Picture this: the awe-inspiring Oregon coastline, an endless parade of nature's masterpieces, each more stunning than the last, calling out to all of us brave adventurers to uncover their secrets. It was with this spirit of exploration that my buddy Corley and I embarked on a journey to the glorious Natural Bridges Cove, nestled within the Samuel Boardman Scenic Corridor. This magical realm is home to gems like Harris Beach State Park, Thomas Creek Bridge, Indian Sands Beach, and Lone Ranch Beach. The day started off with a bang as we loaded our gear into my trusty ride, anticipation buzzing in the air. Our journey from Cave Junction to the coast took about an hour and a half, each minute filled with the promise of wonder and excitement. As we reached the parking area, the sun welcomed us with open arms, casting a golden glow on the breathtaking landscape. We strapped on our packs and hit the trail, eager to experience the magnificent sights waiting for us. The first glimpse of the Natural Bridges left us speechless. These awe-inspiring giants stood tall amidst the crashing waves, their intricate formations a testament to Mother Nature's artistic prowess. We paused for a quick photo op before continuing our trek along the dangerous ridge. The path ahead was nothing short of treacherous, with narrow stretches hugging sheer drops down to the raging sea. Corley and I proceeded with caution, our hearts pounding as we descended to a lower viewpoint. Here, the majestic natural bridges seemed even more impressive, the fierce ocean chiseling away at the landscape with every surge. In due course, we reached a spot on a steep bluff, where we took in the panoramic view, snapping pics to capture the grandeur of this wild world. The wind whispered sweet nothings in our ears as we moved forward, our destination – the colossal bridge – drawing closer. As we neared the edge, our hearts thumped wildly, the ocean below roaring in agreement. One step at a time, we navigated the narrow, sandy path clinging to the bridge, Corley following my lead as we braved the risky crossing. We eventually found a small outcropping to rest, the untamed ocean below serving as a humbling reminder of nature's power. We reveled in the raw beauty of our surroundings, taking a snack break as I set up the camera to capture the stunning scene. With the agility of a mountain goat, Corley climbed down the slippery rocks, making it all the way to the high tide line where the rocks were like glass. Despite the danger, he pushed forward, his courage balanced by the knowledge that a wrong move could spell disaster. The ocean's waves crashed around him, an unyielding reminder of the power that lay within nature's heart. After his nail-biting climb back up, we soaked in the sun, still buzzing from our daring escapade. Our next destination: the mysterious Secret Beach. With the tide rising and the sun dipping low, we set off in pursuit of the thunderous sound of rushing water. We discovered a majestic waterfall pouring into a crystal-clear pool. The air was thick with mist, a testament to the waterfall's incredible force. We stood in awe, the beauty and power of the scene both enthralling and terrifying. As the tide crept closer, we scrambled back to the beach, determined to uncover its secrets. We navigated slippery rocks, the ocean's waves crashing around us like a ravenous beast. Finally, we reached Thunder Bay, a hidden haven framed by a towering natural bridge. Though our time here was fleeting, we soaked in its splendor, taking countless photos to immortalize the moment. As the tide continued to rise, we made our way back to the beach, the sun inching closer to the horizon. Our journey had been nothing short of extraordinary, a celebration of the boundless allure of the great outdoors. Back at the car, our hearts filled with gratitude, we reflected on the unforgettable experiences at Natural Bridges Cove and Secret Beach. For it is in these untamed places that we find not only the unparalleled majesty of nature but also the indomitable spirit of adventure that lives within us all. So, my fellow explorers, let's keep seeking these hidden gems, our hearts and minds forever open to the wonders that await. A quick shoutout to my adventure buddy Corley, who has ventured into a new and equally exciting project with his partner. They’ve founded MycroRising, where they share their passion for mushrooms and handcrafted natural products. Head on over to MycroRising.com to explore their incredible offerings, and let's raise a toast to Corley, whose dedication to sharing the gifts of nature is an inspiration to us all. May his website, https://mycrorising.com/, guide fellow explorers towards a deeper connection with the wilderness and the spirit of adventure. Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Picture this: the spring of 2013, a time when adventure was calling, and boy, did we answer. There we were, the dynamic trio - Michael (yours truly), Corley, and Ed - ready to embark on a journey to unravel the secrets of the untamed wilderness in Prospect, Oregon. Our mission? To explore the breathtaking landscape surrounding the Rogue River, Mill Creek, and Red Blanket Creek, and to stand in awe of the canyon known as the Avenue of the Boulders. Our escapade kicked off in Prospect, where we snagged some handy maps from the visitor information center to guide us on our wild adventure. As we neared the trailhead of the Avenue of the Boulders, we couldn't help but gawk at the stunning canyon, carved by the mighty Rogue River, adorned with a beautiful concrete bridge, and littered with massive boulders. With adrenaline pumping through our veins, we plunged into the depths of the canyon. Reaching the riverbank, we were left speechless by the awe-inspiring power of nature, the river's roar resonating within us. Stumbling upon a natural rock slide, we took turns sliding down, laughing like kids as we reveled in our newfound playground. As the day rolled on, we clambered over rocks, leaped across crevices, and balanced on log jams, capturing every exhilarating moment with my trusty camera. We even discovered the remains of an old bridge, its foundation and scattered steel a testament to the relentless power of the Rogue River. Naturally, we couldn't resist commemorating our presence amidst this rugged landscape, our photos framed by the relics of a bygone era. Our trek continued as we encountered a series of mesmerizing waterfalls, their cascading waters carving a path through the lush wilderness. The soothing sound of the falls washed away our thoughts, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the moment, enveloped by nature's splendor. We snapped countless photos of these falls, which were split by two islands into three separate cascades. As twilight crept in, we pressed on to the Rogue River Natural Bridge, an awe-inspiring marvel shaped by eons of time and volcanic activity. Weighed down by the day's adventures, we trudged through deep snow towards this natural wonder. Upon arrival, we marveled at the sight of the river vanishing underground into a lava tube, only to re-emerge over 200 feet downstream. Despite the fading light, we lingered, soaking in the majesty of our surroundings and etching the memory of the bridge into our minds. With a sense of quiet satisfaction, we retraced our steps, our spirits rejuvenated by the knowledge that we had witnessed the awe-inspiring beauty of the Rogue River and its untamed landscape. As we journeyed back home, our hearts overflowing with laughter and the thrill of discovery, we knew deep down that we had experienced the adventure of a lifetime - one that would forever bind us together as kindred spirits, united by our shared reverence for the wild wilderness that had embraced us as its own. As I recount the tale of our extraordinary journey, I must tip my hat to my fellow adventurer and wordsmith, Corley, and express my gratitude to our good friend Ed, who joined us on this unforgettable venture. It was during our shared passion project, the "Outdoor Adventure Journal" in 2012 and 2013, that Corley first immortalized our Prospect escapade. His pen captured the essence of our experiences, and to this day, his words echo in the hallowed annals of our adventures. So, here's to you, dear Corley, for etching the memories of our wild escapades onto the pages of time, and to our steadfast comrade, Ed, for sharing in the thrill of the expedition and the camaraderie that binds us forevermore. Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Once upon a time, in the quaint village of Seboltshausen, Germany, a young boy embarked on a life-changing adventure. Fast forward a few decades, and here I am, still exploring the great outdoors, now in Southern Oregon. But the journey that ignited my passion for adventure began with a thrilling road trip to the Austrian Alps with my father. So, gather round, fellow adventurers, and let me regale you with a tale of the trek that sparked my love for the great outdoors. I was a mere eight years old when my father and I set out on a cool, crisp morning, heading towards the majestic mountains of northern Austria. Our destination: a striking glacier, the likes of which my young eyes had never seen before. We arrived late that evening, finding a peaceful field nestled beside the woods at the foot of the mountain we planned to conquer. As the sun peeked over the horizon, we awoke, buzzing with the excitement that only a grand adventure could bring. My father ventured to a nearby bakery and returned with the freshest bread, still warm from the oven. We devoured our breakfast of bread and salami, a family favorite, before setting off on our trek. I won't lie, the journey up the mountain was tough for my young legs. I huffed and puffed, struggling to keep pace with my father's long strides. Time was of the essence, as we had to reach the glacier and return before nightfall. But my dad, ever the wise and patient teacher, showed me how to breathe correctly to manage my exertion. The trails were marked with spray-painted rocks and trees, but the signs were often difficult to discern. As the day wore on, my father would occasionally hike ahead, leaving me to navigate the path on my own. It was during these moments that I discovered my inner resilience, as I pressed on with determination, eager to reunite with him. Finally, around noon, I reached the glacier. My father was already there, exploring the icy expanse, while I collapsed, exhausted yet triumphant. We enjoyed a light lunch and sipped on the purest water, dripping from the ice itself. The glacier was a marvel, and I couldn't wait to regale my mother and siblings with tales of my accomplishment. Though I was initially apprehensive about venturing onto the ice, fearing the hidden crevasses my father had warned me about, I soon realized that I was in no immediate danger. However, my eight-year-old imagination kept me cautious. The descent was decidedly swifter, as I practically jogged to keep up with my father. At the base of the mountain, we treated ourselves to a well-deserved meal at a nearby diner. I devoured a plate of curry sausage and fries, washing it down with a refreshing Coke, while my father enjoyed a cold beer with his dinner. Once I had finished my meal, he casually slid his half-empty beer towards me. I couldn't believe my eyes - was he really offering me a taste? With a subtle nod of approval, my dad granted me permission to take a sip. That evening, after my first hike to a glacier, I experienced another milestone: my very first beer. It was a moment I'll never forget, for it was then that I truly felt like a man. So there you have it, folks. The tale of the adventure that set me on the path to a lifetime of exploration and a love for the great outdoors. As you embark on your own adventures, remember to embrace the lessons nature has to offer, and don't forget to enjoy the occasional milestone along the way. Happy adventuring! Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.