in the mission. 

Walking through the adobe buildings and peaceful courtyard, I couldn't help but think about the many people whose lives crossed paths here over the centuries. I was especially interested in the servants' quarters, where the mission's workers lived and carried out many of the daily tasks that kept the community running. It offered a glimpse into the everyday lives of the people whose stories are often overshadowed by the mission itself. The simple architecture and quiet gardens created a peaceful atmosphere, making it easy to slow down and reflect on the mission's long and sometimes complicated history.

Nearby was the mission's hospice, which served as a simple hotel where travelers could find a place to stay and a warm meal, while also helping provide food for residents of the mission community.

Before leaving, I spent a little more time wandering around Sonoma's historic plaza. The town has a wonderfully welcoming atmosphere, with locally owned shops, cozy cafés, and an impressive art scene.  As you might have guessed this painting really called spoke to me. 

 

Welcome to the rock.

 No trip to San Francisco would be complete without a visit to Alcatraz Island. Before catching the ferry, we drove across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. I'd seen countless pictures of it over the years, but nothing compares to seeing those towering International Orange spans rising above the bay in person. Even with the fog rolling in and out, the bridge was every bit as impressive as I'd imagined.

Next stop is the rock, that's right Alcatraz Island.  I'm reviewing the model at the ferry terminal before departure. A prepared fox is a happy fox. 

After boarding the ferry, I watched the city skyline slowly drift farther away as the island grew larger in front of us. It wasn't hard to imagine what it must have felt like for the prisoners who made this same journey decades ago. The views were spectacular, but for them, they represented everything they were leaving behind.

Stepping onto the island, I was surprised by how beautiful it was. G It was a strange contrast—a place known for its harsh history surrounded by incredible views of San Francisco Bay.

Gardens filled with colorful flowers softened the stark concrete buildings, and seabirds circled overhead.

The seabirds had their chicks recently and they were all out and about on the island.  These little chicks will one day grow probably grow up to be western gulls often seen on Alcatraz. 

Time to explore inside. 

Inside the prison, the atmosphere changed completely. Walking through the cell blocks, I saw just how small the cells were. Standing inside one made it easy to picture what daily life must have been like. The walls echoed with stories of infamous inmates, daring escape attempts, and the routines that governed life on "The Rock."

As the ferry carried us back toward the city, I kept looking over my shoulder at the island. Alcatraz is much more than an old prison. It's a place filled with history, mystery, and unforgettable views—one that left me with plenty to think about long after we returned to shore.

 

Welcome to Napa.

 Usually my adventures start off with a walk or a hike.  

 However, being in Napa California my adventure began in a way that felt just about perfect: on two wheels.

The bike paths wound past vineyards that seemed to stretch forever. Neat rows of grapevines marched across the hillsides, soaking up the warm California sunshine.

After our bike ride, we headed over to the botanical garden to see what we could discover. 

I expected beautiful flowers, towering trees, and maybe a few butterflies. I wasn't expecting to stumble upon a whole collection of colorful mythical creatures!

 

Mail Call and Garden Update

 Hiya Gang,

Little Fox here taking a break from some early summer hiking.  Do you see on of my favorite plants (foxglove is #1 of course).  Yep, Bear grass (according to Wikipedia it’s neither a grass or enjoyed by bears). 

Up first is from Sandy and Company.  They mentioned a few of the adventures they have taken lately to the Vancouver Art Galley and then off to Butchart Gardens (I wonder if they are going to do a high tea in the garden?).

Sandy also included some stickers (he knows I’m a sucker for stickers and we are guessing that they might be the work of Emily Carr. Ms. Carr’s work is rarely on display in the United States but there seems to have been a huge show at the Vancouver Art Museum (Canada not Washington). 

Next up is a bear and a fox walking in the forest (sounds like the start of a joke).

Sandy mentioned that he got the card I sent from Shannon’s Ice Cream shoppe in The Dalles.  He mentioned visiting but the border and tariff situation is a tad “sticky” at the moment.  Hopefully, he can come on down soon.   

Sounds like Sandy is starting to be a social media researcher and has bravely volunteered to search local ice cream shoppes on the island for air b and b guests.  It’s a thankless task but someone has to do it.

The garden is going gangbusters.  Aruglaa and spring lettuces and humming along. 

Zucchini is coming up slowly but surely.

The tomatoes are off to a good start as well.  Early Girl and Sun Gold are our favorites. 

The “wildflower experiment” is still being finicky and not really doing what was envisioned by the roommates.  Perhaps Jerry can assist?

Art Deco in Eugene.

 Most folks think of Eugene, Oregon, as a place of towering trees, bicycles, and Ducks football. But during one of my recent wanderings through downtown, I stumbled upon something that made my little ears perk right up: Art Deco architecture.

Now, I've always had a soft spot for old buildings. They have stories tucked into every corner and carved into every stone. So when I spotted one of Eugene's finest Art Deco treasures, I knew I had found the start of a new adventure.

First up was the Eugene Post Office, built between 1938 and 1939. Standing proudly downtown, it's a wonderful example of Depression-era Art Deco architecture.

Unlike the flashy skyscrapers that often come to mind when people think of Art Deco, Depression-era designs tended to be more restrained and practical. The inside was quiet but you could sense the importance of this old building - it's quiet but it's seen a fair share of history.

The post office has all the hallmarks of the style. Strong geometric lines. Symmetrical design. Decorative details that add character without going overboard. There's a sense of permanence about it, as if the building was meant to reassure people during uncertain times.

As I stood outside looking up at its clean lines and carefully crafted stonework, I imagined residents walking through those doors more than eighty years ago. Letters from loved ones, news from distant places, and perhaps a bit of hope all passed through this very building.

Not bad for an old building spending it's day quietly handling the mail. 

My next Art Deco discovery took me across town to the University of Oregon campus, where the magnificent Knight Library (previously named Main Library)  stands as one of Eugene's architectural crown jewels.

Completed in 1937, the library is widely considered one of the finest examples of Art Deco architecture in Oregon. 

The artistic details woven throughout the building were amazing. Art Deco often celebrates progress, learning, and human achievement, and Knight Library wears those themes proudly. Every entrance, window, and carved ornament seems designed to remind visitors that knowledge is something worth celebrating.

Of course, being a fox, I was also drawn to the quiet atmosphere inside.  Such a grand entrance for this building and so true to the Art Deco style.

What struck me most was the lobby. Despite sitting in the heart of a busy campus, it was eerily quiet. The sounds of university life seemed to vanish beyond the doors, replaced by a reverent, almost cathedral-like silence that felt shaped by generations of students and scholars.

The geometry on the glass, the polished stone on the walls and iron gates on the door.  

A true masterpiece.