SEASIDE, Ore. — There’s only one thing better than finding an outdoor adventure and that’s sharing what you’ve found with someone else. Two Washington County women recently found outdoor adventure and more along a trail to one of the highest points in the Oregon Coast Range , one that leads hikers "High on the Saddle.
" Elecia Beebe says that “the doing of the thing,” brings her the greatest joy in life: “I was raised by artist and photographer parents, so I think my art is all genetic!” On a fine summer morning, with a mountain by her side, Beebe finds a heartfelt joy along a trail that tests her talents. “You never really see something until you do something like draw it or study what’s going on with it," Beebe said. "I pretty much know where I’m going and start drawing it lightly in pencil and usually the sky is first, and I go from there.
” Elecia and her good friend, neighbor and author Bonnie Shumaker, go to Saddle Mountain Trail often. It’s a day hike that’s about as good as it gets. Recently, the duo teamed up for something even better! Their book is titled “High in the Saddle.
” Elecia provided the artwork and Bonnie wrote the text. It was their opportunity to share their passion for the Oregon outdoors. “We did the hike together to get it started,” said Bonnie, a retired kindergarten teacher.
“I took photographs of the different areas as we went up the trail so I could write about them, and I shared them with Elecia for reference t.