Oregon
Oregon's Thundereggs
12/05/25 08:41
The Hunt for Thundereggs in Oregon
We have thundereggs in our home and they are super cool. There are a number of rock stores in the area and people go rock hunting in the state. Last rock place though we visited was Custer, SD.
From an article here about Thundereggs.
<<Sixty years ago, in 1965, the fascinating thunderegg was declared Oregon’s state rock.
People come to Oregon from all over the world to hunt for thundereggs, the seemingly unremarkable egg-shaped rocks that hide beautiful patterns of agate, opal, jasper and other gemstones.
Oregon’s thundereggs formed up to 60 million years ago, when gas bubbles were encased in molten lava. The water and minerals that filled in those holes form surprisingly beautiful shapes and colors.>>
We have thundereggs in our home and they are super cool. There are a number of rock stores in the area and people go rock hunting in the state. Last rock place though we visited was Custer, SD.
From an article here about Thundereggs.
<<Sixty years ago, in 1965, the fascinating thunderegg was declared Oregon’s state rock.
People come to Oregon from all over the world to hunt for thundereggs, the seemingly unremarkable egg-shaped rocks that hide beautiful patterns of agate, opal, jasper and other gemstones.
Oregon’s thundereggs formed up to 60 million years ago, when gas bubbles were encased in molten lava. The water and minerals that filled in those holes form surprisingly beautiful shapes and colors.>>
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Oregon - The Name
10/04/25 12:34
From Ouragon to the Beaver State
Prior to European arrival, Oregon was home to a rich tapestry of Native American tribes, each with their own distinct languages and names for the places they called home. Many of these names remain woven into the landscape, enduring reminders of Oregon's indigenous heritage.
The majestic Columbia River, which forms part of Oregon's northern border, was known by several Native American names, including "Wimahl" (Big River) in the Chinook language and "Nch'i-Wàna" (Great River) in the Sahaptin language. Mount Hood, an iconic peak towering over the Portland metropolitan area, carries the name "Wy'east" in the Multnomah dialect, referencing a powerful spirit who resided on the mountain. These and countless other Indigenous names echo across the state, honoring the deep connection between the land and its first inhabitants.
The Oregon Country: A Colonial Claim
"Oregon Country" gained prominence during the 18th and early 19th centuries as the United States and Great Britain vied to control this vast and fertile region. The name likely stemmed from a corruption of the French word "Ouragan," used by early explorers to refer to the Columbia River.
Nicknames: A Tapestry of Identity
As Oregon transitioned from a contested territory to a thriving state, it acquired various nicknames reflecting its unique character and aspirations.
The precise origin of the name "Oregon" remains shrouded in some mystery. Various theories abound, including connections to Spanish words for "big ears" (referencing local tribes), a French term for "hurricane," and even a misinterpretation of a Native American word for a type of fish oil. While the exact etymology remains elusive, the name itself has become synonymous with the state's natural beauty, rugged landscapes, and independent spirit.
Prior to European arrival, Oregon was home to a rich tapestry of Native American tribes, each with their own distinct languages and names for the places they called home. Many of these names remain woven into the landscape, enduring reminders of Oregon's indigenous heritage.
The majestic Columbia River, which forms part of Oregon's northern border, was known by several Native American names, including "Wimahl" (Big River) in the Chinook language and "Nch'i-Wàna" (Great River) in the Sahaptin language. Mount Hood, an iconic peak towering over the Portland metropolitan area, carries the name "Wy'east" in the Multnomah dialect, referencing a powerful spirit who resided on the mountain. These and countless other Indigenous names echo across the state, honoring the deep connection between the land and its first inhabitants.
The Oregon Country: A Colonial Claim
"Oregon Country" gained prominence during the 18th and early 19th centuries as the United States and Great Britain vied to control this vast and fertile region. The name likely stemmed from a corruption of the French word "Ouragan," used by early explorers to refer to the Columbia River.
Nicknames: A Tapestry of Identity
As Oregon transitioned from a contested territory to a thriving state, it acquired various nicknames reflecting its unique character and aspirations.
- The Beaver State: This official nickname, adopted in 1957, pays homage to the industrious beaver, whose fur trade was pivotal in Oregon's early economic development.
- The Webfoot State: This playful nickname alludes to the state's abundant rainfall and its residents' supposed prevalence of webbed feet.
- The Sunset State: This romantic moniker evokes the breathtaking beauty of Oregon's coastline, where the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky with vibrant hues.
The precise origin of the name "Oregon" remains shrouded in some mystery. Various theories abound, including connections to Spanish words for "big ears" (referencing local tribes), a French term for "hurricane," and even a misinterpretation of a Native American word for a type of fish oil. While the exact etymology remains elusive, the name itself has become synonymous with the state's natural beauty, rugged landscapes, and independent spirit.
Storms At The Ocean Beach
21/11/24 08:35
We went to see the high tides over on the coast along with staying at a hotel in Lincoln City. It was very breezy with waves of rain broken up by sunshine. At times this lead to amazing color contrasts as the pictures below show. The stormy ocean and beaches at Lincoln City.
Off To The...
13/05/24 07:26
We are off on a 12 day trip to see the family and grandchildren in South Dakota. A bit of a reverse trek for our families who in part came from the area or places in the MidWest.
Now a fun fact about the Oregon Trail since I had both sides of my paternal grandmother's side of the family come on the Oregon Trail in 1844 and 1852.
"It’s often thought that the Oregon Trail was made easier by the covered wagons that have become synonymous with the grueling journey, but that’s only partially true. Those wagons weren’t actually for people, who walked most or all of the trail’s 2,000 miles from Independence, Missouri, to Oregon City, Oregon. They were for the supplies that hopeful settlers deemed necessary for the trek, pulled by mules and oxen. Indeed, people who were ferried by wagons had a habit of falling out as the vehicles didn’t have springs and thus bounced around a lot; some folks were even run over by other wagons or trampled by beasts of burden after falling. As for those walking, many of the children didn’t have shoes.
So while we often romanticize that months-long journey as being emblematic of the “American Dream” and westward expansion, it was above all else a brutal quest that many did not survive."
Now a fun fact about the Oregon Trail since I had both sides of my paternal grandmother's side of the family come on the Oregon Trail in 1844 and 1852.
"It’s often thought that the Oregon Trail was made easier by the covered wagons that have become synonymous with the grueling journey, but that’s only partially true. Those wagons weren’t actually for people, who walked most or all of the trail’s 2,000 miles from Independence, Missouri, to Oregon City, Oregon. They were for the supplies that hopeful settlers deemed necessary for the trek, pulled by mules and oxen. Indeed, people who were ferried by wagons had a habit of falling out as the vehicles didn’t have springs and thus bounced around a lot; some folks were even run over by other wagons or trampled by beasts of burden after falling. As for those walking, many of the children didn’t have shoes.
So while we often romanticize that months-long journey as being emblematic of the “American Dream” and westward expansion, it was above all else a brutal quest that many did not survive."
Flowers of Spring
28/04/24 15:35
In helping a client with some community cats in her neighborhood, I came across at her house a flower bed with lovely tulips and bluish ground cover plants. Taking photos while there created a beautiful art-like picture with the colors. Spring with the flowers just coming out and sunshine is wonderful.
Silver Lake and Dining
15/04/24 18:09
A travel article today listed towns that were remote locations in the United States to other towns. One of the places listed was Silver Lake, OR which is in south central Oregon. One of the highlights is dinner at Cowboy Dinner Tree which we have eaten at twice. The photo below was taken in 2019 at our anniversary dinner there. Always tasty and lots of food to take away and eat later. We have not visited the geological site called Crack in the Ground but will look to make a trip to do so. This is within a day's drive from our home.
Silver Lake is a town of roughly 150 people in southern Oregon, 39.3 miles from the nearest other town. It was founded in the late 1800s and remains quite small, with a single gas station and a handful of restaurants. One such eatery is the Cowboy Dinner Tree, which was inspired by an eatery that existed many decades ago. Back then, a wagon set up underneath a large juniper tree and sold beans and biscuits to passing cowboys. While that wagon is gone, the restaurant serves up local fare in a rustic albeit slightly more modern setting.
The town is also home to a fascinating nearby geological site known as the Crack in the Ground. This volcanic fissure is two miles long and 70 feet deep, and formed due to volcanic activity that occurred thousands of years ago. Today, it offers a great opportunity for curious hikers looking to explore the country’s volcanic history.
Silver Lake is a town of roughly 150 people in southern Oregon, 39.3 miles from the nearest other town. It was founded in the late 1800s and remains quite small, with a single gas station and a handful of restaurants. One such eatery is the Cowboy Dinner Tree, which was inspired by an eatery that existed many decades ago. Back then, a wagon set up underneath a large juniper tree and sold beans and biscuits to passing cowboys. While that wagon is gone, the restaurant serves up local fare in a rustic albeit slightly more modern setting.
The town is also home to a fascinating nearby geological site known as the Crack in the Ground. This volcanic fissure is two miles long and 70 feet deep, and formed due to volcanic activity that occurred thousands of years ago. Today, it offers a great opportunity for curious hikers looking to explore the country’s volcanic history.
State Site Pronunciations
09/02/24 13:52
I was born and raised in a state where many of the place names are Native American based. My home town is often mispronounced, LebaNON is said, and it is LebaNUN. Along with how Oregon is constantly mispronounced. I can always tell who is not a local, born and bred.
Not Ore-uh-GON. Some say "It’s pronounced OR-aginn' or I will say "OR-e-gun' just automatically running together.
Other spots in Oregon that get mispronounced are…
Heceta Head Lighthouse
Champoeg State Park
Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge
Not Ore-uh-GON. Some say "It’s pronounced OR-aginn' or I will say "OR-e-gun' just automatically running together.
Other spots in Oregon that get mispronounced are…
Heceta Head Lighthouse
Champoeg State Park
Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge
- Deschutes (Somebody on Reddit said they heard it pronounced Day-SKOOT-taze
- Willamette (pronounced w’LAMMIT, not w’LAMMITEE or WILL-uh-met))
- Tigard (tiger’d)
- Lake Oswego
- Glisan (pronounced “Gleesin)
- Helvetia (Hint: It’s not Helvetica; that is a font!)
- Tualatin (It’s not Tua-LATE-in)
- Yachats (Yak-Hats)
- The Dalles (Please don’t call it The Dallas)
- Aloha (pronounced Uh-LOWuh)\
- Coquille (pronounced Ko-KEEL)
Haunted Cemetery
05/01/24 10:09
Interesting story to pop up in a daily local news feed…
Could a cemetery here in Oregon truly be haunted or is it just a myth, superstition?
Among the many haunted places in Oregon, one stands out as particularly terrifying: the Lafayette Pioneer Cemetery. This cemetery, located in the small town of Lafayette, is said to be cursed by a vengeful witch who was hanged there in the late 1800s. Here is the story behind this haunted cemetery and why you should avoid it at all costs.
The Hanging of the Witch
According to legend, the Lafayette Pioneer Cemetery is haunted by a woman who lost her life after being accused of being a witch. Apparently she wasn’t too happy about this, and stuck around to haunt the cemetery and the people of Lafayette. The witch part of the equation has since been debunked, but the clarification is just as gruesome.
he Lafayette Pioneer Cemetery is a place of horror and mystery, where the dead do not rest in peace. The story behind this haunted cemetery is terrifying, and so are the experiences of those who dare to visit it. If you are looking for a thrill, you might be tempted to explore this cemetery, but be warned: you might encounter more than you bargained for.
Story here.
Could a cemetery here in Oregon truly be haunted or is it just a myth, superstition?
Among the many haunted places in Oregon, one stands out as particularly terrifying: the Lafayette Pioneer Cemetery. This cemetery, located in the small town of Lafayette, is said to be cursed by a vengeful witch who was hanged there in the late 1800s. Here is the story behind this haunted cemetery and why you should avoid it at all costs.
The Hanging of the Witch
According to legend, the Lafayette Pioneer Cemetery is haunted by a woman who lost her life after being accused of being a witch. Apparently she wasn’t too happy about this, and stuck around to haunt the cemetery and the people of Lafayette. The witch part of the equation has since been debunked, but the clarification is just as gruesome.
he Lafayette Pioneer Cemetery is a place of horror and mystery, where the dead do not rest in peace. The story behind this haunted cemetery is terrifying, and so are the experiences of those who dare to visit it. If you are looking for a thrill, you might be tempted to explore this cemetery, but be warned: you might encounter more than you bargained for.
Story here.
Mt. Hood in Morning
14/12/23 11:13
We had an early drive up to Portland yesterday. We seem to be stuck in air stagnation and low clouds here yet it was clear skies from Salem north. It was the start of a pretty sunrise and I was able to take a photo with my phone camera out the window of Mt. Hood and the sunrise as we went down the freeway with traffic. A bit tricky yet quite worth it.
Boomers at Depoe Bay
19/11/23 14:27
A week ago today we were over at the Oregon Coast at Depoe Bay. The waves were coming in fast and hard at high tide. They were high boomers near the bay entrance. We ate at Tidal Raves for seafood which is on the north side of town near Arch Cape. The boomers were hitting the rocks we view from the restaurant. It is a beautiful spot to eat a meal and watch the ocean waves.
