to build a house up on an oregon hill

i am starting to get settled into my new life here in oregon. i like corvallis thus far. it's a cute little college town, although i am sad at the lack of a target and a trader joe's. i am quickly discovering how wonderful fred meyer's is. and, despite the fact that it was a lovely 47 F when i stepped off the plane, the weather has been mostly cooperative since then. it was beautiful today - clear blue skies.

i've been perusing the web for info about local hikes and been thinking seriously about joining a hiking group. tramping was such a defining aspect of my life in new zealand, and i really want to be doing more of it. so on saturday, i dragged brad along with me to a meeting. we went up "bald hill" - very close, small little hill with a 3-mile loop that has great views of the valley and surrounding mountains.



[looking towards mary's peak]


although i must say that i may be a bit more ... hardcore than this group is. still, great to get out and see some of the surrounding area.



[lichen-covered reaching branches]