Last Saturday, Yuka and I ascended the great Spencer Butte. It took maybe 45 mins to an hour to climb, and the view was spectacular. The summit was very small and about 15 people and 15 dogs were milling about up there. All of Eugene was visible, as were the distant Cascades (the Three Sisters, Mt Jefferson, and a curiously named Three-Fingered Jack). A panorama of the Willamette Valley was all around, along with appearances by the great river itself. It was a fine day, as it has been for the past two weeks or so. In the mid-70s, clear skies, low humidity.

Everytime I see someone here who is bored or upset or otherwise negative, I just want to say, "Take a look around you!"

I'm trying to enjoy as much time out of doors as possible. The rain will start in a couple of weeks. It will continue raining until spring, from what I understand. I still believe though that it will beat snow & ice & Iowa cold.

This weekend is the Eugene Celebration, a citywide festival downtown, with food, beer, and music. The North Mississippi Allstars will be here tomorrow night. I will too. Frank Slugsnotra was crowned Eugene's Slug Queen for the festival.

Enjoying work at the O'Depot.