Retreat Memories – Day Two

Yesterday I shared a bit about our church ladies’ retreat last weekend. We were in such a beautiful setting in a part of Oregon not far from my back door. I was hard to believe I had never been there before! Our retreat leader lives just ten minutes from the retreat center and she knew of the incredible beauty that was nearby. During our free time on Saturday afternoon twenty-four of us boarded our church bus and headed up the road for a tour.

I was not prepared for what I saw – didn’t have a clue that it was there! The tour took us along the banks of the Molalla River. This river continues on and empties into the Willamette River just a mile or two from my home. I didn't know that this Bureau of Land Management area was less than an hour from my home. The Molalla River Corridor is absolutely gorgeous! There are places to fish, hike, have a picnic, camp and ride your horse (bring your own horse!). We passed several groups of riders along the way.

The river is on one side of the road and high rock formations in places on the other side. In some spots many jagged layers of basalt can be seen from high overhead down to the water's edge.

This area is called ‘Party Rock’ – famous for swimming parties on warm days.

Nearby, delicate white flowers on a tree.

There was so much to see - and many other places to stop. The road continues many miles beyond where we turned around. I want to return to this scenic area soon – with my sweetheart, a picnic basket filled with things to delight the tummy and my camera!