Sparks Lake, Deschutes National Forest

I recently had a couple of days off of work - so I thought what better time to go camping!  I did some research, asked my friends where their favorite camping spots are, and in the end I chose beautiful Sparks Lake outside of Bend - just south of South Sister for my first solo camping trip.

I knew the weather was not going to be terrific and I expected it to give me an extra challenge.  The rain and mist were constant, but that kept the bugs away.  The night-time temperatures were low 40's and it was too wet to build a fire, but I had built myself a little cave under a tarp and had plenty of time to cuddle up and read (which always feels like a luxury).

And it turns out I wasn't really alone. Along my walks I discovered camouflaged frogs, beautiful and cheerful birds, some tenacious chipmunks,  and one unfortunate deer.  She and I came into contact as I was driving down the highway.  In what seemed like a fraction of a second, she darted out of the forest and ran straight into my driver's side door - decapitating my side view mirror, bouncing off the passenger-side door, scrambling for her footing - then running back off into the woods.

After I found my breath again and released my white-knuckle grip from the steering wheel, I gathered the remnants of my mirror from the road and walked into the forest in the direction she took off.  I guess I thought I'd make sure she wasn't terminally injured, but she had disappeared into the woods and I really like to think once she calmed down, she just suffered from a tremendous headache.

I also brought my father's fishing gear on this trip, which included 2 gorgeous bamboo fishing rods handed down from my dad's dad, Gramp and some flies Gramp tied and left for me and my cousin Pete.  I didn't catch anything (as per usual), but it was such a pleasure to touch these treasured pieces and feel close to the men in my life who taught me to appreciate and value nature.  Thank you Gramp and Dad for accompanying me on my little adventure.

 J.S. Horton, Baker, ORE. (John Samuel Horton - my Gramp.  Baker City, OR, the city my father was born in.)

"Assorted fishing flies - all hand tied by Gramp.  For use by Kate Elizabeth Horton and Peter - 1985"

2014 Portland Pride

On Sunday, June 15th I proudly marched with the ACLU of Oregon in the Portland Pride Parade.  I was in good company, including the plaintiffs who bravely fought for the rights of the LGBT community and helped overturn the ban against gay marriage.  And a special thanks to the legal team who accompanied the plaintiffs and marched with us yelling to the crowd and pointing at the truck with the plaintiffs "these are the people that brought gay marriage to Oregon!" Congatulations to all who fought for equal rights.  I couldn't be more proud of my home state!

Lauren's Bachelorette Weekend at Canon Beach, OR

In an attempt to photograph as often as possible, I have been bringing my camera with me nearly everywhere I go.  My goal this month is to publish a new blog post at least every week (a rather small goal, but doable).  This post is from a recent trip I took with some girlfriends to celebrate our mutual friend Lauren's upcoming marriage.  We hiked beautiful forest to reach some spectacular views of the ocean.  We ate wonderful seafood and drank amazing cocktails and it was perfectly relaxing in every way.  These are photos from our hike in Ecola State Park - highly recommend it!

Dirt Bike Racing! Castle Rock, WA

Last weekend I went to a dirt bike race and found much more than dirt bikes racing...including snow mobiles, a few bikes with sidecars, and a three wheeled get up ridden by a guy in a large hand costume.  Riders rode their bikes dressed in gorilla and lizard costumes on a hot sunny Sunday and kids and adults alike enjoyed the spectacle.  I'm looking forward to learning more about this weird and cool sport.