Eugene, Oregon is a city of about 157,000 people and home of the University of Oregon, but it has turned out to be one of the nicest places this trip. The State Park we are staying in has RV sites that are big and open so we are not cramped in but have plenty of privacy.
Last night we found a restaurant called Cafe 440 that was a true anomaly. The Host who took our name, although really busy cleaning tables and seating people, was very personable when we did get a table asking us if we had been there before and where we were from. He in turn, gave that information to our server who continued the conversation and was every bit as friendly, while also being extremely busy. It didn’t take much extra time, but we felt we were going to our favorite restaurant where they knew us well. The food was delicious as well, which is maybe why this place was packed with a waiting list.
After dinner “we made fire” and enjoyed our peaceful home away from home.
Campfire at Armitage Campground – Eugene, OR
This morning we decided to visit their Farm Market and get some fruit and vegetables. What we discovered were four blocks of booths set up with every craft, food, and jewelry you could imagine. In the parking lot we ran into a woman who occasionally comes to this market from her home in Northern California as a day trip. I call that well attended. Check out how good these berries we bought look and they taste even better than they look.
Fresh Berries from Farmer’s Market – Downtown Eugene, OR
After lunch, we found another “best” of Eugene, called the Owen Rose Garden. This garden included almost 100 varieties of roses that were beautiful. Climbers surround the perimeter of the garden and beds of 8-20 bushes formed two rows in a circle.
Entry way to Owens Rose Garden – Eugene, OR
In the center of the garden was this huge tree supported with all kinds of wires and braces keeping it from cracking from the shear weight of itself.
Black Tartarian Cherry Tree – 150 yrs old
Owen Rose Garden
After the Rose Garden, we made our way to the oldest park in Eugene with 78 acres of trails for some hiking. Huge trees and native flowers at every turn made this a fun afternoon, even though I did check with Google to see what snakes lived in this neighborhood.
MG holding up a Douglas Fir
Douglas Fir
White wild flower along path
Cone shaped Hydrangea
White flower along the path – 4 o’clock
Lace Capped Hydrangea
Large Douglas Fir Trees in Hendricks Park – Eugene, OR
Wild flowers along the path in Hendricks Park
By the way, I did get my 10,000 steps in today.
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