Benson Bridge and New Room

Yesterday I was up early and soon headed off to Multnomah Falls for a special event.  The Benson Bridge was to turn 100 years old this year and then in January a rock fell off the cliff, bounced off the rock outcroppings, and was launched onto the Bridge, knocking a big hole in the bridge and knocking out 3 posts in the railing.  The USFS (US Forest Service) rose to the task and funding was found, professionals tested the bridge for soundness and work began to fix this iconic bridge in one of the most visited natural sites in Oregon.  The work was done early and a Centennial Celebration was organized by the USFS and Multnomah Falls Lodge Co. who run the restaurant, gift shop and snack bar.  I arrived at 9:40 am and greeted a few people, then made the short hike to where the ceremony would be held.  I loved seeing the sun rays sparkling through the trees as it arced over the falls and the bridge.

Soon the guests were seated and we heard many speeches - this one is from the USFS historian - telling us the history of the bridge and how many repairs were made over the years to keep it safe and beautiful.  The sun illuminated the new green leaves and the waterfall vied with the speakers for attention as it roared as the water fell and created a nice backdrop for the ceremony.

There were newsmen filming the proceedings.  Stan Hinatsu, USFS, was the Master of Ceremonies.

I walked over for a different perspective of the event with the waterfall showing.  :-)

Here is my longtime friend, Rick Buck, President of the Multnomah Falls Lodge Company.  I just love Rick, he's dedicated to the Lodge and Falls and thanked many, many people, along with myself and all the volunteers of the Friends of Multnomah Falls, we staff the Visitors Center all year.  Rick's father was the manager before him and he grew up in the lodge with his dad.  When his dad retired, he handed the reins to Rick.  He's done an excellent job and I'm glad he'll be with us for many more years.  His dad passed away last year.

Our last speaker of the day was Lynn Burditt, Area Manager for the USFS National Scenic Area (the big boss).  She's been in this position for 3 years and has done a magnificent job - and she's so accessible and nice - when I greeted her before the ceremony she gave me a big hug.  In her speech she also thanked me for my work as president of the Friends of MF and also for all the wonderful volunteers of our organization.  She recognized that it was our group who were the front line people who staffed the Visitors Center who had to deal with thousands of disappointed people when they found that the bridge was damaged and they would not be able to hike the loop or even up to the top of the falls, let alone even hiking to the bridge to see the falls coming down on one side and passing under the bridge and then falling again on the other side.

A nice event full of interesting history and kudos to the people who fixed the bridge and thanks for all the people who helped throughout the bridge closure of 4 months.

There was cake afterwards.. but by the time I got to it, there wasn't much left to photograph!  LOL!

The USFS official photographer got a photo of Lynn and I in front of the lower falls, but I will have to wait for it to be sent to me.  And then the Channel 6 videographer and reporter interviewed me and it was shown on the 6 pm news!  Click HERE to see.  The video is also available at the bottom of this post.

I finally found out the name of this flower.. "Stinky Bob"!!

As I walked back down from the viewing plaza I snapped this shot ad I love how everything is backlit by the sun.

And yes, Smokey Bear was there so here we are.  :-)

They were also giving out pieces of the bridge that were removed during the restoration.  :-)

OK, then I headed home - Welcome to the Bunny Farm!  

We don't frighten them much.. :-)

Dayle and I went shopping at Bed Bath and Beyond and found some properly YELLOW sheets, comforter and pillows for the "new" room.  We got some new lightbulbs for my Mom's bookcase headboard and moved the princess dresser and old trunk in the room.

I got a couple valances - I wanted something sheer so we didn't lose any light in the room.  They are kind of LONG, but I think they are fine.  I also want to get some cushions for the window seat.  

Dayle has one more coat of paint to put on the closet doors, so pardon that unattractive part of the room.  :-)  Hayden slept there the first night and Caleb slept there last night.  They loved it!

My beloved princess dresser and the old trunk.

I got this from my 100 year old friend's estate sale when her family moved her to an assisted living facility.  Her name was Weltha Wilson and she lived many more years after the move.  I got several things at that sale and treasure each one.  She is the one who invited me to her "painting night" and got me started painting again - I did most of my octopus ink paintings with her and a few other vintage ladies on Monday evenings.

I hope you're having a wonderful weekend!!  I have no plans other than to make home made potato salad for our BBQ rib dinner.  And some zucchini bread, too!  ((hugs)), Teresa :-)