Category: PNW Adventures

Jeep Life ~ Eck Family Adventures

2022 was a year of exploring the #pnw from rainforest to desert, all inspired by the recent purchase of our Jeep Mojave truck the year before.

Vegas Road Trip

In 2021, we ventured south on the scenic route to Las Vegas (blog post) the very day after purchasing our delightful Mojave (blog post). With Marshall’s lifelong preference for Dodge trucks, I’d never owned a vehicle truly designed so well to go off-road and it was a treat. At times it was almost as if we were going where no man has gone beyond roads and well-maintained paths. We could literally just drive off the side of the highway and take off into the desert on a road that seemed to go forever!

The Ochocos, Oregon

Just past the new year, in 2022 we wandered east to the Ochoco National Forest in the Jeep and were amazed by the beauty of this drier Oregon climate. We went off road, delightfully spraying mud on our chariot and checking the creeks for quartz and other interesting rocks.

It pleased us to find out the Ochoco National Forest stretches east from central Oregon with magnificent rock formations to explore as well as hiking, fishing, camping, hunting, horseback riding and rock hounding.

Mushroom Hunting

2022 was the year of the morel (blog post) for the Eck Family! We drove all over the dirt roads near the 2020 burns and the harvest proved to be plentiful☺️ Something about the rainy-then-warm days we’ve been having has created some monster #morels here in the #pnw, I swear!

Smith Rock, Oregon

Summer of 2022, we made the trip to Central Oregon to explore a few hidden spots as well as a few of the 7 Wonders of Oregon such as Smith Rock where we caught a sunrise AND a sunset ~ Magnificent!

Along with day hikes around the base or up Misery Ridge, the camp ground was wonderful. The sheer cliffs of tuff and basalt are ideal for rock climbing of all difficulty levels. Smith Rock is generally considered the birthplace of modern American sport climbing, and is host to cutting-edge climbing routes.

The Painted Hills of Oregon

Made it to the Painted Hills of Oregon finally! Been talking about it for years and we were not disappointed with the colors and views of this unique geological masterpiece:)

Glass Butte, Oregon

One of the most unique spontaneous trip was our venture to Glass Butte (blog post) – the largest obsidian deposit in the world – in south eastern Oregon.

On this adventures, we made it all the way to the top of Glass Butte. At 6,388 feet, we had an unparalleled view of Oregon’s high desert in all directions and shards of obsidian littered the ground everywhere we looked.

Eastern Oregon

Mountain top sunset, hunting memories, Jeep camping and over the fire, cast iron steak & shrimp.

Wolf Rock: Blue River, Oregon

Blue River adventures included trips around the state’s largest monolith – Wolf Rock.

Blue River, Oregon

Blue River water adventures include kayaking and creek jaunts💙

Sunsets and camping

Oregon Coast

The beach proved irresistible. What’s the point of a jeep if you don’t go out on the sand?!?

Off-road, outdoor cooking!

Somewhere close to Reno, Nevada off-road adventures included some over the fire, cast iron cookin’😉

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Christmas on Goodpasture Bridge

During the holiday season, there’s something extra enchanting about the way Christmas lights reflect on the water. In Oregon, where scenic waterways abound, this phenomenon becomes a mesmerizing sight to behold. As the sun sets and darkness envelops the landscape, the twinkling lights create a magical dance on the water’s surface, adding a touch of wonder to the festive atmosphere.

#eckriverlife #eck121022 #teckadventures #eckreflections

Let’s explore the captivating allure of Christmas lights reflecting on Oregon’s waterways.

@teckadventures

  1. Illuminating Nature’s Mirrors:
    Oregon is blessed with an abundance of lakes, rivers, and coastal areas, providing ample opportunities for the reflection of Christmas lights. When the lights are strategically placed along the water’s edge or on nearby structures, their illumination is mirrored on the calm surface, creating a stunning visual display. The reflection adds depth and brilliance to the already mesmerizing glow, transforming the surroundings into a winter wonderland.
  2. Coastal Delights:
    Along Oregon’s picturesque coastline, the reflection of Christmas lights on the ocean’s surface becomes a breathtaking spectacle. Coastal towns and cities embrace the holiday spirit by adorning piers, lighthouses, and waterfronts with twinkling lights. As the waves gently lap against the shore, the lights shimmer and dance, creating a truly magical ambiance. Strolling along the coastline on a crisp winter evening offers a unique opportunity to witness the convergence of nature’s beauty and festive cheer.
  3. Lakeside Magic:
    Oregon’s numerous lakes also provide an idyllic setting for the reflection of Christmas lights. During the holiday season, lakeside communities and resorts embrace the festive spirit by illuminating their surroundings with colorful lights. As darkness falls, the lights cast their magical glow, which is mirrored on the calm surface of the water. This reflection creates a serene and ethereal atmosphere, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the holiday magic.
  4. River Reflections:
    Oregon’s rivers, with their meandering paths and tranquil waters, offer another opportunity to witness the captivating interplay between Christmas lights and reflecting surfaces. Many riverside parks and bridges are adorned with festive lights, casting a warm and inviting glow. As the lights reflect on the river’s surface, they create a symphony of colors that adds a touch of enchantment to the surrounding landscape. Enjoying a riverside stroll or a leisurely boat ride becomes an even more magical experience during the holiday season.
  5. Capturing the Moment:
    The reflection of Christmas lights on Oregon’s waterways provides a picturesque backdrop
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