the sun's coming out-- i just know something good is gonna happen -- i don't know when --but just saying it could even make it happen

Today was one of my favorite days yet -- and for no special reason. I just could not help but enjoy a blessed sense of heady good cheer. Maybe it was the happy-sad, slanting light of autumn, or the crunch & crackle of leaves underfoot -whatever it was, the day was absolutely perfect.

It started with a delightful breakfast of locally sourced edibles with M's dad at "Farm to Fork" in Dundee. After which we wandered over the red hills to Erath Winery where we picked up an old forgotten wine shipment, long since paid for, from the summer of 2008 (as I recall, I had other things on my mind at that time). We enjoyed a few sips of some crisp, delicious white wines and then said goodbye to M's father and headed on a whim to Champoeg State park for a little exploring.

We've visited this park in the past, but were never much impressed. It seemed small & the trails were scarce. This time, however, we decided to meander down a long bike trail that flanked the Willamette River. There were few folks out despite the glorious weather, so we had the trail mostly to ourselves. I carried X until he fell asleep & then was able to miraculously off-load him into the stroller where he reclined in slumber for the duration of our 8 mile hike (amazing!). What made the bike trail so special, aside from the lazy river & magnificent fall foliage, is that it led directly to the historic Butteville General Store, the state's oldest continually operated retail establishment. There were tables outside in the sunshine and we ordered a sandwich to share. M bought a bottle Bridgeport ESB for the road and we meandered back along the trail to the park, trading nips on the bottle hidden safely (and tastefully) in a paper bag. (X making himself comfortable for the long ride)
(a little wildlife on the trail)
We packed up at the close of the afternoon and as we rolled through the countryside towards town, we spied a farm stand where we stopped to purchase all manner of cheap, organic, local produce: a stalk of brussel spouts for $1. 6 ears of corn for $1. A sweet little pie pumpkin for $.35.

Our purchases secured, we headed back to Portland & to Rogue Public House where we managed a meet-up with good friends T&S on the spur of the moment for some sandwiches & fresh hop beer (the best thing about autumn in Portland).
(X samples the menu at Rogue)

See - nothing all that special, really --just your average lazy, wonderful, sunny, autumn day in the amazing Pacific Northwest.