The Enchanted Forest

If you live near my home in Oregon you may think I’m going to tell you a tale of fun and children's’ play at The Enchanted Forest amusement park. I’d love to tell you all about it but that would mean I need to visit there again to see all the fun things they’ve done there since my last visit with one of my grandchildren. No, I’m going to tell you about the amazing, enchanting long weekend we spent in the forest of Eastern Oregon! There were unexpected adventures and the hoped-for prize at the end of the hunt!

My sweetheart and I, along with Joey (my puppy) headed east from our home, across the Cascade Mountain Range and farther east to the place where we met some of his family and friends who always hunt together. This spot in the eastern forest is a cherished, much-loved hunting area that has been part of his family’s life for many years. Anticipation grew as we approached the turn-off and headed up onto the mountainside. Not long afterwards we were face-to-face with family who had reserved just the perfect place for our little cabin-on-wheels. We were at the back of the camping spot, surrounded by trees and an open area that was the perfect place for Joey and I to walk. After we had settled in and eaten a simple supper we joined family around a big campfire and, oh, did we enjoy our time together. Tales were told and plans were made for the hunting expedition the next morning on opening day of hunting season. Everyone ‘turned in’ to their beds fairly early because the hunters were planning a very early start – before daybreak they planned to drive up the mountain to be at the appointed spot at first light, the time hunting season officially began.

My sweetheart was up and out very early and Joey and I decided to snuggle down in the warm covers and sleep a bit more. Some time later I woke and peeked out the window – and what to my wondering eyes should appear? SNOW!! It was snowing!

I was so excited that I jumped out of bed, grabbed my warm clothes and my camera and scooted outside to take photos. If the snow stopped, I wanted to have photos to show the beauty that was happening all around us.

I didn’t need to worry that the snow would stop and melt too soon – it kept coming down.

It snowed. . .

And snowed. . .

And snowed some more!

The hunters returned and gathered around the campfire to share tales of their adventures on the mountain.

Nearby, our nephew’s young son began to make a snowman!

Over the next two days the snow melted a bit at times and then began again.

I found myself singing ‘Winter Wonderland’ and ‘Let It Snow’ - ‘Oh, the weather outside is frightful but the fire is trailer’s so delightful. . .’

Joey had never seen snow before and I wondered what he would think when he first stepped outside. He didn’t seem to be upset – in fact, he was a bit curious.

He found that he could walk and find his way in spite of the silly stuff that tickled his tummy!

High overhead a gorgeous mountain rock formation towered above our campsite.

It caught my imagination and I often walked up the road to catch a different view and to capture the colors and textures and shadows with my camera.

The snow didn’t dampen our spirits, nor did it take away the enjoyment of time together with our family and friends. It did remind us of the incredible beauty of the world around us – the world we often take for granted until we slow down a bit and really see what is right in front of us.

(Soon I will tell you the results of the hunt and share more Oregon beauty seen as we traveled home.)