A cool, foggy eight-mile hike along the Willamette River was brightened by the presence of my favorite model.

Oak, cottownwood and maple leaves crunched under our hiking boots.

Blacktail deer enjoyed a mid-day snack.

Little songbirds sang their favorite lilt.

The spirits of the pioneers of Champoeg and Butteville welcomed us.

Yearling Blacktail Deer

My favorite model at the Butteville Store

Fox Sparrow (a fierce LBJ)

Colorful leaf

An old stone bench from the town of Champoeg

A “big” Maple leaf

Song Sparrow

The 1861 flood caused the pioneers to move the town of Champoeg to high ground