Welcome to the Umpqua

 

As I run deliveries on this beautiful Wednesday, I pass over the bridge covering the Umpqua River. I've always thought about seeing this river up close or at least closer than driving over a bridge at 55 to 60 mph, leaving the water a quick blur. Today, I found a way to bring my wish to fruition. 

I was called to a delivery by Umpqua College or at least off that road. Along the way, I noticed two viewpoints to admire the river from. I had no idea what those roads would lead to or if the car would make it safely. Of course, I took into consideration my own safety as well. Delivering the package, I headed back down the hill to see what kind of trouble I could get into today. I'm determined to see various spots in this town to hopefully find joy here like I do in Eugene and Springfield. 

First I pulled into a turnout that wasn't really a viewpoint or wasn't meant to be anyway. It was and wasn't, if that makes sense. I used it as such and found the large electric gate to someone's home in the turnout. Apparently it belongs to them? Anyway, snapped a few photos, admired this amazing view, then headed out before someone complained. 

The stunning views these people have! I'm standing up the hill, in that turnout. Above me was a beautiful home that was built to overlook this breathtaking view. Not only this particular view, but a picturesque landscape of surrounding hills too. It's amazing. 

Bankside access to the river too. This is the place to purchase a home!

After oohing and ah-ing over this perfect place, I headed up the road to find the other location, the one where I could actually get down closer to the water. That's the angle I've always wanted to get to. It's difficult to see a lot of the river flowing when you are either driving or whizzing by it in the car. 

I parked in the next lookout point and this one was meant to be a lookout. You park your car, then walk along a nice cement walkway to view the river in all its glory. I love waterfalls and water in river form, pond form, ocean form, or whatever form it comes in. Waterways are my thing. Well, nature in general. 

I got out of the car and noticed the aroma of fennel or something like it. These yellow plants seem to be the cause of that smell. It smelled fairly good. I noticed the flowers were favorites of bees. Also noticeable was the fact these flowers were still in bloom while all other living plants and grasses surrounding them were brown and on their way out for the summer. 

A quick walk down the path and I was here. At least to the point I wanted to be at. There were stairs leading you closer to the river, but I preferred not to go down them as my foot was a bit sore today. Besides, I was alone. I would wait until someone was with me if I decide to go down further. 

This. This is the view I miss every time while driving by. A quick glance is not enough. 

I was now satisfied. Wanting to see it again for sure, but next time it will be with Terry and maybe even Mallory. I thought the flowing water was nice and it was a good stop along the way home. But, I still had work to do, so off I went. 

***

Tonight Terry and I talked about trying out one of the new restaurants I had seen while working. The day I picked up a delivery order, it smelled wonderful. The name of the restaurant is Lilly's Mexican Cuisine. Food is homemade here and you can tell by the taste! 

Terry felt like the menu did not cover the combination plate choices he likes, but I thought it did it well enough. His choice for tonight was the fajita steak platter. I wanted to plate that came with two tamales. One of my favorite Mexican food dishes. 

My request for a drink was to have sparkling water of any type, with lemon or lime. She brought a Mexican brand of mineral water which turned out to be very good. They put ice cubes in the glasses here and then freeze the entire glass. Eventually the ice will melt and your drink is very cold. I loved it!

Of course chips and salsa were served as we waited for the entrees. 

Good vibes were felt throughout the eatery. 

Freshly made pork tamales with side dishes of rice and refried beans. Looked great and it was delicious. 

Terry's fajita makings and side plate of rice and refried beans, guacamole and sour cream looked great! Freshly made tortillas came along with the meal. The problem was the tortillas staying on the table. 

Terry was getting something on his side of the table and bumped into the tortilla warmer. Boom! Off they went onto the floor. The young waitress came over to our table when she found out what had happened. She grabbed the warmer and threw all of the tortillas into the container and then into the wash bin. The tortillas landed in the trash, of course. She told the cook to make a new batch for him. 

A few moments later, the waitress came back with a new batch of tortillas. Terry was able to finish two more of his self-made fajitas, but when he reached for another, his arm bumped the tortilla holder once again. Onto the floor it bounced, as did our last few ounces of self esteem. 

We apologized profusely to the waitress. But she smiled and told us we were all right and not to worry about it. Hubby Mac finished off one more fajita and gave up the ghost. He was done. For once, Terry was the one coming home with a doggie bag. 

There was a lot of steak, green peppers, and onion left over on the plate. We packed it into a leftover box and brought it home. I was so full when I returned home. It was all I could do to stay awake for an episode of Leverage. 

Tomorrow? Tomorrow we have our finale of concerts in the park in Sutherlin. There is a party band coming to play '70s, '80s, and '90s music for us. I can't wait! It sounds like a lot of fun. The concert starts at 7:00. 

Before the concert, Terry and I want to take Mallory to the Seven Thai Restaurant to try one of the mango sticky rice desserts. She has heard me talk about them so much that now she wants to try one. Mango sticky rice is the star attraction tomorrow night, for sure. I'm not addicted to food, but I do love that dish and we haven't been for a while. 

Until tomorrow when we pump out our next blog post, please have a safe and fantastic week! We are headed to the Highland Games at Melrose Winery this weekend too. Stay tuned for that!

Photo taken by Vicki Macrae, before she was "Macrae." This photo was of thistle plants at Hentze Family Farm.