Trip Report

At 8:30 a.m., 19 Obsidians and one guest went exploring in West Eugene. We were cool and it was cloudy the first hour. By the time we met Rick Ahrens at the West Eugene Wetlands, more specifically at Meadow Lark Prairie, the sun was out. I was really excited as I saw and heard my first male Meadow Lark singing with females in the grass. Rick helped others identify birds. We had our morning refreshments (The Muffin Mill) muffins we had picked up on Prairie Road enroute to the wetlands and tea or coffee. We stopped at Checkermallow, but there was very little activity. Both overlooks can be located by driving west on Royal Avenue. Rick gave us a nice program on Wetlands. Then we drove to the end of Royal Avenue to Fern Ridge for more information and sightings. The tree frogs were jumping into the water along the road as we walked by. We then said farewell to Rick before heading over to West 11th via Fisher Road and on out west (Hwy. 126) to Veneta.

Our next stop was at noon in Veneta at the Our Daily Bread Restaurant. We had a great time for lunch and visiting before boarding the bus back into Eugene.

At 1:30 p.m., we arrived at the Oregon Lox Company near West 11th and Willow Creek Road. They have been in business in Eugene for 25 years. This is a lovely new facility where they receive the fresh fish, smoke it and package it for retail. There was a viewing window to watch packaging. We were offered samples and most left with a package before we departed.

At 2:30 p.m. we arrived at Creative Clocks (7th and Conger) for a museum tour, shopping and cookies.

Back to Shopko by 4. A good time was had by all.

Riders were members Tom Adamcyk, Rick Ahrens, Ethel Allen, Bill Arthur, Barbara Beard, Paul Beard, Paula Beard, Louise Behnke, MaryLee Cheadle, Sharon Cutsforth, RoseMary Etter, Barbara Flanders, Dennis Flanders, John McManigal, Lenore McManigal, Barbara Payne, Don Payne, Liz Reanier and Janet Speelman; and guest Beverly Robertson.