Visiting the Umpqua River on a Sunday Afternoon

 

Terry and I are both fairly new to the Roseburg, Oregon area. He has been here around three years or so and I moved here about three months ago. I love water. If there is a body of water within a four-hour drive, I have to check it out. Terry mentioned that we should do something together since it was his last day off. The first thing that came to mind was the river that runs through Roseburg, the Umpqua. 

He thought of a couple of parks that were surrounded by park area, so that's where we headed. The first park didn't allow us to really get close to the water, but we made do. Standing on the bank, we took as many photos as we could in the awkward position we were in. 

The sun was shining off the river making it difficult to see what it is I was taking photos of. I did what any photo shooting visitor would do. I held the camera up, pointed it toward the river and started hitting the button to snap some pictures. Most of them actually came out okay. There are some views guarded by hanging branches of trees, but for the most part, I thought they were all right. 

I love this picture because of the reflection of the bridge on the water. Not bad when I had blue spots in front of my eyes, brought on by the sun glaring off of things. This photo doesn't show the sun very bright, but it was shining with all the energy it could muster on a cold, windy Oregon day in January.

Great shots of the brush on the bank of the Umpqua River. My photography teacher in middle school would be proud. 

The camera didn't capture the sun bouncing off the ripples in the Umpqua River nearly as well as it was in person. Wow! I saw blue spots in my eyes for a while after looking at the water here. 

This picture makes it look as though the naked winter branches of the tree has miniature white lights on them. This was another picture taken "blindly". 

As a couple, Terry and I typically love going somewhere on our days off work. The winter has been long and we have been cooped up for far too long, as many of us around the world have been due to COVID. We hope everyone has a chance to explore the world around you and enjoy the movement, views, and the air. Just heading to parks close to home is a great way to get out, enjoy what little sun you may have, and move around a bit. Your mood will improve, along with your health just by walking through parks or your neighborhood even. When it's raining or very cold out, I head to my local supermarket or shop and do laps. Grab a cart, walk around the perimeter of the store about 20 to 30 minutes, walking as fast as you can while maintaining safety. After I'm done "working out," I shop for dinner. Kills two birds with one stone. Gets me out of the house and moving around, even during inclement weather. 

Get out and enjoy life! Hold hands and take a walk around the block or through the park. Whatever you do, do it together if possible. This practice not only is great for your body, but your mind and soul as well. Talk while you walk, giving you and your partner or child or whoever may be with you a chance to bond and get closer. I love spending days outside with Terry. We even walk the dog together, while finding out how each other's day was. It's a great practice and a good pattern to follow, for many reasons.