Bridge 99, originally uploaded by Tokenhippygirl.

There’s no better place to camp. I know that feeling in me is spurred on by all the great memories I have of the place, but seriously… gorgeous river, fantastic trees, the smell of the air is breathtaking, and the beauty unparalleled. Ah, it will be good to go back again.

Water, originally uploaded by Tokenhippygirl.

The Metolius is gorgeous as a river. Springs up, literally, out of a hillside, and grows ever larger as it moves along being fed by other smaller rivers, creeks, etc. It is clear, clean, and beautiful.

Ponderosa, originally uploaded by Tokenhippygirl.

It’s amazing in the Camp Sherman area of the Metolius. I love it there. My family went there nearly every year for awhile when I was young. I learned to fly fish on this river and loved every moment we spent there. Being there as an adult brings back all those great memories and the feelings associated with them. Fishing the river with mom and Kev,  Bill teaching me how to fish there, floating down it on inner tubes, catching fish and flopping them up onto shore right at my grandparents feet because I was small and didn’t have a net, freezing after spending too long in the cold water, sniffing the vanilla smelling goodness of the trees, exploring the area in the car with the family singing those crazy Bill songs, eating ice cream sandwiches purchased at the store… the list goes on. For me this is one of two apexes of happiness of my childhood. This place, and the farm my grandparents lived at when I was a kid, are tops.  What great warm memories. What joy. What happiness. I love the Camp Sherman area. I spend time there and not only enjoy the moments I have now, as an adult, but I remember all the good things about what it was to be a kid there. It’s a wonderful feeling every time I go.

In Flight, originally uploaded by Tokenhippygirl.

I took so many shots of the bald eagle. There were some as it was taking off, but sadly none turned out clear. This was the only one of it in flight that sort of worked. I like it.

Looking for Dinner, originally uploaded by Tokenhippygirl.

This bird kept looking down at the water. So fun to just watch it. We were worried it would consider the dogs as prey. After all, they are small enough to be an option for it. They must have been too camp nasty to look tasty.

Camp, originally uploaded by Tokenhippygirl.

Our home away from home for a few days. Peaceful. Tranquil. Relaxing. I don’t have to say any more than that.

On The Move, originally uploaded by Tokenhippygirl.

Love this time of year… so many baby ducks running around. Or should I say… swimming around. So cute.

Renewing, originally uploaded by Tokenhippygirl.

The Davis Lake West campground is an amazing place. Several years ago there was a pretty devastating fire in the area. All the area right around the campground was burned to a crisp. When you drive down into the campground it’s like going through a forest ghost town. Dead trees everywhere. Miraculously though once you get right to the campground… trees, green, underbrush. It’s like an oasis in the middle of the desert. Strange… and beautiful.

The area where the fire was is starting to show major signs of life… underbrush really starting to develop, small trees sprouting up that will one day tower over the landscape. It’s lovely. A beautiful reminder that life springs and moves forward, constantly flowing. There’s always something new, always something beautiful, always. If you look, and sometimes you have to look hard, you can always find it. Nature is amazing and life is a constant and stunning miracle.

Grazing, originally uploaded by Tokenhippygirl.

After the wedding last weekend we packed up the truck, jumped in with the pups, and drove south and east to Davis Lake for the annual family camping trip. Loads of visitors dropped by, including this beauty.