7 Wonders - The Columbia River Gorge (by Ryan Bahler)

If you have been reading the blog then you know that Amanda wished that I would visit one of the 7 Wonders of Oregon once a month after she passed. She asked that once I reached a destination I would reflect on special verses and pray. She knows how I work, how I process and that I am closest to God out on adventures in nature. One of many things I am thankful for!

A couple weeks ago I decided the Columbia River Gorge was the next on the list of the 7 Wonders of Oregon for me to explore per Amanda's wishes. I am blessed with good friends who want to do such extreme adventures! A couple of us thought the Oneonta Falls would be the perfect place. Now I need to give you a little info on this place. There is no trail...the river is the trail, and even though you can do it any time of the year, most don't dare to do it in the middle of December. 

We attempted the trip two weeks ago with warm clothes and waders, but we soon found out that the water was too high and that we would have to swim! So, we had to turn around, re-plan and try again.

Last weekend we came up with a good plan and borrowed some gear from some friends. I wore a Dry Suit and my friend Keith wore a wet suit. We also decided to wear GoPro's (video to come later). We started walking up the river to the log jam. The log jam is probably the most dangerous part where several large logs are stacked and shove up against each other creating a natural dam. This is where you have to be careful because they are slippery and one fall can result in an injury or worse. This is where we decided it was a good time to stop and pray for a safe and amazing adventure.

Once we crossed the log jam we swam up river for about 30 yards until we could touch bottom. From there we were able to walk up river until about 30 yards from the water fall. I must tell you

this place is gorgeous! The entire canyon is filled with Gods beautiful creations of plant life, color, and the pure amazement that we were walking and swimming up river through a canyon to get to a water fall...Wow!

Please excuse the bad pictures. The color and contrast are beyond amazing and all I could carry was an iPhone with a waterproof case, which doesn't even come close to justify Oneonta's beauty.

Below you will see pictures and blurbs of the adventure:

I want to thank Dana Turell and Travel Oregon (http://traveloregon.com).  They were so kind to send me a very nice backpack with patches of all 7 wonders. It is so thoughtful, amazing and I will be using it for each of the 7 wonders.

The Log Jam

The Oneonta Gorge Canyon

Water Dropping down from the edges of the canyon

Climbing around for fun



We have reached our destination

Posing for the camera

Very beautiful, powerful and loud waterfall. We had to yell to hear each other.

It's time to jump in. Thanks for the good idea Keith!

Time to place one of Amanda's rocks, reflect and pray

Looking for a spot

Posing next to the waterfall and feeling its power

I think I see a spot over here that's perfect

How about here

In it goes and emotions are soaring

Here your rock stays my love

Perfect 

Thank you Keith for being an amazing and adventurous friend

Thank you all for your love and support!

Thank you Lord for the Holy Spirit that fills my heart and soul! 

Thank you Amanda for this gift. Loving you always!

Proverbs 3:5-6  (NIV)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NIV) 
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

I Almost Forgot 

I almost forgot to mention one of my favorite moments. After seeing Oneonta Falls, Keith and I were feeling inspired to do more, so we drove to Horsetail Falls which is right off of the Historic Columbia River Highway. If you are wondering, yes we went swimming! Then we got back to the car and drove to Multnomah Falls which is off Highway 84 and is a major tourist attraction. Here we thought we would attempt swimming as well, but come to find out they have signs all over saying "no foot traffic beyond this point" and "you could be fined for crossing the fence". After many looks from people who probably haven't seen men in wet suits walking and exploring waterfalls in the middle of December, we decided it was best to walk back to the entry and just swim in the river. People were intrigued by our action and soon there were 20 people watching, taking pictures and asking questions.

My favorite part was a little girl who came up to us with curious eyes and a slight stutter and asked "Is this what you guys do for work"? We chuckle, wishing it was our work, and asked her if she was an Oregonian which she replied by nodding yes. Then I said "Well, part of being an Oregonian is you have the opportunity to explore amazing places in our state. All you have to do is start collecting the gear you need and you can go on adventures, explore and have fun just like us". We left seeing a big smile of wonder and glow from the little girl. Her curiosity was very cute and I hope we inspired her, because she inspired me as well. My heart is still swelling with joy seeing her curious eyes and big smile.

7 Wonders of Oregon

http://traveloregon.com/7wonders/

Oneonta Gorge and Falls info

http://www.nwhiker.com/CGNSAHike53.html

Better Pictures of Oneonta Falls

https://www.google.com/search?q=oneonta+falls+oregon

#traveloregon

#7wondersoforegon

#sevenwondersoforegon

#amandanbahler

#amandanbahlerblogspot

#oneontafalls

#columbiarivergorge

7 Wonders - Smith Rock (by Ryan Bahler)

One of Amanda's wishes was for me to visit one of the 7 Wonders of Oregon once a month. She asked that I would visit, reflect on specific verses, and pray. When I became aware of her wish, I was touched and honored. I still am to this day, because i'm realizing all her hidden messages in what this adventure means to us, to her and most of all, our Lord. 

If you wonder what those messages are, then I ask you to ask me some time, in person or by a phone call, and I would gladly share. I say this because there is an abundant amount of words and emotion that go into sharing the meanings behind this gift. I'm sure you understand.

Before I left I went to Lane Forrest Products to collect 8 rock tablets and had them engraved at Laser Image. It took a while but I finally found the perfect rocks, design, and words to put on the stones. Seven of the stones will go to the 7 Wonders of Oregon, then the last stone will go to mine and Amanda's favorite camping spot at Blue River where I will spread her ashes.

Yesterday I climbed Smith Rock up Misery Ridge with the puppies. It was an amazing, emotional and blessed adventure. I felt like I was visiting her as I found a resting place for one of the Memorial Rocks. 

Thank you Corey and Justin for coming and supporting me on this adventure! Thank you all for your love and support! Thank you Amanda for this gift! Thank you Lord for all that you are!

Below you will see pictures and blurbs of the trip:

Smith Rock

You can visit Amanda's Memorial Rock at the end of Misery Ridge Trail. Closest to MonkeyFace under the ledge.

 Misery Ridge Trail

My brother Corey and friend Justin   

Monkey Face Rock. Do you see it? 

People climbing Monkey Face

The view 

Then we found this overhang with Monkey face in the background 

Getting ready to find a spot

Looks cool, but not here 

Maybe here?

Maybe I should climb around and find a better spot

 

Perfect!

In a great spot!

I laid down, enjoyed the view, scripture and prayer. (see scripture at the bottom)

This spot is dedicated to my love! 

My view to the left

in the middle

and to the right.

On the edge here,

here,

and here.

Our dog Mile's made it up to the top well, but Bryher doesn't like heights, so he stayed off the ledge.

Group pic. 

I love you Beautiful!!! 

Proverbs 3:5-6  (NIV)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NIV) 
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

7 Wonders of Oregon 

http://traveloregon.com/7wonders/

Misery Ridge Trail @ Smith Rock info 

http://www.nwhiker.com/SmithRockHike.html

#traveloregon

#7wondersoforegon

#sevenwondersoforegon

#amandanbahler

#amandanbahlerblogspot

Amanda's Eye's...(by Ryan Bahler)

Amanda's Eye's

Amanda's eye's are something I will never forget. They are a brilliant blue, intricate, and beautiful. Her eye's were the type that drew you in with her glowing happiness, kindness and approach-ability. I could always see through her with those eyes, each moment and each mood told a story and she couldn't hide it. Her eye's were the open book to her heart and soul. I am thankful for this, because it gave me more of an opportunity to see who she was, what she was "really" feeling, and what she needed from me.

Moments before Amanda passed away she opened her eyes one last time. This came to a shock of joy to Amanda's Family and I, because the last few hours were very difficult for us all as we heard her breathing become more difficult as time went on. Unfortunately the doctors couldn't do anything to help, but they ensured us that with the medications she was on, that she couldn't feel the pain. 

As her eyes opened, we all looked right back at her, with her beautiful eye's glowing we all were comforting her and saying "it's okay Amanda, go to Jesus. We Love You!" Then her eyes widened, as if she was in awe, and she started looking past all of us like she could see the doors of heaven opening up to let her in. It was beautiful, and I knew this was it, so I place my hand on her heart, drew closer to her and told her I loved her one last time. Just then with my hand on her heart, I felt her last heart beat... I fell to my knees, laid my head on her chest, and my heart felt like it exploded in unimaginable pain as Amanda's family and I exploded in tears and weeping. 

As you can imagine this is very hard to write about, but there is some more to this, something very special, something of a miracle.

Moments after getting home and still weeping, I get a phone call from a gentlemen at the hospital, who was sincerely giving his condolences and then went on saying that Amanda registered as an organ donor when she got her Oregon Drivers License. He then informed me that the one organ they can they could use for other patients is her eyes. Of course I am in shock and trying to process what he is telling me and he needs a decision ASAP, because they only have so much time in which they can do the procedure. Take in mind that Amanda and I forgot to talk about it and she didn't put it in her will, but I took a deep breath and thought to myself. What would Amanda want? Knowing her, the more she can give to help others, the better, so I gave them permission to go ahead with the procedure. 

Days later I got this letter from LIONS VISION GIFT that touched the hearts of Amanda's family and I: 

"The Remembering Heart"

A couple weeks go by and I received one more letter informing us that Amanda's donation of her eye's did result in two corneal transplants, and two individuals who were blind have an opportunity to regain their sight.

Amanda's family and I are over joyed that she continues to give to this world, through her eye's, her blog, through Camp Agape, and all the great friends and family that are bless with beautiful memories of her. Amanda's sister Jill said it best, "Here on earth Amanda often "gave sight to the spiritually blind" and as now, she's giving sight to the physically blind. Her story just won't let up!"

We Love You Amanda! We all miss you dearly, but knowing you are shining brightly up in heaven gives us comfort in our Lords promise. Thank you Jesus for giving us the time we had with Amanda, and how you shinned through her was evident. I pray we all can see His bright light and follow in His steps, in order to show others The Lords glory.

Look at those eye's...So beautiful!!!

Camp Agape was so amazing this year! Every day it felt like I was going to see Amanda, but I could feel her presence and see her fingerprints everywhere. The kids were amazing leaving with big smiles and telling stories about Jesus and the fun time they had. On the last night they ask for me to go on stage and they presented this beautiful plaque of Amanda. I was able to share with all the kid Proverbs 3:5-6 and what it meant to me and hopefully that they can apply it to there lives as well. 

In spirit of Duck Football season, here's a great picture of Amanda and I putting our mean faces on. 

Go Ducks!!!