Day 323-Oregon Pt 4

 

Embarking on our third month of volunteering in Oregon, we are filled with joy and laughter, sharing unforgettable moments with fellow camp hosts, family, and friends. We eagerly await the unfolding of new experiences and adventures that lie ahead.

Dune Buggy Rides What an adventure

Sandland Adventures is located in Florence, Oregon, on the expansive Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. It is unique for offering dual-mode dune buggy tours: high-speed, roller-coaster-like Sandrails and relaxing, multi-passenger Giant Dune Buggies that also traverse the Pacific Ocean beach.

Dad and his girls

Cleawox Lake

This small, freshwater lake is flanked by dunes on the south side and forest on the north. The clear water invites fishing, small boating (no wake), and paddling. The park offers pedal boat, kayak and paddle board rentals Thursday through Monday seasonally depending on staffing and availability. 

Day 281- Oregon Pt 3

 

Had a fantastic visit with dear friends exploring the breathtaking Oregon Coast. We had a blast together, and I am so grateful to Mike and Holly for making the long drive up to see us. It was an incredible adventure that I will always treasure.

Day 268- Oregon Pt 2

 

When we see God's glory displayed in His creation, we are filled with awe.

Day 253-Oregon Pt 1

 Honeyman State Park in Florence Oregon, we are fresh probies starting our summer volunteer job. This park is a treasure trove of natural beauty, and we're thrilled to have the opportunity to help. The next few months will be filled with hard work and dedication, but we're up for the challenge and excited to make a difference. Need to rent a paddle board or Kayak?

Purchased from private owners between 1930 and 1936, the area was named to honor Jessie M. Honeyman of Portland (1852-1948), a leading advocate of roadside beautification, Oregon parks and scenic preservation. She was a tireless supporter and guide to Samuel Boardman, the first Oregon State Parks Superintendent. Civilian Conservation Corps forces under National Park Service direction, designed and constructed improvements superbly adapted to their surroundings between 1935 to 1940. Among the features included in a special district listed in the National Register of Historic Places are the stone and log Cleawox Lake bathhouse (1938); the park caretaker's house and garage (1936-37), now the park office; and several rustic kitchen shelters (1937). Other day-use facilities and landscaped roadways with stone curbings were constructed by CCC, and the sloped cuts on the Coast Highway were planted with shrubs. Overnight camping facilities were added on the south side of Cleawox Lake beginning in 1952. In the late 1950s, Honeyman Park was listed in Life Magazine as one of the outstanding state parks in the United States.

Day 240- 245 Italy Trip Day 38-43

 

Unfortunately it's time to say goodbye to Italy, a country that has left me in awe with its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and delicious cuisine. I have had the opportunity to explore its bustling cities, visit its ancient ruins, and taste its exquisite wine. It has been a remarkable journey, and I will cherish the memories I have made here.

Day 241 - Italy Day 37 Positano⁩

 

Exploring the picturesque coastal towns of Salerno, Amalfi, and Positano, we were overjoyed that we didn't miss out on the opportunity to experience their unique charm and beauty.

Day 239 Italy Trip Pisa Day 37

 

The Cathedral (Duomo): Dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta, it features striking Carrara marble, bronze doors, and an impressive pulpit crafted by Giovanni Pisano.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa, or simply the Tower of Pisa, is the campanile, or freestanding bell tower, of Pisa Cathedral. It is known for its nearly four-degree lean, the result of an unstable foundation. The tower is one of three structures in Pisa's Cathedral Square, which includes the cathedral and Pisa Baptistry.

Piazza del Duomo, Pisa (Pisa Cathedral) 

The Piazza del Duomo in Pisa, also known as the Piazza dei Miracoli, is a monumental UNESCO World Heritage site developed between the 11th and 14th centuries. It serves as the finest masterpiece of Pisan Romanesque architecture, built to project the immense wealth and power of the historic Maritime Republic of Pisa

Pisa Cathedral 

If you are craving a solid people-watching spot paired with a stiff espresso martini, this is the spot. 

The marble monument in Pisa's Piazza Francesco Carrara honors Grand Duke Ferdinando I de' Medici. Sculpted by Pietro Francavilla in 1595 from a design by Giambologna, it was initially placed by the river but moved to its current location in 1872