Western Oregon just doesn't have the giant maples that offer the beautiful picture book leaf colors you find in the Eastern states and provinces but plenty of evergreen conifers and oak trees.
If you look hard enough though you can find a vine maple or two amongst the greenery and moss.
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| Does an orange bike count as fall color? |
I hadn't been up to the top of Marys Peak yet this year, so the ride up was long overdue, let alone never being up there mid week. I actually had the whole mountain to myself for a few minutes.
And from the top of one mountain you can get a great photo of another across the valley.
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| Mt. .Jefferson |
I have been busy with Team Oregon teaching my first two classes the last two weekends of September. A mentor was with me in the classroom in case I messed up, froze of stage fright or missed something and of course to evaluate me. It wasn't Irondad, but a longtime instructor and leadership council member much, much higher ranking than Dan and twice as difficult.
(I'm kidding, everyone at Team Oregon is so encouraging and helpful).
Needless to say, the extra effort and time I dedicated beforehand paid off and I completed the requirement to meet standard in two consecutive classes. I am a now full certified instructor and I just taught my last class of the year, solo.
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| My first range last Spring |
Next year I'll work on becoming a mentor myself and pay it forward. What a great program!
Congratulations on getting fully certified! I'm surprised that the classes don't continue through the winter. Or does interest drop off?
ReplyDeleteI like the header photo. Wonderful colors, and the Tiger just blends right in.
Thanks Richard. I imagine interest drops off but safety is top priority, so the cold, ice and darkness would be a consideration, as well it is difficult to hold a student's attention when they're shivering cold and sopping wet. New riders don't necessarily have the quality riding gear we do to stay warm and dry.
DeleteWell it's spring here but no leaves - they've all been blown away in the wickedly blustery wind we've been having.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on Instructor status!
Spring is my favorite time of year, but I dislike wind and is why we don't live on the coast. Trees will produce more leaves if not too stressed but I'm concerned about the blossoms being damaged in the wind. No blossoms means no fruit. Hope the weather favors you soon.
Delete...and thanks for the 'grats, I'm having a blast.
Congratulations on becoming fully certified! Even little spots of color count.
ReplyDeleteThanks ToadMomma, and for coming along on my journey.
DeleteNice to see that you guys get at least a sample of Fall color. It's pretty dead looking here. We had great colors, but they didn't last long.
ReplyDeleteI hope the color lasts here, we are finally getting some now but it is difficult to really appreciate under grey skies and rain. Such is Oregon but it sure makes for green fields all winter.
DeleteTroubadour:
ReplyDeleteCongrats on being a full, fledged, certified instructor. We knew you could do it !
I can't help but think about that certain high speed maneuver on the way to BEND where the LEO turned his head, and I was spinning over 6,000 RPMs to get past that last car and the Lane was running out . . . Wonder how you would have handled that now
When I was heading back from Waldport on 34, the Alsea highway, I passed the St Mary's sign but I didn't know what it was so I just continued onward. I was looking for the Alsea Falls sign, but I didn't know you had to turn right at the junction.
We don't have much colour here either, just like you, a bit of yellow and mostly green as we have evergreens
bob
Riding the Wet Coast
My Flickr // My YouTube
Thanks Bob for your support.
DeleteCongrats to instructor status, this is fantastic news.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had a great outing, too. Blue skies, I have almost forgotten how that looks. All grey and wet here.
Thanks Sonja, I'm so excited and can't wait until next season to teach again and blue skies.
DeleteWarmest congratulations Brad, that is terrific news! As both Dan and David Hough have said, an instructor gets far more out of the deal than the student. You only get to fully appreciate that when you've been through it, eh?
ReplyDeleteEnormously pleased for you mate!!!
You are so right, we put forth the effort and hard work yet receive so much more in return. I am so thankful for all the support of my colleagues and the students, it has been amazing. I'm looking forward to the journey ahead.
DeleteExcellent news - you were meant to be an instructor. Well done and glad to hear it's giving you joy in return.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!
ReplyDeleteAnd, when it comes to color having lots of shades of green counts! Emeralds rather than gold.
~k
Be careful that you do not offend the Motorcycle God with your blasphemy, mortal. Nobody outranks Irondad except The Director. It would behoove you to reflect upon whom it is that pulls the strings of your future teaching career.
ReplyDeleteYou have done well.....so far.
Congratulations on the achievement!! That is very exciting.
ReplyDelete