One Hike, Many Games

For a couple of people who moved here a month and a half ago, today and the next few days have shaped up to be pretty social. Today Ben and I joined the Sierra Club for a wildflower walk along the Old Growth Trail at McDonald Forest. I learned (and might even remember) the names of a number of plants, including wild ginger which has a really unusual flower (I'll take a pic next time I see one). I did manage to get a photo of our group leader, Lon Otterby, triumphantly holding up a rough-skinned newt. Finally, a mad rush home (sorry we didn't say goodbye and thanks for the hike!) as we realized that seven people would be arriving shortly at our home for a night of board games. Turns out the number had increased to nine, only two who we'd met before, but it worked out surprisingly well and we plan to do it again (thanks, meetup.com!). Tomorrow, Portland! Sunday, more games for Ben (I hope to get some work done); and then Monday we're going to visit a couple of Ben's coworkers out at a cabin in the woods. Oregon is filled with welcoming, friendly people!

Lon Otterby, and a newt who chose to remain anonymous.