We’re currently on our way to Brookings, Oregon. Our route will take us along California’s famous Highway 1, where we’ll be treated to breathtaking views—the stunning coastline, majestic redwood forests, and something surprising—autumn colors. When we began planning our trip, we never imagined that we would be embracing fall on a West Coast leaf tour. All we need now is a little luck, and we’ll soon be taking in all those splendid colors.
The Colors of Fall
As the crisp air of fall begins to settle in, I can’t help but pause and reflect on the beauty of this season. Fall isn’t just about the vibrant shades of orange and gold; it’s a time for cozy gatherings, introspection, and savoring those little moments that bring us joy. For us, 2025 has been a difficult year and so we feel like this trip is a chance to slow down, embrace the magic of autumn, and nurture our well-being by appreciating the beauty of nature.
We planned this road trip focused on Highway 1 and the rugged western coastline. In Brookings, we expected colorful sunsets and cool days. What we didn’t expect was a man-made leaf-peeper’s dream called Azaelea Park.
The Story Behind Azalea Park
In 1937, William and Milly Crissey discovered a forgotten area overgrown with wild azaleas. Thanks to their foresight and that of others in the community, that overgrown area eventually became Azalea Park. They rallied support to preserve the beautiful site, securing 26 acres from the Brookings Land and Townsite Company, which later expanded to 37 acres.
Despite initial success, the park fell into disrepair over the years. In 1993, it was handed over to the City of Brookings, where dedicated citizens, mainly seniors, worked tirelessly to restore the native azaleas and clean up the site. Their grassroots efforts culminated in the creation of a three-acre community garden, now a vibrant destination filled with flowers, ornamental trees, and accessible pathways. Although this is a man-made park and the fall colors are more planned than an act of nature, it still makes a perfect way to kick off the Oregon leg of our trip.
Final Thoughts and Looking Ahead
Brookings has plenty to offer, and we’ve got three days there, so we’re going to check out a sunset, see if we can do a little leaf peeping at Azalea Park, and enjoy the coastal ambience. Next week, we’re going way north to a place I’ve heard about and that sparked my curiosity—Digby Island. We’ll dive into what makes this small British Columbia island special. See you next week!
If you enjoyed this week’s Friday Morning Post, please leave a comment with your time on the puzzle. I’d also love to hear your thoughts on the post! Thanks for being here!
See all my Friday Morning Posts here. If you missed last week’s post, you can use this link to view Fall Leaf Tour: Nature’s Kaleidoscope.
4:47, such pretty colors!
6:05 for me, love the flowers!
Beautiful picture. My time was 8:36.
7:18 A very lovely puzzle. Thanks for sharing
My time today was 4:50. I love azaleas! Hope you’re enjoying your trip.
12.55 lots of colors!
7:33 much faster today than last week. Thank you and enjoy your trip.
5:55 for me this morning, pretty!