Day Eight: Into The Past

It was a great day today. We started out heading toward Brownsville and stopped in at a local pioneer cemetery. It was on the small side and was one of the most peaceful places I've seen.  The sound of the wind in the trees and the general atmosphere would be inviting as a final resting place.

Peaceful resting place

The headstones ranged from the early 1800's to current day. Was really interesting to see the old mixed with the new. Some were so beautifully crafted to last 100+ years.

Gorgeous headstone

After the cemetery my aunt had to show me this house; while it's a newer one, it's very out of place and in the middle of nowhere. It looks like it would be better suited for the English countryside.  Still an interesting house.

Very interesting house

We stopped in my other regular haunt down here-the Living Rock Museum. It was built by a local resident by hand and is completely constructed with rocks (and cement of course) and was built as a museum for local geology.  We picked up a few more rocks for our rock collections, but nothing too big.

We made our way on to Brownsville and had lunch at a great little place.  There was  a local pioneer days celebration with live music, a horse drawn wagon with people dressed in vintage clothing, and  a local art show.

Abandoned church in Shedd, OR

I chatted with one of the artists about the interesting angle she painted from.  You all tease me about putting myself in odd places to catch a shot...this lady stood in a river and painted to get her result. We enthusiastically agreed that creative license is crucial to any art project. 

Great place for lunch in Brownsville

Mariah was in seventh heaven the whole day. The only downside was that we had planned to go to the local park and swim in the creek, in fact I had promised Mariah we would go. She was so patient. Sadly this town celebration had the park so packed we could barely drive through and there was no parking to be had.  She was very disappointed but we will try going back on Monday when it's all over so that I will be able to fulfill that promise.

Brownsville

We made it back to my aunt's house and had a nice quick visit with my uncle. I wasn't really hungry but he wanted to make me dinner so bad.  I let him make a quick small dinner for me and it was really yummy. 

Mariah was getting bored and begging me to take  her swimming so after making epic plans for tomorrow's adventure said my goodbyes and made our way back to the hotel.  Made a run to the local Fred Meyer and saw free reserved charging spaces for electric cars. Very cool.  

Downtown Brownsville

Also of note: Corvallis businesses do not have plastic grocery bags.  You either bring your own or get charged 5 cents per paper bag.  My aunt gave me an awesome giant pink bag with parrots on it and I used it with pride at the checkout.  I (I occasionally collect bird-themed items). I needed to grab us some healthy snacks-mini veggie/fruit trays, etc. to help keep us on track food wise.

At the art show

Got back to the hotel and got everything inside. Then I realized I'd locked my keys in my car. So glad that I keep a spare out of the car.  Took Mariah swimming but it didn't last very long-we are both really tired tonight.  Tomorrow's trip will be to Alsea Falls. It's a couple hours each way and should have some great photo ops.  My aunt wants to take us to breakfast and we are looking forward to it. 

I will leave you now as Mariah has asked to curl up with me and watch Finding Nemo on TV. The only thing missing is a bottle opener to open the single bottle of cider staring me in the face.  I think I've earned it today and will make my way to the front desk for assistance. 

Until next time,

Robyn