Silverton and Salem

We decided to tour around and check out the surrounding areas.  Mainly because driving home from Tillamook, we saw a sign telling of the Frank Lloyd Wright Gordon House.  So we went to check that out.  Unfortunately for us, you have to have tour reservations, and they never returned our phone call, so we had to limit our tour to the outside.  Still really cool to see.  

Gordon House was moved from its original location because it was sold to people more interested in the land than the house and a group purchased the house and moved it to maintain a Frank Lloyd Wright house.  NS was taken with the idea of becoming an architect.  Since we couldn't take an inside tour of the house, we moved on to the next thing at the same site--The Oregon Garden.  80 acres of botanical gardens and teaching areas.         On our way home, we drove through Silverton and were talking about how Silverton was founded and what the purpose of the town originally was.  As we were driving, we spotted the visitor center and popped in to chat.  The best thing that came out of that was the Marquam Hill Ranch, where they raise alpacas! We were told at the visitor center that they were open until 5, which was perfect, since it was about quarter to 4.  ALWAYS call first!!!  Bill called, and they really close at 4, but Jennifer let us come on in for a tour and an amazing education about alpacas.  What a splendid trip!!!!  

Babies were born just a few weeks ago.  They were adorable!            

J was absolutely taken with the alpaca.  It was a fantastic day for us.