One of the nicest things about the changing of the seasons, we see different animals out at the Refuge and today, as you can see, we met up with a good size salamander.  We had 8  of us out there and after we headed for coffee.  We've decided to meet every Monday at the Refuge, as long as it wasn't storming outside.  We felt that with the proper rain gear, we could at least walk for an hour outside and still head over for coffee.  But, when the weather is windy and stormy, we are heading over to Washington Square.  Hopefully, we won't have to meet there too many times.  We're heading over to REI tomorrow for new "rain gear" and rain hats.
 
 
It felt good to feel patriotic, but those poor people in the parade, they were soaked to the bone.  First we walked through the cemetery and checked out the blue flags on the graves, which turned out to be Medal of Honor recipients.  We walked through some nice neighborhoods and through Clark College before finally getting to Officer's Row.  Candice and Sandra hadn't been down there yet, so we walked all the way down to the end and then the rain started.  We found shelter under a tent put up by the city for visitors to view the parade.  Veterans gave out flags and we waved them as the bands went by.  The bagpipes are always a treat, but it felt good to be there in support of our people that serve in our military.  I've been privileged to walk through the American Cemetery in Normandy and I remember viewing the guestbook.  Many of the entries were from Europeans passing through.  They would not only sign their names, but they would list their country and their comments were always "Thank you."  Check out the rest of the pictures.
 
 
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Today we were visited by the group from Albany, Corvallis and McMinville, plus a Rose City Roamer.  Judy led the walk while I ended up doing the rear.  We had a few sprinkles, but not anything close to what they predicted.  Julia gave us an update on the cat, AVA.  She is doing well and extremely affectionate.  She did have a micro chip embedded but when the vet called the owner's they didn't want her back.  I think AVA really lucked out, Julia and her husband are just doting on her.  They are even trying to get her trained on a leash so she can travel with them.  
After we headed over to Pacific Breeze for the #40, 41 and 42.  It was great.  This afternoon we are off to Al's.
 
 
Have you ever wanted to know who is behind the www.rosecityroamers.org, well that would be Susan, on the right, walking with her dog.  She does a fabulous job and every week she gives me more information on how to make our site even better.  It was a great fall walk and the restaurant was fantastic.  I'm ready to go back just to have another lunch.  Paul, you nailed it with your restaurant.  If you do the walk there had for Bumpers, 21935 NE Halsey right in Fairview.
After that Mary Ann and I headed over to REI to check out the stuff that we heard at the meeting on Monday night.  We found out that you can go on-line at the REI web site and you can order something and have it sent to any of their stores for no charge.  This way, when it gets there, you can try it and and if you don't like it, you leave it right there.  Gayle from REI will be sending us a list of the things she brought to the meeting and as soon as I get it, I'll pass it along.  
Don't forget: Thursday walking at Tigard at 9 a.m., Al's at 4:00 for one of their "iced apples", OPB at 8:30 p.m. and the Veteran's Walk on Saturday. Whew, are we tired yet?
 
 
the Sunday walkers came and previewed our new Sherwood walk.  For all of you out there that enjoy keeping the different books, this walk has a lot to offer.  Forest, Firehouse, Antiques, Hooray for Hollywood, Museum, Veteran's Memorial, Bakery, Landmarks AND it's a great walk!  You'll see the goats and the llama and if you bring an apple, they will run out to greet you.  Hannie had picked up an apple and I swear the smelled it and came running out to greet us.  It was a beautiful day, in fact, we had a great weekend.  See you at the meeting tonight.