Thankfully, our summer temperatures are back down to where we like them and so it was a great week for walking in the City. This one was kind of my version of a penny hike. That was something Girl Scouts (or Brownies -- the youngest scouts) used to be able to do -- just some kind of coin toss at the corners to decide whether to turn left or right or go straight. (I'm guessing not too many kids are able to do that these days.)
I didn't actually toss a coin, but starting with no particular plan except to walk until I got tired, I decided at each intersection which path looked the most interesting. Here are some pictures from along the way:
This is YaPoAh Terrace, the tallest building in Eugene. It is a senior citizen residence with 222 apartments, some of which are subsidized for lower income seniors Even though it is our City's closest thing to a skyscraper, the apartment is located at the edge of an 'urban forest' at the foot of Skinner Butte Park. Next to the building on the street side are community flower gardens for the tenants.
The building is 50 years old and according to our local paper, the owners plan an extensive remodeling process later this year. The paper said that the owners plan to move tenants to temporary housing on a floor-by-floor basis while new windows and other upgrades are completed. It said that no current residents would be displaced permanently. But I imagine there is a certain amount of anxiety on the part of the tenants.
My next turn took me just a few blocks further up the hill to the Shelton-McMurphey-Johnson House, locally known as the Castle on the Hill. This Victorian style home is listed on the National Register of Historical Places. It was built in 1888 for the first owner and deeded to Lane County by the third. It is now owned by the City of Eugene and kept open to the public by a non-profit organization. I'd like to see the inside of the house and plan to take the tour this summer. (I've had this goal ever since we moved downtown -- this year I am really going to do it!)
I strolled past a few cute little smaller homes that made me smile . I'd be more at home in them than either a 22-story building or a 'Castle'.
And then as I walked further on a quiet block of older homes with no particular interesting features, I spied what I was sure was a statue of a deer in an overgrown garden ....
... until the statue noticed me!
(I'm not sure which of us was the most startled.)
\
And then I saw the rest of the little family! I checked my step-counter and this home was less than two miles from our apartment -- which makes it even closer than that to the middle of downtown Eugene. Gotta' love this kind of City life!
A little further on was a block of mostly historical homes. The architectural details on these homes are always interesting. If I owned a two-story historical home, I would definitely plant a window box of geraniums!
All of the historic homes in that neighborhood are currently occupied; these are some of the signs near their front doors. In Oregon, there are certain tax advantages for owners who put their qualifying homes into the historic places registry (more information here). The small print on the Pironi House sign says 'Craftsman Bungalow.'
This street dead-ended near Skinner Butte Park and I walked along the Willamette River Path in the general direction of home.
A step-counter check back on our own little corner of downtown Eugene showed I hadn't quite made that elusive 10,000 step goal, but it was close enough to deserve a treat at a nearby bakery. It was a good morning in the City.
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Delightful shots from your version of a penny walk. I like the colorful houses large and small. Great shots of the deer family. One of my neighbors told me they saw a deer in my overgrown back yard but I haven't seen them yet. I do sometimes spot deer on the trails I walk on near my house.
Posted by: carver | August 05, 2018 at 12:00 PM
Great post Sallie! Great photos and lots of interesting information. Walking around like that is the kind of "touring" I like to do, either on foot, or in a car.
Posted by: Patrick Tillett | July 31, 2018 at 10:57 AM
when remodeling old buildings the rents usually rise skyhigh and the old residens can´t afford it :( I hope this will not happen here.
I did see some deer the other day when I took the car for a ride. It had to cool off. I spotted 2 females and a young but as soon as they noted my car slowed down they took off. At least, a few are still around. :)
Posted by: NatureFootstep PhotoArt | July 31, 2018 at 01:09 AM
I am sure I would love Eugene - and what a chance meeting of the deer. Thanks for posting your walk.
Posted by: Penny | July 30, 2018 at 06:47 PM
Such a perfect mix of country and city and I bet the crime rate is low and steady. It's gotten worse and worse in my neck of the woods or should I say up the hill and to the right. I don't know about those little houses, I may opt for a decent sized apt if given the choice. Maybe the expression, "As safe as houses" came from Eugene.
Nice to know those seniors have a pretty neighborhood and there's thought as to how to upgrade but it's very hard on them even if moving back in.
I thought that deer was a statue as well. There have been more birds than deer at least from what I've seen. I still feel several pairs of eyes looking out of the marsh and fields at me at night.
Posted by: Jeanna | July 29, 2018 at 02:25 PM
What a lovely walk, even more nice now that it's Summer for you.
Posted by: Amy Franks | July 28, 2018 at 09:21 PM
Hello Sallie, it was a nice walk and a pretty neighborhood. I like the historical homes. It is neat seeing deer in the city, I hope they stay safe from the cars. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Happy Saturday, enjoy your weekend.
Posted by: Eileen Wise | July 28, 2018 at 03:16 AM
That was quite a walk.
Posted by: Linda in Virginia | July 27, 2018 at 10:24 PM
So glad your temperatures have moderated. Those little cottages are absolutely darling!
Posted by: Magical Mystical Teacher | July 26, 2018 at 04:02 PM
Eugene looks like a totally wonderful walking city! Love how you thought the deer was a statue, and I like those little cheerful houses.
Posted by: Peter B. | July 26, 2018 at 02:57 PM
So much to love! Oregon is the best!
Posted by: Tamar A Strauss-Benjamin | July 26, 2018 at 11:59 AM
Beautiful pictures. I love Eugene. So glad that we will be visiting Oregon next week!
Posted by: Laurie | July 26, 2018 at 09:19 AM
The more you put on line Eugene shots, the more I'd like to visit it What a beautiful walk and what charming encounters ! Yesterday I just met a black squirrel on my way home. Charming too.
Posted by: Annie | July 26, 2018 at 09:10 AM
how nice to find a deer and it´s young on your walk. :) Where I live they seem to have dissapear :(
Posted by: NatureFootstep PhotoArt | July 26, 2018 at 05:48 AM
Beautiful walk! Glad your temps are back down. We are waiting for that luxury here in Austin. So enjoyed seeing these photos. Thanks!
Posted by: Sarah | July 25, 2018 at 05:12 PM
This is my kind of walk - nature intermingled with the City. (And a treat at the end.) FABULOUS. The Castle on the Hill is very special - my oldest sister has owned a Victorian home for many years, and they hold a very dear place in my heart. I also really like the architectural features you featured here - neat!!!
Posted by: Angie | July 25, 2018 at 03:41 PM
Beautiful.
Posted by: Jim, Sydney, Australia | July 25, 2018 at 03:11 PM
I love all the bright colours on the homes in your neighbourhood!
Posted by: Lesley | July 25, 2018 at 01:30 PM
i enjoy a nice walk, but we usually take a ride in the car....
i LOVE those tiny homes, they are so cute and really popular now!!
sweet deer and company, what a treat to see!!
Posted by: Debbie | July 25, 2018 at 11:45 AM
Thanks for sharing this pleasant walk. How exciting to see a fawn!
Posted by: Linda in Virginia | July 24, 2018 at 09:42 PM
That was a lovely walk, Sallie, - thanks for taking us along. Love the old homes, - and what a treat to find wildlife in the midst of town! I am so glad I don't live in a 22 storey Senior's Home - so much to be grateful for!
Posted by: Hildred Finch | July 24, 2018 at 09:21 PM
It is so nice to take a walk and see such interesting buildings and sights, Sallie. City life can be nice that way. Eugene looks like an interesting town. The doe and fawn was a wonderful surprise!
10,000 steps is a little over 5 miles so I think you did great even when you fell a little short. I'm sure by the end of the day you reached your goal.
Posted by: Pat | July 24, 2018 at 09:03 PM
The owner of that senior residence is part Saint to restore without kicking anybody out. And how nice to have the gardens. But I'd rather live in one of the tiny houses. This is certanly my kind of walk/meander.
Posted by: Gaelyn | July 24, 2018 at 08:09 PM
That is a great walk Sallie... We have no sidewalks here and people drive too fast so I don't walk here at all...Michelle
Posted by: Michelle Banks | July 24, 2018 at 01:44 PM
It's a pity we did not get to explore Eugene due to time constraints; we did enjoy the microbrews though :)
Worth a Thousand Words
Posted by: Photo Cache | July 24, 2018 at 07:54 AM
Love this post! That Victorian house is awesome and love the little houses. I want one of those. :)
Posted by: Betty Crow | July 24, 2018 at 05:54 AM
Oh Sallie, what an great post. It's always interesting to see different architectural and lifestyle choices. I like this method of route divination too and often use it whe I'm walking or driving in the countryside,sometimes turning full circle without realizing! And how lovely to encounter the deer and fawn. Happy Tuesday! Ruby
Posted by: Forest Dream Weaver | July 24, 2018 at 03:58 AM
My kind of walk, a coin toss!
Posted by: Jackie | July 24, 2018 at 03:45 AM
I love all the houses but, like you, I would be most at home in one of the tiny houses. I wish our weather would cool a bit...or at least we would lose some of this oppressive humidity.
Posted by: a jar full of marigolds | July 24, 2018 at 01:22 AM
I does look rather charming where you live Sallie. I especially like those little houses as i could never imagine living in a high-rise block. It would drive me crazy not being able to open a door and step outside like we do in our bungalow. Never heard of a Penny Walk but it's something that I do in the car when birding!
Posted by: phil | July 23, 2018 at 10:20 PM
You had quite a walk and saw some great sights and had your camera (or cell phone) handy to document it.
I love that big ole high rise. I understand that things need to updated once in a while but I can see where many of the residents facing having to move twice might object. I have a feeling that here in hard ass Oklahoma, management would just tell everybody to get out. And do the renovations and market it for twice as much to a whole new crowd.
Posted by: Alan Bates | July 23, 2018 at 07:13 PM
I love seeing your in-town deer. Old tall buildings like that in an earthquake zone make me nervous, there's no way I'd live in one.
Posted by: Al | July 23, 2018 at 04:15 PM
I like your morning walk - so many interesting things to see and do! I especially like the treat you have at the finish!!
Posted by: mick | July 23, 2018 at 04:11 PM
Love that porch and window boxes. The first house is one we would call HAUNTED"!
Posted by: Colleen LOOSELEAFNOTES | July 23, 2018 at 02:23 PM
Beautiful nature. I also love the houses, pretty architecture.
Posted by: Bob Bushell | July 23, 2018 at 02:00 PM
Thank you for taking us along on your walk. It's fun to see historic houses, big and small. I like the brightly coloured exteriors. Walking along the Willamette River would be cooling on these hot summer days. How great to see the deer family.
Posted by: Lorrie | July 23, 2018 at 01:13 PM
The deer are quite a welcome sight to see!
Posted by: William Kendall | July 23, 2018 at 12:54 PM
So nice to be within walking distance of heritage homes. In my neck of the woods, there are tax breaks, too, for owners of such places and commitments made to maintain the original tenor of the home. The one you photographed being remodeled is sweet. Extra good to hear the owners are keeping their commitments to their current tenants, despite upcoming changes. That’s rare!
Posted by: Penelope Puddlisms | July 23, 2018 at 11:52 AM
I agree with you it's a real nice area ! Moving out because of renovation is a real trauma for old people ! Amazing that you have deer so close !
Posted by: Gattina | July 23, 2018 at 09:10 AM
Loved all the historic homes so much! Great photos of the details. Loved that sweet doe and fawn too. What a great walk!
Posted by: Marie-OR | July 23, 2018 at 08:32 AM
I love those small homes too and how amazing to see the deer! What a beautiful city and a nice walk. I would like to make a joke about skinny b's but I better not go there! hahaha! Hugs!
Posted by: Lavender Dreamer | July 23, 2018 at 08:16 AM
What a delightful walk and gorgeous photos ~ especially of the deer and family ~ Glad you having a great summer ~
Happy Day to you,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka, (A Creative Harbor)
Posted by: A ShutterBug Explores | July 23, 2018 at 07:42 AM
Wow! Sallie, a post like this will have folks moving to your delightful city! I love the "statue" and family. I bet the surprise was equal on both sides!
Posted by: Snap | July 23, 2018 at 06:54 AM
What a great way to go for a walk! I love the House on the Hill.
Posted by: Lady Fi | July 23, 2018 at 06:25 AM
The Shelton-McMurphey-Johnson House looks absolutely fabulous
Mollyx
Posted by: Molly | July 23, 2018 at 05:41 AM
Such an interesting part of town to walk through with all the different types of homes, not just for people but also for the deer and her small family, just wonderful. I'd make my 10,000 step target everyday if my neighbourhood was as pleasant as yours!
Happy MM.
Posted by: Maggie | July 23, 2018 at 04:54 AM
Hello Sallie,, Eugene is a pretty place. I enjoyed the tour and walk with you. The Victorian home is gorgeous but I like the tiny homes.
Love the sweet deer family and all the beautiful flowers. Have a happy day and new week!
Posted by: Eileen Wise | July 23, 2018 at 04:47 AM
What a fine walk you had Sallie. Perhaps next time you will take the other side of the penny and let us know what you find in that direction. Eugene seems like a very livable city and anywhere that has a decadent bakery at the end of a walk is a winner in my book!
Posted by: David Gascoigne | July 23, 2018 at 03:54 AM
...WOW and what a walk this was. Thanks for taking me along! 😀
Posted by: tomthebackroadstraveller | July 23, 2018 at 03:32 AM
Wow! That's a lot of different scenery and I love it all! Thanks so much for sharing your walk with us.
Posted by: betty - NZ | July 23, 2018 at 03:02 AM
I enjoy all your photos from your walk. From castle to little homes. We don't get to see deer here, only in the zoo. Have a beautiful week!
Posted by: nancy chan | July 23, 2018 at 01:52 AM
Your walk is full of fascinating things - old "castle", a hi-rise, and beautiful old homes. I'd never see such interesting old homes where I live nor deer in the yard. I'd have to live out further in the county close to woods.
Posted by: Carol | July 23, 2018 at 01:24 AM
The house in your second capture is gorgeous! Can't wait for you to show us the inside. Haha, deer have that habit, when they're startled they become a zombie:) When you pretend to ignore them, they are more comfortable:) Yes, same here, we're seeing several little kiddies around with momma deer! Still smiling as I'm thanking you for sharing this experience with your deer hunt:):)
Posted by: jesh StG | July 22, 2018 at 11:31 PM
Eugene is quite a town isn't it. Haven't been there in a long time but I have been there. Love the little houses and the Deer family of course.
MB
Posted by: MaryBeth Schwartz | July 22, 2018 at 11:22 PM
What a nice walk! My paternal grandparents moved into Ya-po-ah Terrace shortly after it opened - around 1969-70. I was 10/11 years old and loved the view from their 12 story apartment.
Posted by: Beth | July 22, 2018 at 10:25 PM
Such nice looking places. I'd love to walk around there. And the Shelton-McMurphey-Johnson House is just beautiful.
Posted by: Ratty | July 22, 2018 at 08:44 PM
That was a pleasant walk, Sallie. Thank you. :-) I thought the deer was a statue, too! I enjoy visiting huge houses, but I wouldn't want to live in one unless someone else plans to dust and vacuum it. We're supposedly in for hotter temperatures this coming week. Hope it stays cool up there.
Posted by: Su-sieee! Mac | July 22, 2018 at 08:33 PM