Kristen PHD-ing in the field of Genes in the city of Eugene at the University of Oregon.. Our first visit to see her new home September 2026.
It was a blessing to see where Kristen’s new home and all the places she frequents. We felt reassured she was in a good place and happy. Chowder loves it.
Eugene has an outdoorsy, rugged vibe. It has walking trails, rivers, and mountains. About an hour west is the Oregon coast with stunning vistas and breath taking beauty.
The people are active with a lot of folks outdoors hiking, canoeing, and cheering on their beloved Ducks at the University.
University of Oregon mascot is unique….It’s a Duck. They were originally called the Webfoots. It came from Massachusetts where residents settled from. In 1947 athletic director Leo Harris made an informal handshake with Walt Disney to use Donald Duck as the school mascot and logo. Later negotiations separated the physical Oregeon Duck custome from the Donald Duck trademark giving UO independent ownership. He is affectionately known as puddles to some of the locals.
The Willamette and The McKenzie Rivers meet in Eugene. The area is lined with public parks, pedestrian and bike only bridges. Paved walking paths stretch several miles. It's an incredible recreational area. Kristen and Chowder take walks here. Chowder loves it and has adapted very nicely.
Along the walking path is the Owen Rose Garden. A nine acre park showcases 4500 rose bushes spanning 400 variations. I was able to snap this picture being at the right place at the right time.
Eugene is filled with towering pine trees. There are seven native species and a rich variety of conifer forests. Here Kristen, Carol and Chowder walking a trail amongst the giants.
Spencer Putte Park features a 2000 foot summit that marks the highest point in the city's Ridgeline Park system. Kristen, Chowder, Carol, and me hiked the main summit trail. A challenging hike well worth the effort for the panoramic views.
The trail offers a lively outdoor space where hikers transition from a shaded mature Douglas fur forest into an open, rocky basalt outcrop at the top. The treeless summit delivers 360 degree unobstructed views overlooking the Willamette Valley, the coast range, and the Cascade Mountains.
We ventured to the Oregon Coast with a stop in Florence. Let me pause and give kudos to Kristen as she chauffeured us around. The North Jetty Beach sits at the mouth of the Siuslaw River and Pacific Ocean. Little did we know the road and parking lot leading into the beach was closed for renovations. We had to hike along the river at low tide for about a mile to get to the beach. In the distance you can see Kristen, Carol, and Chowder frolicking on the beach. Not a sole to be seen.
The beach is part of seven miles of sand, dunes, and giant pieces of driftwood. It includes Baker and Hecata Beaches. Very rugged coast that reminded me of pictures you would see from the moon. It was very tranquil and spiritual with know one around.
Chowder loved the freedom to roam and frolic in the sand. The beach had vast open spaces in which one felt like a pimple on the Universes ass. Chowder is right at home in Eugene.
Not far up the road is the city of Florence. It's a quaint coastal city. It has historic charming fishing villages. There are numerous beautiful spots to stop on Route 101, such as this one to soak in the breathtaking views.
This is a great shot of the seven miles of sand and dune beaches.
The ruggedness of this area has to be seen to appreciate the scale of it all. The pine tree spilling into the ocean is very unique. It looks like Acadia National Park
Absolute stunning spiritual moment looking at this view. The light house is on the left in the distance.