It's hot here in Eugene! Temperatures were in the 90s all last week (it cools down at night). Still it's hot enough that we don't have much desire to go for long walks.
But we're urban dwellers here and it is less than half a mile to the Eugene Park Blocks where the Saturday Market takes place every week during the season (April through November). We can -- and do -- walk that in any weather during the time we're at home in Eugene.
Beautiful berries are in season ... The top two pictures and the middle (sign) in the bottom row are from Saturday morning's visit to the market .... But I didn't buy any of those ... because we had already brought home absolutely free blueberries from our daughter and son-in-law's six prolific bushes.
Friday morning we drove out to the country to see them -- and I'd had every intention of "helping" by picking some berries while we were there. But Cyndi had beaten us to the draw and had baskets of berries on her kitchen counter (the ones in the bottom two pictures). She had already picked the bushes clean (for a day or two). I will have to learn to get up earlier! Maybe. The company was great and the berries were delicious --without a bit of work on our part.
Here is a cart parked at the edge of the Saturday market. (It is either a portable potty or a place for Clark Kent to transition to Superman. I didn't check it out.)
On Saturday afternoon (after I'd put the tomatoes and salad greens and vegetables away and stuck the weekly flower arrangement in a vase) we decided to drive up the McKenzie River toward the mountains. It was a good afternoon to get out of the hot valley.
There was a Lavender Festival at a small farm in Deerhorn. The beautiful plants nestled on flat farmland located just next to the highway between the hills and the river. Everything looked (and smelled) wonderful! I've always wanted to visit a lavender farm, so this stop made me happy. There were stalls selling food and lavender products and some fairly good music going on, but the best part for me was the U-Pick field. The picture on the right is the bunch we brought home with us. (It was still hot out there and I wasn't tempted to pick more than a token ... just so I could say I'd done it!)
We drove on up the Old McKenzie Scenic Highway to the town of Sisters, where we had a good dinner before heading home. It's always been amazing to me that any trees can grow in these lava fields that we pass on the way up .... the ghost-like dead ones are more what I'd expect.
A long view of the Three Sisters across the lava field and trees. It was a good weekend. We were glad we didn't let the heat keep us at home.
THANK YOU to the hosts of the following sharing opportunities : OUR WORLD on TUESDAY; NATURE NOTES; ALL SEASONS; MOSAIC MONDAY; THROUGH MY LENS; FLORAL BLISS; WEDNESDAY AROUND the WORLD; SIGNS SIGNS; and SKYWATCH FRIDAY.
Can't beat a good farmers market. Love your travels
Posted by: Joe Todd | September 25, 2018 at 05:13 AM
Beautiful scenery and I'm salivating after looking at the gorgeous fresh produce.
Posted by: carver | August 05, 2018 at 12:01 PM
As soon as I'm done here, I'm going to go find some berries! Thank you for that. Yum! I never really thought of Eugene being urban. It seems like a small town to me.
Posted by: Patrick Tillett | July 31, 2018 at 11:01 AM
I hope things have cooled down since this post and the fires aren't affecting you too much. Just wanted to add I love those sunflowers and went to a makeshift Sunflower Days yesterday and even though it was Day 1, the petals looked kind of wilted.
Posted by: Jeanna | July 28, 2018 at 01:12 PM
Sure, a beautiful trip. Lavenders grow here in fields like the one you showed. Every year Chinese tourists come to the plateau of Valensole to take pictures, buy products and sometimes to marry. I love lavender fragance. It's peaceful and make me thing to clean house and linen.
Posted by: Annie | July 26, 2018 at 09:20 AM
That is an amazing thing about the trees growing and the fact there is such a thing as lava fields, that is so cool. I suppose not so much if you've seen lava balls flying past your face in which case I can see where you'd be anti lava.
I'm getting mixed messages from the Superman Supergirl (still girl is it?) changing station. I think it's the British phone booth throwing me off.
Posted by: Jeanna | July 25, 2018 at 03:19 PM
I am going to reveal my ignorance of Oregon history and geography here but are those lava fields the result of one of the sisters being an active volcano in recent memory? Mount St. Helens in Washington is etched in our memories, of course. As for the trees growing there I would imagine that lichen established itself and started fixing nitrogen and a few wind blown seeds from conifers landed in crevices able to support growth - and the result is what you see.
Posted by: David Gascoigne | July 23, 2018 at 04:02 AM
I'm sitting here after a Sunday dinner - I think I could find space for some of that fruit (just!)
Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne
Posted by: Stewart M | July 22, 2018 at 02:34 AM
Such wonderful looking places. If heat didn't get to me so easily I'd visit places like that any day.
Posted by: Ratty | July 21, 2018 at 09:42 PM
awww, the lavender fields are really beautiful!! one thing i love about summer are all the festivals and farm markets...and all the fresh produce!!!
are you making a blueberry pie??!!
Posted by: Debbie | July 21, 2018 at 07:11 AM
...all the colors of summer at the market are a feast for the eyes and snow capped mountains cooled me off a bit. Thanks.😀
Posted by: tomthebackroadstraveller | July 21, 2018 at 02:47 AM
I was out at a local market yesterday and stocked up on blueberries. One of my favourites :)
Posted by: Lesley | July 20, 2018 at 12:03 PM
Lovely post Sallie...The berries look so good as all the nature does...I have the news on.. sigh.. Michelle
Posted by: Michelle Banks | July 20, 2018 at 11:15 AM
Your sunflowers at the beginning of your post are lovely, and the lavender fields - they remind me of lavender fields we went to in France years ago. I love farmer's markets with fresh produce. Have a great weekend and thank you for stopping by my blog this week.
Posted by: Life Images by Jill | July 20, 2018 at 07:17 AM
Gorgeous sunflowers and lovely blue sky!
Posted by: nancy chan | July 19, 2018 at 10:04 PM
All of that fruit looks so delicious, Sallie. I enjoy cooking and I think that it makes everything better when you take the time to go and choose your produce. Apart from cooking good, fresh fruit is of course really important to a good diet, especially as we get older. This time of the year local markets are among my favourite places to visit.
Posted by: David Gascoigne | July 19, 2018 at 05:49 PM
I would definitely be going to that market every week. It looks awesome! Love the shot of the Three Sisters.
Posted by: Peter B. | July 19, 2018 at 03:01 PM
Great shots.
Posted by: Jim, Sydney, Australia | July 19, 2018 at 02:05 PM
I'm inspired by those mighty mountain peaks!
Posted by: Magical Mystical Teacher | July 19, 2018 at 12:57 PM
When it's hot i also like to go to the market on Sunday mornings just for a little walk, in the afternoon I stay in our garden under the pergola where it is nice and cool. Beautiful landscapes again !
Posted by: Gattina | July 19, 2018 at 12:58 AM
A wonderful time of year in the PNW> Lavender is so beautiful. The Sequim Lavender Festival is going on now.
MB
Posted by: MaryBeth Schwartz | July 18, 2018 at 10:52 PM
The fruit and flowers are lovely. The superman/outhouse is a riot. Maybe an art installation. Are they selling something? I'd love to visit a lavender farm. I can't seem to grow it here.
Posted by: Colleen LOOSELEAFNOTES | July 18, 2018 at 06:47 PM
A lavender field is on my bucket list and the opportunity to walk around in a pick your own would be great. I love the color and the aroma.
Posted by: Alan Bates | July 18, 2018 at 06:44 PM
I've never lived where lavender is grown or celebrated with a festival. Must be heaven with that fragrance!
Posted by: Carol | July 18, 2018 at 06:31 PM
Lovely lavender ~ love it ~ growing in my landscape too! Wonderful mountain photos!
Happy Day to you,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Posted by: A ShutterBug Explores | July 18, 2018 at 04:52 PM
Nothing better than Oregon in the summer!
Posted by: Tamar A Strauss-Benjamin | July 18, 2018 at 04:35 PM
I love how nature finds something to grow somewhere difficult, maybe the lava is rich in certain minerals?
Posted by: Amy Franks | July 18, 2018 at 02:41 PM
Sometimes I think I would like to be an urban dweller, but then I look around and think maybe not. But who knows, only time will tell. I enjoyed your posts!
Posted by: Linda Brown | July 18, 2018 at 01:04 PM
Thank you Sallie for your comment about making up a name for a mountain feature or indentation. You are one of the few who have traveled extensively through the USA - isn't it great to have been at so many places, so you know what you choose for?
Here, it's hot too at the moment - so, stay cool this week:):)
Posted by: jesh StG | July 18, 2018 at 12:27 PM
I've been thinking of planting some Lavender this year!
Posted by: RedPat | July 18, 2018 at 12:06 PM
Glad you had a good week end. Yes it is hot here but today is overcase and cool---finally! A great state you live in
MB
Posted by: MaryBeth Schwartz | July 18, 2018 at 11:12 AM
Really lovely photos! I especially like the ones of the mountain peaks! Wishing you well!
Posted by: Cathy Keller | July 18, 2018 at 10:41 AM
Lavender Festival sounds a great idea! Your berries collage looks so delicious. This is such a happy harvesting time! We have had it nearly as hot here which is quite exceptional - 30C and full sun. Couldn't get any better :)
Posted by: riitta k | July 17, 2018 at 10:42 PM
Dearest Sallie; What a colorful post; Starting with gorgeous sunflower's yellow,varieties of sweet looking berries with different colors and the best part of lavender's purple♫♫♫
I haven't seen nor had an idea there are so many different berries and made me wish to try ones I haven' before p-;) You ARE a lucky mother♧♧♧
U-Pick field must be the one I would LOVE to go and try beside enjoying the marvelous lavender field.
The last picture of Three Sisters with the lava field and trees truly caught my eyes; happy for your Great Weekend Dear friend ♡♡♡
Oh. Summer heat in Japan now is kind of dangerous level... (^^;)
Lots of Love and Hugsfrom Japan, Miyako
Posted by: orchid(Japan) | July 17, 2018 at 06:38 AM
That looked a nice day out. The lavender is beautiful.
Posted by: diane | July 17, 2018 at 05:36 AM
Wonderful scenery and berries! They are out here in full force too - but far fewer of them as it has been hotter than the Med and no rain for weeks, which means a very poor harvest this year.
Posted by: Lady Fi | July 16, 2018 at 10:22 PM
I love a good farmer's market that is really a farmer's market - I find a lot of them sell everything but produce!!! Our last visit we bought some rhubarb that has become two lovely pies. How fortunate you are to have access to those six prolific blueberry bushes - one of my favorite fruits!!! It has been hot here too, but with low humidity it is very pleasant in the shade, especially with a soft breeze! Enjoy your week!
Posted by: Angie | July 16, 2018 at 09:34 PM
It's been so hot up here near Portland as well! My girls and I are going blueberry picking this week! We played at the Hood River farmer's market on Saturday and received a LOT of cherries from different vendors!
Posted by: Jill Foley | July 16, 2018 at 08:09 PM
I love those mountains (as I'm sure you'd guess)!
Posted by: Al | July 16, 2018 at 05:20 PM
Love the market goods yum! Oregon is so beautiful there is no better place to live so much awesome beauty just a couple miles drive away.
Posted by: Sondra | July 16, 2018 at 03:53 PM
Great trip out and how I would love to pick my own blueberries, my favorite berry. Loved the sunflower photo. Beautiful scenery, fantastic farmers market too. I love to browse around those places. Being around those lavender fields, the aroma must have been divine.
Posted by: DeniseinVA | July 16, 2018 at 03:02 PM
Freshly picked blueberries must have been delicious. Lovely photos of the produce. Mmm I can smell the lavender.
Posted by: fun60 | July 16, 2018 at 01:58 PM
The mountains are magnificent!
Posted by: William Kendall | July 16, 2018 at 01:06 PM
Wonderful images, and I do love the organics.
Posted by: Bob Bushell | July 16, 2018 at 12:55 PM
Hi Sallie. Strange as that may seem, we've had hot weather here in Lancashire 8 weeks or so, and I feel your pain. Luckily it is berry season too with tons of strawberries, cherries, blueberries and fruit like nectarines. A fabulous time of year. Glad you got my joke about avocets.
Posted by: phil | July 16, 2018 at 12:00 PM
Oh only to smell lavender walking past that field, would already have been worth it to me! Love your capture of the phone booth - restroom:) Beautiful sunflowers, Sally - thank you for sharing these summer events with All Seasons!
Here it's the same - in the nineties (on the mountain, but in Sacramento it's even round a 100 - so thankful for air conditioning! Have a lovely week, Friend!
Posted by: jesh StG | July 16, 2018 at 11:24 AM
Beautiful mosiacs, luv the lavender mosaic best. Happy Monday
much love...
Posted by: gillena | July 16, 2018 at 09:19 AM
How fortunate your daughter is to have prolific blueberry bushes! How lucky you are that she shared so much of those berries with you. I'd make a blueberry pie is I were as lucky--lol
You are also fortunate to live within walking distance of a wonderful market, Sallie. I know you are enjoying your summertime in Oregon!
Posted by: Pat | July 16, 2018 at 08:43 AM
Oh how I miss all those PNW berries. Lucky you to avoid the picking and reap the reward. The lavender fields are breathtaking, as I suppose too was the aroma. Great way to beat the heat.
Posted by: Gaelyn | July 16, 2018 at 07:15 AM
Oh, you know I would have loved going to the lavender fields with you...I've never been to one either! That 'restroom' is so cute! I've never seen anything like it. And it's hot here as you know...day AND night! But we've had enough rain to keep things nice and we took a Sunday drive yesterday so that was nice. Enjoy your week!
Posted by: Lavender Dreamer | July 16, 2018 at 05:58 AM
That fruit and veg looks amazing. Visiting the lavender fields must be quite a heady experience. Summer perfumes are so beautiful - catch them while you can! Lovely post ... thank you Sallie, have a great week! Ruby
Posted by: Forest Dream Weaver | July 16, 2018 at 04:21 AM
My grandson has been picking blueberries every day. He's so cute. Eugene looks beautiful. I miss my time living on the west coast but here in New England it's very beautiful also.
Posted by: a jar full of marigolds | July 16, 2018 at 03:01 AM
Hello Sallie, I love the sunflowers. The market place looks nice, blueberries are yummy. The lavender is pretty too. Gorgeous view of the mountains. You are warmer there than here in Maryland, we are in the 80's. Enjoy your day and new week!
Posted by: Eileen Wise | July 16, 2018 at 02:16 AM
What a great week to be picking your own fruit, (or having someone kindly do it for you!) and flowers, the market and the Lavender festival sound like places I would love to wander around.
Happy Mosaic Monday.
Posted by: Maggie | July 16, 2018 at 02:03 AM
What a pity that no-one has yet found a way of sending smells down the net!!! I can imagine how lovely that lavender would really smell - and the berries look fantastic also. btw I would love to swap some of that heat you are having for our morning frosts right now!
Posted by: mick | July 15, 2018 at 09:46 PM