Adventuring: 40:40:11 Whiskey Run Beach

 

Not far from the lovely coastal town of Bandon Oregon is the well known beach Whiskey Run. It is really near the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort and is well traveled by locals and visitors alike. Access to this beach can be used by off road sand drivers, horseback riders, agate hunters, kite surfers, and beach walkers. There is generally a large wind blowing so prepare yourself with a hood and glasses. The views are spectacular though and you never know what the windy tide will bring ashore! After your beach adventure swing by either the Bandon Dunes for some amazing comfort food at McKee's Pub. Or head into Old Town Bandon for chowder at the Minute Cafe, or fish tacos at Tony's Crab Shack !

Adventuring: 40:40:10 Johnson Log Pond

Living in Coos Bay I easily have tread all the local trails, numerous of times. Although I love to travel our of my area to find new trails and see new places, time and funds don't always allow the opportunity. In searching the area I found the link to the Johnson Log Pond in Coquille.


The Johnson Log Pond at one time held the local logs as they awaited their shipping fate. In coming back from Myrtle Point one day I decided to check it out.

The weather was perfect, warm and calm. The trail is easy to find and there is plenty of parking, as well as picnicking areas, and kayak and canoe launching areas. The trail itself was only about a mile, and does not wrap all around the pond. Being stubborn I found this out the hard way and tried my darnedest to plow through. I wouldn't advise this. Save this trail for an easy day outing with the family. Bring a lunch, hopefully a little boat, and enjoy some Coquille beauty and history.

lbs by lbs, inches by inches

Before: 

(photo credit to Moreen Littrell)

I have never been a skinny person. Ever since puberty started hitting in elementary school I have been a little chunky, slightly plump, or rocking the love handles. Occasionally I will find a diet plan that fits my lifestyle and can follow it for a few months. With fingers crossed I will lose 30-40 lbs and then take the next few years to find them again.

The first year I moved back to Oregon I made it to my highest (unhealthiest) weight. Moving to Coos Bay helped my self-esteem which helped me take off 10 lbs. Then when my sister decided to have gastric bypass I decided to jump on the weight-loss wagon and lose some more. I got down to my lowest in about 8 yrs, although still a good 30 -40 above my goal weight. Luck be mine after my abdominal surgery a couple years ago and being sedentary for 6 months, I managed to catch those pesky pounds back.

A year ago my doctor suggested cholesterol medication. I suggested weight-loss first. I tried on my own for three months, then when unsuccessful  I followed  Dr. Furhman's plan of "Eat To Live". The lbs shed off, but as quickly as they were gone they came back when I started eating what I wanted again. (such is the story in most cases). Now after a three month battle of stress and the blues I was heading close to my highest again.

THIS HAS GOT TO CHANGE! That was my only thought. I sought the advice once again of my doctor and decided to do the medically supervised Optifast plan.

What is hard:
Sticking to just their products. Gratefully there are cold pre-made and shake drinks, as well as bars and soups. So there is a variety. But when you are in a home full of friends eating lovely cheese balls, it is easy to slip. (and I did).
850 average of calories a day. That is low. (thus why it is medically supervised). I had wanted to stop drinking soda along with starting optifast, but I have needed that carbonation at times to help keep me full.
Adding a MD apt as well as group meeting to my schedule weekly.

What I like:
Variety. I like that I still can have something warm with the shakes. It helps fill the void and cravings of hot foods. Plus you decide which products you want each week and can tailor them to your lifestyle and choice.
They actually taste good. I was pleasantly surprised when I took my first drink and found it to be good! 
Physician monitored. I need the accountability. It has been fun, and scary to get on the big medical scale each week to see what the loss is. I also have to report on if I went off program. Like I said, accountability.
Group meeting. I can meet others that have the same weight issues as I do and see what is working for them.
Quick weight loss. I am down 16 lbs in two weeks ,(and that is even with the cheese ball and peppermint ice cream).

I am dreaming of what I might weigh and be able to wear by my birthday in March. I also am excited to see the health benefits of being able to hike easier in the future.

Here's to a healthier future!

#36: Organize a Jane Austen Book Club

 Every since I saw the movie, The Jane Austen Book Club, I have wanted to start a club of my own. I was so drawn to the friendships the characters in this movie had. I know it was just a movie, but I so wanted to replicate that fun bond between people who did not know each other entering into the commitment to read the novels by Jane Austen. How could Jane Austen bring strangers together?

In reflecting over this past year of the JABC I mentioned my disappointment to one of my fellow members, Joanna. I had so hoped for a larger stronger bond and commitment. She did gently remind me though that we had not been friends before this started. I was shocked, no way! I felt that I had known Joanna for so much longer!

Even though I did not get the movie ending, lol, I did get precious memories with some amazing people! I got to know Rebecca who I had not spent any time with since high school. Even those that joined up towards the end brought light and joy! Each person that entered my home to discuss, and laugh about the life events of the Jane Austen characters became a permanent good memory of love and friendship.

Adventuring: 40:40:9 Sunset -Pack Trail

I have posted about the Sunset Bay Trail and The Simpson Reef Loop. There are actually a series of trails and loops that stretch from Sunset Bay up to Cape Arago, and then up and around to The Pack Trail. Starting from the beginning of the Sunset Bay Trail follow this around to the start of the Shore Acres Loop.
 

Continue on the Shore Acres Loop all the way to Simpson Beach.

Cross the wooden bridge and head up the trail to merge onto the Simpson Reef Loop. Follow the outskirts of this trail to it's end at the Simpson Reef overlook.

From this parking lot you cross the street and veer right starting on a part of the Oregon Coast Trail. This trail will wind around ravines and end at the far end Cape Arago. When this trail ends turn left to continue on the loop. This will be steep and will again climb up and around ravines and end on the top of the Pack trail. Turn left and follow the Pack Trail to it's beginning along the Cape Arago road.

Cross the road and after a short walk to the left turn onto a trail start that will again merge you onto the Simpson Reef Loop. At your first opportunity veer right and follow the trail back to the Simpson Beach and continue to retrace your steps back to the very beginning. This whole loop of trails will be approximately 9-10 miles.

Adventuring: 40:40:8 Multnomah Falls

Multnomah Falls

 This fall is a 611 foot drop located 30 minutes east of Portland. With a restaurant, Lodge, and visitors center it's a great place for travels and adventure seekers. It is an easy stroll to the bridge that overlooks the lower fall and gives a great view of the dramatic upper fall. Then, if you are feeling more adventurous you can accomplish the 2.6 mile round trip hike to the top of the falls. This is a crowded trail during the tourist months, and closed during winter due to ice. There are plenty of rest spots on the way and beautiful views of the Columbia and of course the falls themselves!

Adventuring: 40:40:7 Cooper Mountain Nature Park

Cooper Mountain Nature Park

Created as a place for the metro-urban folks of Beaverton Oregon to experience a bit of nature. The park consists of 231 acres. Among this is 3 1/2 miles of gravel trail. Perfect for a nature walk or some daily trail running.

Adventuring: 40:40:6 Astoria Riverwalk

Astoria Oregon is known as the first US settlement west of the Mississippi. The tourism there has picked up over the years and one of the great perks is the Riverwalk Trail. This walkway is 5.1 miles along the river from the Riverwalk Inn to the docks were you can see the Sea Lions that have taken over. Along this path you pass under the Astoria Bridge, along the historic waterfront, and by the Maritime Museum. You can even take a trolly along this path in case you do not feel like walking.

Adventuring: 40:40:5 Peter Iredale

Again this is not a trail, but a nice walk along the beach with an amazing destination. Fort Stevens State Park contains destination spots that will thrill almost anyone. Empty fort ruins are there to explore, trails to walk or bike, camping, you can see where the Columbia River meets the Ocean, and my favorite; the Peter Iredale Wreck. This cargo ship heading to Portland to pick up a shipment of wheat for the UK wrecked in 1906 and instantly became a tourist attraction. Over the years there are still skeleton remains of this giant vessel.