Linked to the blogging community at OUR WORLD. Click there and then on the links to share what bloggers from around the globe are seeing these days.
Range fires in Central Oregon created smoky conditions in the Willamette Valley last week. The fires, East of here, are miles away, but when the wind was blowing this way, we got the smoke. (And we're definitely not seeing any of the Three Sisters mountains as shown on a clear day earlier this summer.) Some days last week we could barely see across the Lake at all. We worried for the people whose homes were closer and happy to read today that the fires are nearly contained.
A combination of cool weather and being-busy-with-other-stuff has kept it sitting in the dock ever since we've been here. It's always pleasant to see the Lake from other angles -- and there's nothing like supper al-fresco on the water. We tied the boat up to a snag on this quiet channel and reflected on the peaceful view. Last week was also quite warm (for Western Oregon) ... kind of summer's last blast. We were able to take our boat out on the Lake one afternoon when the smoke wasn't too bad.
You sure know how to live! What a good, good time you have. Eating on a boat seems like something out of 1920s England.
Posted by: Nan | September 16, 2011 at 10:40 AM
I'm so glad the fire is contained, for everyone and everything's sake. Your photos are lovely, the ones on the river look so peaceful.
Posted by: Denise Gullickson | September 15, 2011 at 01:56 PM
Sorry to here about the fires in your region, we have had a few here recently as well though on a much smaller scale than in the states.
Your lake looks to be a wonderful place to be able to go and quietly reflect.
Thankyou so much for your recent comment and welcome to SWF, I will not be posting every week due to the nature of my blogs mixed content. I do hope you will be back to share our little piece of Italy.
Posted by: Lindyloumac.blogspot.com | September 15, 2011 at 07:32 AM
Beautiful reflections in the large photo!
Posted by: Hazel | September 14, 2011 at 12:00 PM
I'm glad the fire is contained
all of this destruction is so disturbing
your photos are great as always :)
Posted by: dianne | September 14, 2011 at 05:45 AM
Oh, not fires in Oregon, too! This has been such a difficult summer for so many. I'm glad you got out to enjoy some tranquility.
Posted by: Clair Z. | September 13, 2011 at 07:21 PM
Such a transition from your first shot to your last....cloudy and smoke filled to the clear beautiful water with all of its reflections. I didn’t think it ever got warm in Oregon....when we were there one May we almost froze to death. Canon Beach was divine, but I never took of my heavy winter jacket. Maybe what you all call want we here in VA call cold. Loved your photos. So pretty.
Posted by: genie | September 13, 2011 at 06:19 PM
The fires are dreadful and I do hope that they are brought under control quickly, but I love your photo showing the smoke haze. What a wonderful way to explore the lake. I like it that you stopped for a peaceful meal break. I never really liked boating, my parents had a catamaran and I always felt shut in, or wind-blasted, but your photos show a very gentle side of boating.
Posted by: Marilyn | September 13, 2011 at 01:53 PM
Good news to hear the fires are nearly contained.
I LOVE that last shot! It does look so peaceful and that reflection is wonderful. The shape of the clouds make it appear that still water is moving in the center.:)
Posted by: Carletta | September 13, 2011 at 01:28 PM
Fires are such a big problem in summer. However, the photo is stunning! Also like the reflections in the river.
Posted by: JM | September 13, 2011 at 01:26 PM
What a difference a day makes... Smoke is not good, but the photo (imagining fog for a moment) is like a painting!
Posted by: Francisca | September 13, 2011 at 11:19 AM
That's a lovely place, it's a shame about the smoke. We had smoke this summer for several days too.
Posted by: Al | September 13, 2011 at 09:45 AM
Fires are terrible, I always think of the poor animals in the woods, the trees and the nature. The smoke must be terrible !
Posted by: Gattina | September 13, 2011 at 08:35 AM
This looks like such an idyllic spot to stop and rest a bit and eat. Just beautiful. Hopefully the fires have remained contained, Sallie.
Posted by: Penny | September 13, 2011 at 07:25 AM
I'm happy to know that the fires ended ! It's so a pity ! Twenty years ago when I lived in Marseilles I was always afraid by fires during summer ! I remenber hot days, and smoke all over the city and the sound of fire-planes above us : they came to bring water just int he sea and went back to pour it on the burning forests . So sad !
Posted by: Annie | September 13, 2011 at 07:17 AM
Hi Sallie, I hope the log at the bow of your boat is not your anchor? Only kidding. The fires all over the country is just horrible. Hope you and Bill are having a great time and look forward to seeing you when you return. As usual the weather is hot and humid here. Not as much rain as I was expecting. Stay safe. Jude
Posted by: Judy Friend | September 13, 2011 at 05:03 AM
I love the top photo, the smoke gives it a soft eerie feeling. What a great way to spend the day relaxing on the lake living life to its fullest.
Posted by: diane | September 13, 2011 at 03:24 AM
It's nice to see and read about relaxing, I could use a break right about now!!
Posted by: Wayne | September 13, 2011 at 03:17 AM
A lovely post and the smoke in the air makes for interesting pictures although the reason for it is to be deplored and very dangerous indeed. Late sumer with everything tinder dry is no time for a wildfire
Posted by: Arija | September 13, 2011 at 02:03 AM
The fires are awful, but the smoke makes a pretty mist, that top photo is lovely. The last photo is lovely too, such a pretty scenic shot
Posted by: Crafty Green Poet | September 13, 2011 at 12:08 AM
that is adventurous, an outing in boat.
Posted by: Indrani | September 12, 2011 at 11:03 PM
Thank goodness the fires have been contained. Love the relaxing water shots.
Posted by: Lady Fi | September 12, 2011 at 08:43 PM
We have had smoky skies, too, but not as much as you, and the source fires are in Washington. Coyote Creek is very pleasant!
Thanks for the comment on my flower shots. It's a good idea, if my friends agree. But I will have to put my pics at their roadside stand!
Posted by: Dimple | September 12, 2011 at 06:59 PM
That first photo is awesome! I'm glad to hear your fires are almost contained. What a peaceful place to reflect.
Posted by: missing moments | September 12, 2011 at 06:45 PM
we had the smoke here in texas last week too. not pleasant. but that top photo is beautiful!
Posted by: TexWisGirl | September 12, 2011 at 06:04 PM
The environment has been having a tough time. Love your stories and photos! Thanks for visiting. The pond is DONE!
Posted by: Jenn Jilks | September 12, 2011 at 05:19 PM
Hi there - that looks a great place just to drift along.
Glad to hear that the fires are coming under control.
Cheers - SM
Posted by: Stewart M - Australia | September 12, 2011 at 03:53 PM
I love that first shot and the lake shots, Sallie. What a beautiful place. I hope everyone stays safe from the fires.
Posted by: Eileen | September 12, 2011 at 03:04 PM
Although sad about the fires in your world, the picture shows a silhouette of the mountains.
Nice to be on that boat to cool off...
Posted by: Ebie | September 12, 2011 at 01:42 PM
The picnic in the boat sounds like a wonderful idea. Sigh.
It's getting to be autumn here. When I let the dog out this morning, I noticed plenty of yellow leaves on our trees, and today is nice and cool with a light breeze. Perfect for walking the dog in a little while.
— K
Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel
Posted by: Kay Davies | September 12, 2011 at 01:23 PM
Lovely relaxing way to spend a day, I hope the fires are all put out soon. Lovely photo's of a tranquil setting.
Posted by: Jackie from Yorkshire | September 12, 2011 at 01:02 PM
I have never been near any wildfires, but they sure sound scary.
Posted by: VioletSky | September 12, 2011 at 01:01 PM
Great post!! I hope those fires are going into remission. Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
Posted by: Boom & Gary | September 12, 2011 at 12:39 PM
That's a pity with the fire. I feel so sorry about all the animals. But your boat trip must have been relaxing in that nice landscape.
Take care!
Posted by: Birgitta - foto CHIP | September 12, 2011 at 12:32 PM
I always hate to see wildfires. Most of this summer has been pretty free of fires here in California but currently there are several in Kern County.
Posted by: Martha | September 12, 2011 at 12:25 PM
Good to hear the fires are mostly contained now. Great shots.
Posted by: Carver | September 12, 2011 at 12:21 PM
Love your photos, Sallie, really captures the feel here in the northwest!! Glad you were able to able to get out on the water for a bit! We've had the same kind of skies here in WA with forest fires scattered around the state and we finally had a whole ten days of summer!!! It's on the move out though as of today and it's back to gray! Hope you have a great week!
Sylvia
Posted by: Sylvia Kirkwood | September 12, 2011 at 12:21 PM
Beautiful place, very scenic.
Posted by: Rajesh | September 12, 2011 at 12:07 PM