Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, Baker City

I just don't know where to start when it comes to telling you about Baker City Oregon. First, its right on the Oregon Trail so lots of history in the area. We stopped at the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center which is about 10 minutes out of town and it was awesome. It told the history of the trail mostly in the actual words of the pioneers themselves. They had wagon train displays, Native American displays, etc. Its right off I84 so if you are ever out that way, you need to stop. There is a fee, but for those of us who are lucky enough to have Golden Age passes, its free.

Joseph City Oregon

Joseph was probably our favorite of the little towns we visited. Nestled very close to the Idaho border in a small valley, Joseph has become a large artist colony that particularly deals with bronzes. The lady above is one of our favorites.

I gotta tell you about the motel that we stayed at. When we checked in the man gave us keys but told us that they never lock anything and when we leave just leave the door open. Then when I went to check out the coffee pot, I found not only coffee, but cocoa, microwave popcorn, lots of flavors of tea and on the deck outside there was a barbeque for us to use, a table with umbrella and our own little deck. What a great spot. The place was the most expensive of all, but we all enjoyed our stay.

Train ride through the wilderness

Thursday morning we got up early and drove to the small, quaint little town of Elgin to board the Eagle Cap Railroad for a 4-hour tour of Northern Oregon's Eagle Cap Wilderness. The train, run by volunteers, was full, but we found seats together and really had a great time. The railroad followed the Grand Ronde River for most of the trip and while everyone else saw bear and turkeys and eagles, my claim to fame was seeing one lone white tail deer. Oh well, it was a fun trip and I would love to do it again in the winter.

From Elgin we continued east to the small town of Joseph. What a great little town. If I ever descide to run away thats where you'll find me.

Travel Day, Condon to La Grande (Hardman)

Wednesday was a travel day, Condon to Heppner (with a side trip to Hardman) Heppner north to Lexington and then to Hwy 84 to Pendleton and finally spending the night in La Grande.
Hardman is listed as a ghost town but there were some very alive residents and we were lucky enough to meet Charlotte, a long time resident who actually had a key to the Community Center/museum and she let us in and gave us the nickle tour. There was a small typewritten story about the area which I found interesting enough to take a picture. I won't quote it all, but it is fun to read.
Sometime around 1870 a man, whose name cannot be recalled by the old-timers, stopped for the night beside a spring in the hills. Looking around him at the rolling hills leverling off to plateaus covered with bunch grass and sage bush, he must have envisioned the rolling wheat fields and peacefully grazing cattle which were to come, because he stayed. He stared Hardmans first settlement, building a cabin and barn and raising a garden here. Later he started a dairy and made cheese to sell.
Around 1879 two towns started, one about one and one half miles from Hardmanand one where Hardman now stands. One was called Yellow Dog and the other Raw Dog. Great rivalry ensued between them. Later by order of the courts, the Dog Towns were consolidated into Dairyville, but were still commenly called Dog Town by the settlers.
As one old-timer put it, "The towns first boss was William Royse. He operated the first hotel. One old timer tells the story that when the meal was ready, the Mr Royce would ring loudly the three-cornered dinner bell. He also had 5 or 6 hounds who howled loudly whenever the dinner gong sounded. One one occasion a drummer yelled at these hounds, "Shut up, you so and so's, you don't have to eat it."

Fossil, Oregon

The road to Fossil was easy and wonderful compared to our last one that still has me shuttering when I think about it. Fossil was named after the John Day Fossil Beds in the area and it had quiet a fasinating history. Unfortunatedly, the Museum had a sign that it was closed for the winter (It's mid September in the rest of the world) so we were unable to visit, but the town still had a lot going for it. The museum was in the first Masonic Building.
The county building with its blue tower was built in 1901 and there was also an old sheepherders wagon (original RV?) and one-room school house. (I ordered DSL and will post some pictures after I get it. Dial-up is just to slow)I can't tell you about the blue tower, but its colorful if nothing else.

Lonerock, Oregon

Our plan was to explore the Condon area and that included a little town that I read about in the Oregon Travel magazine called Lonerock. I knew there was an old church and a jail but they didn't tell us about the road in. Oh my, you all know that I have a "thing" about heights and suddenly I find myself on a dirt road looking straight down into this beautiful but terrifying valley below? Am I going to slide on the gravel to my doom? Am I going to meet an eighteen-wheeler who will want to pass? Is this going to be the end of me? Roy offers to drive, but that would be worse as I wouldn't be in control. Well I had no choice cause I certainly wasn't going to turn around up there with narry a guard rail in site and so, I inched my way down and at the bottom reminded myself to breath. I'd made it! The only problem was, I had to go back the same way I came and the thought was making me nauseous.

So was the little town of Lonerock worth the drive, well won't be doing it again any time soon but it was a cute little town. We talked to one of the residents and he said that Condon was the closest town (20 miles up that road)and so when one of the residents went they checked with everyone to see if they needed anything. Imagine living is a small town like that.

The lone rock was a huge, maybe 20 foot high, boulder behind the Community Church and not impressive enough to name a town after if you ask me. The church had a two-holer, still being used, behind it, and the jail, well it was a shed size building with bars on the one window. I don't think it held many folks cause even in its hayday, there wasn't much in Lonerock, particularly criminals.

Okay so I drag out the map and it looks as if there are three roads out. Just maybe I can take the one south as we are headed south to Fossil anyway. So we try it and the further we drive, the smaller the road gets and finally we turned around as it was looking something like a cart track. We tried another as it forked off to the left, but it ended in a farmers field. There was one other alternative, but it went east and would take us way out of the way, so gritting my teeth, I headed back up the road, again praying that I wouldn't meet anyone else cause I would now be on the outside edge and nothing in this world would make me move close to it.

Obviously, I made it, going up hill isn't as bad as comeing down, but from that day forward, I asked about the roads we travelled and eyed the map very carefully.

Day 2

Photobucket Album

Day Two

We've gone from the ocean, over the mountains and as you can see from the picture, miles of nothing buy rolling hills.

I got ta tell you, lunch at Grand Lodge started a trend as at every town we are finding Masonic symbols in just about every town.

Our day started with a big breakfast at Black Bear Restaurant. Even their senior menu has big portions and more than any of us could eat.

Traffic in Portland was tough, even after 0900 but we found our way to the Historic Columbia River Hwy from Troutdale and for the next 20 or so miles we enjoyed the scenic and beautiful drive.

There are some must stops and the first was the view from the Portlands Women's Fourm, (frist shot) It was even better than from Vista House, a mile further on. We also stopped at 3 falls, Latourell, Bridal Veil and Multnomah before we returned to I 84.

Forest slowly turned to rolling hills, devoid of trees completely. We stopped at The Dalles for gas and passing turn town we found the Masonic Hall

From I84 we turned off at Hwy 206 and stopped and took a picture of this old church built in the late 1800s and last used in 1914. It was sad to see it rotting away. Stopping at Wasco to ask about the church, I pulled around the corner and parked right in front of the second masonic building.

Condon was our last stop. We came over the hill and there was this patch of green. George couldn't believe it was our destination as it looked like a dot, but it was .

First Day

Can we pick em, the weather was not only glorious, it was spectacular as we headed out today, and the weatherman promises more of the same for most of the week. Our trip to Portland was without incident and George was waiting for us in his driveway when we arrived. After hugs and a few minutes of chats, a quick tour of his garden, we headed to "Grand Lodge" for lunch.

True to Georges prediction, Roy enjoy looking at and touring the old building and we all enjoyed the hamburgers. While Roy explored, I waited in the car and played with the GPS system. Hum, the town of Tillamock was just 39 miles west and the Tillamock Cheese Factory with its awesome ice cream was just the dessert we needed. It took nothing to convince the men and shortly we were off.

Hwy 6 goes from quaint farms, then up and through the Tillimock National Forest and then down to the ocean. After enjoying our 2 scoops, we drove out to Camp Mears Lighthouse and checked it out. George pointed out that last summer we went to the tallest lighthouse in Washington and this one surely is the squatiest.

Good Morning USA

It's very early on Saturday morning, hubby is still in bed and only a hint of light is reflected in the morning sky. I don't know why I am up so early, excitement maybe as tomorrow we start on a small, but great adventure and I have lots to do.
I checked my list for the 10th time and wondered if the car will hold everything. Do I really need all this stuff!!. We're only going for just over a week and surely the weather will cooperate. Or will it, it's September and you just never know, so I'm tossing in a jacket and an umbrella just in case.
We're taking the car, mostly because our friend George is coming with us and motels just seemed to be a better idea. We're also taking ice chests and food and do a lot of picnicking as some of our destinations are what one might describe as wilderness, rural, middle of no-where. Just in case I'm packing a lot of emergency gear also as we will be hiking in the wilds and exploring old ghost towns and well you just never know (Hey! I watch Survivorman!!!)
So here is the plan if you want to follow along.
Day One: We are going to Beaverton to pick up George who found a new restaurant in an old Masonic Temple. Hubby should enjoy that and George said it will add to our quest; finding the best Oregon hamburger. We'll spend the night and then get an early start on Monday.
Day Two: While we are heading east, we decided to bypass as much of the freeway as we can (I84) and take the very scenic Historic Columbia Byway, Hwy 30. (Very scenic, very narrow and switchback'ie) There are lots of 'view points, photo ops and I understand lots of waterfalls, Multnomah being the most famous (Add to list, more film for camera)
Then a drive thru of The Dalles. I am not sure why but they have a walking tour of town and some old historic homes that are well worth seeing. We'll continue east for a bit more on the freeway and then at mile 97 we will start our southeastward trek on Hwy 206 to the small town of Condon, OR.
Hey Condon has a claim of fame, a turn-of-the-century hotel (aptly named Hotel Condon) and the one and only annex of Portlands famous Powells Book Store. Also it is said you can buy a great old fashioned soda there. We'll be staying at the not so famous Motel Condon for the next couple of nights.
Tuesday is going to be a real adventure. We are going to a ghost town called Lonerock. Lonerock has a church, a jail, and a lone rock. People still live there so I am not sure why its called a ghost town, but Ill let you know. From Lonerock we are going to the John Day Fossil Beds, Clarno Unit for some geological lessons. The pictures I have seen are spectacular and the hikes are all under a half mile. Afterward we'll return to Condon and maybe treat ourselves to another soda.
Day three is going to be a travel day, Condon to Hardeman, another ghost town and this time I understand its a real ghost town, to Heppner that shows it's heritage with a great big shamrock in the middle of town. Unity is our lunch stop, its mid-point of the Blue Mountain Scenic Hwy and then we'll overnight in LaGrande.
The whole point of our trip was to go on a train ride thru the Eagle Cap Wilderness area. It starts in a small town just east of La Grande called Elgin and for 4 hours we will wander through the wilds. I understand they are going to feed us lunch. It sounds like fun, but we are going to continue to the town of Joseph for the night.
Friday we are going to Baker City and Saturday we are going to kinda play it by ear as there is so much to see and do in the area, we are rather overloaded with ideas. Whatever we do should be fun, but we think we will check with the locals for ideas.
Sunday we are heading west again. Hwy 26 passes through two more areas of John Day and each has something great to offer. Night will find us in Prineville and the on Monday we are going to head back to Portland.
Now, lets see how close we come to following our itinerary.

Solo'ing

Took and survived my first solo RV trip and while I had a great time, I don't think Ill do it often as there is just something comforting about having a 'co-piolet' along.
The RV was in the garage right up to the day I was suppose to go depart, delaying me by a full day. To save time, I loaded up the car with all I'd need on the trip and then just transferred it to the rig. Big mistake, I should have brought it home as when I got to the campground, I found the water tank was only a quarter full and well, I won't even try to describe what the refrigerator looked like after 3 weeks of being unplugged..
I was meeting friends at the campground, so it really wasn't a solo event, but the drive up was awesome. I went over Hwy 90 to Cle Elem and then over Blewett Pass to Levenworth and then the camp is about 10 miles beyond town. I thought it was a couple of miles from town, so when it didn't magically appear, I started to get panicky. I kept telling myself the next brown (National Forest Service) sign I would pull in an ask where Tillicum Campground is. Lucky for me, Tumwater Campground appeared and I didn't have to embarrass myself by asking for the wrong place.
Tumwater Campground is a real jewel in the National Forest system of campgrounds as only the Federal government can afford to space out the sites so that you feel as if your alone in the wilderness. Set in the confluence of the Wenachee River, Chiwaukum Creek and Hwy 2, each sites backs up one or the other. Our site wasn't the best as we wanted to be together but we shared a large area and were out of the way of other campers. Since it is dry, all I had to do was make sure the propane was on the refrigerator and since it had never been lit before, it took some doing, but finally I heard it click on and while it took some time to get cold and I worried about the large steak I bought, it was working. Meanwhile, I noticed that I really needed water and there was no place at all to fill up the tank. It has water but the faucets didn't have treads on them so I couldn't attach a hose. I didn't worry about it cause I was sure I had enough to wash and since the park had flush toilets, I would just use that.
That was Friday, Saturday we decided to head into town an we stopped at Heidleburger for a hamburger. Oh yummmmm, I got a mushroom burger and a huge order of curly fries. I really recommend this cool little place if you need a decent burger for a fair price. Next we went out wine tasting and while the place was pretty, a rustic log cabin, the wine was not to my liking.
Levenworth is a great tourist town, done like a little Swiss village and its fun to visit.
Sunday morning we headed west to a great restaurant we heard about. The service was slow, but worth the wait.
Monday I headed home and cheated as when I got home, I conned Roy into coming with me to dump. LOL So I really didn't have much to do at all. Now I am still cleaning the refrigerator in bleach water and hoping to get it back to its sparkle.

Pleasant Surprize

Last night I had a call from Japan. My travelin' buddy Sallie called and I'll be we talked the good part of an hour. (Japan's phone companies charge about 4 cents a minute so she can afford to call the US. I can't even call Seattle for 4 cents a minute. I think we are getting ripped off) Anyway, she said Nick and Fumie, Bev and Berry and she had gone to see a professional Japanese baseball game in Hiroshima and said they had a great time. I remember when she took me to the games and it was just about kicking and screaming cause I am not a fan of baseball unless its sand lot soft ball and my daughter is playing first base. But I had a ball and I guess Bev and Berry also enjoyed themselves. First of all, the fans are exceedingly polite and they take turns cheering for their team. First the one side gets up with their flags and drums and banners and they cheer for about a half hour and then the other side does the same.
Okay you can soon get bored with that, but then the 7th inning starts and your looking around cause suddenly you see a balloon in a fans hands. Not one of those round balloon. but a balloon about 3 foot long. Then someone else has a one and then you notice that everyone in the park is blowing up these balloons and its a sea of color. Then on cue, they are all released into the air sounding like one big fart. LOL
http://www.gonomad.com/japannomads/2007/06/baseball-in-japan.html Here's a blog about the same thing. LOL, with pictures even

Enter at your own risk, lots of rambling goin on

I love blogs and read a lot of them. I told you about the lady RVer who I read a lot. Also there is George. George has a RV and he travels 30 or so miles a day, parks where he can for free and has seen most of the western US and Mexico. I enjoy reading "George" but lately its become a little repetitive. http://vagabonders-supreme.blogspot.com/ so I only check in once in awhile. I love Horses' Ass, a political, left wing blog but its mostly Washington State politics so you probably won't be interested. Then theirs Jamies stuff. I would give my eye teeth to beable to write like that lady. I would give you her link, but you'll have to ask and Ill email it to you privately. She's sidesplitting funny, or stone serious, but I love both sides of her.
So where is this going. Oh yeah I remember. So you can absolutely find anything on the internet and you have to take all of it with an understanding the folks don't have to tell the truth, like Fox News, you need to make a point, make something up. Or like that Savage Nation guy. Roy actually listens to him and a couple weeks ago when the Chief Justice got sick, Savage blamed the liberals for causing his seisure. That man is a sicko.

Speaking of Sicko, the movie. I went to see it and I really enjoyed it. If your a conservative and don't like Michael Moore, see it anyway. Its not like Farenheit 9-11 at all. Its not conservative bashing, its just asking why all other nations have great medical care for their folks, all their folks including the poor. Did you see the study that came out this week about the life expectancy in the US. 48 countries have higher life expectancys than we do, including Cuba, Tiawan and most of Europe have better health care. Its a shame,

Lets kick the bums out and elect anyone else.

I just finished reading this great blog written by a single lady full-time RVer and she was talking about how most women are the co-piolets who help back the rig up and read the maps. She is right. In our circle of friends, the guys do the driving and the gals enjoy the scenery.

Personally, I love to drive and in our family it's just easier for me to drive since I usually know the way to go, where to go and since Roy rarely wears his hearing aids and can't hear my directions , its worked out best for the both of us.

Now, I have to say that it was Roy who taught me to drive something 30 foot long. He explained the wide corner thing and the "straighten out the road" thing and it's a comfort to have him in my rearview mirror when backing up. Also it's his job to hook up the utilities and SEWER and I certainly don't complain about that.

Would I like to do the single thing? End of this month I am going camping with our friends and Roy can't come, so I decided I would go it alone. I think I can figure out the sewer thing, one hose, one hole, stick A into B. I know that I can do the electricity thing cause I usually have to go behind him and turn the switch to the "on" position, he usually forgets and I don't think the campground has TV or Cable so that won't be a problem. But the backing up thing... Maybe I can find someone to guide me in or find a pull through. Maybe I'll find a big empty parking lot and some orange cones and practice a bit before I go.

There seems to be a lot of different styles to RVers and the more I travel, the more differences we notice. The full-timers must be at the top of the list. They live and love, travel and work in their up to 40 footer. Some workcamp, some have jobs that only require internet connections and some are just lucky like us and are retired. Lots of full timers stop after a few years as health or children or just living on solid ground again draws them back. I spoke with a lady at the pool just recently who sold their home on wheels after 5 years on the road, She missed her piano and thats why they quit.

Then there are the snowbirds and their counterparts the sunbirds. The snowbirds geneally live in the north and when the leaves start to turn, they pack up their motorhomes for some warm weather living. The sunbirds (I think I coined that) live in the warm south, and come out during summers and then go and hunker down at home in the winter. Both are like part-time full timers.

The episotic traveler, like Roy and I, come in all sorts. Roy and I like to just set a compass point and head that way, checking out all the sites along the way. Other RVers find a campground they like, and go spend a week or weekend there when they can. That appeals to be also

Recently we joined the Nomads, a group of RVers who meet once a month and spend the weekend camping at one site or another. We dry camped at Cle Elem, we spent a great weekend by the lake at Tanwax and our next trip is going to be in the mountains west of Levenworth. We eat together and play together and have a great time. I think I am going to drag out the Dutch Oven and see if I can find any great recipes.

So, plans for the future. In September we're going to northeast Oregon and spend a week or so over there. George, our buddy and friend is coming with us and I know we will have a great time. There is just about something for everyone. For the History Buff in me, we are going to see the Oregon Trail. Do you know that there are places where you can still actually see the wagonwheel ruts in the ground. We are going to take an antique train thru Hells Canyon wilderness. We're going to explore John Day Fossil Beds and walk thru a couple ghost towns. All in all, its going to be a great time and I am so looking forward to it.

Do you know I was like 10 when I last saw the Grand Canyon and so I think Roy and I are going to just "do" National Parks next year, starting with the Grand Lady and ending at Glacier. I know its going to be fun.

Well that trip note kinna died

From Yakima we headed to the Tri Cities area and spent a few days so Roy could do Grand Lodge and when it was over, we headed north through some of Washington's most beautiful countryside, ending at Grand Coulee Dam. That was an amazing experience. We toured the dam and then spent the night in a parking lot, (with permission from the locals) so we could watch the laser show. (I'm glad we didn't have to pay to see that cause while it was okay, I was pretty bored with the whole thing in about the first 10 minutes)
So our trip was great and now we are off to another adventure.

Yakima

Cherries and Asparagus are in season so we bought both at a small fruitstand and then found gas at Safeway for 3.06. Thats a bargain!!!

Always ask the locals

Roy and I decided to keep heading east and one of our camping buddies told us that if we go to Yakima, to take Hwy 821 instead of the Interstate (I82) The road twists and turns and the speed limit is only about 45 mph but what a beautiful trip it was. We followed the Yakima River for about 25 miles and it was just a spectacular trip.
Spent the night at the Yakima KOA and its pretty, our camp is right on the river and from our door we watch the ducks, turtles and even a few fish swim right by us. Having this site means we don't get Cable but who wants to watch TV when you have this beautiful site to watch. (Besides I am reading Richard Proenneke's More Readings from One Man's Wilderness. You might have seen One Man's Wilderness on PBS about him building his log cabin in Alaska. This book isn't as good, but I am enjoying it. )
We'll probably stay tomorrow also and then head to Tri Cities.

Sing it Willy

On the road again
Just can't wait to get on the road again
The life I love is makin' music with my friends
And I can't wait to get on the road again

On the road again
Goin' places that I've never been
Seein' things that I may never see again,
And I can't wait to get on the road again.

On the road again
Like a band of gypsies we go down the highway
We're the best of friends
Insisting that the world be turnin' our way
And our way
Is on the road again
Just can't wait to get on the road again
The life I love is makin' music with my friends
And I can't wait to get on the road again
On the road again

Like a band of gypsies we go down the highway
We're the best of friends
Insisting that the world be turnin' our way
And our wayIs on the road again

Just can't wait to get on the road again
The life I love is makin' music with my friends
And I can't wait to get on the road again
And I can't wait to get on the road again

This was a spur of the moment trip. Some friends invitied us camping and neither Roy nor I had to think about it very long. They were going to dry camp at Teanaway Campground near Cle Elum, WA and it would be a perfect shake down cruise for our new RV.
(I didn't mention that we bought another Motorhome about two weeks after returning from our last trip. This is a newer Class C, Tioga and we love it. )
Directions in hand, we left home about 11am and topped off the tanks, both gas and propane and headed for I 90 and the Snoqualmie Pass. Passed Cle Elum, we headed north for a couple miles and then west for a few more and found this huge free campground right on the Teanaway River. There were about 6 RVs already there and we made number 7. (Eight and nine came later) Teanaway Campground is absolutely free, all that they ask is that you pack out your trash and it was a very clean camp. We were the largest group there, but there were other campers spread around the place and yet we didn't feel at all crowded. There could have been a dozen more trailers and we wouldn't have noticed.
There was a family of chipmunks, well Mom and two tiny ones (sex unknown) who darted around our feet and ate anything we dropped. They were use to humans as they showed no fear at all but they were about the only wildlife we saw. The camp is under towering Ponderosa Pines and they were sheading their cones so the ground was littered with them. The river is pretty small but fast flowing and clean. I used it for coffee water the first day and it was delicious.

We stayed until Monday morning and then we all broke camp and headed off in different directions. We had such a great time, we decided to meet again next month and do it all over again.

Last leg of our journey

This is the Snake River the northeastern corner of Oregon - and while not our last night out, we were close to home and feeling the pull. Those clouds, full of rain are - guess where - in the west toward Portland and even they looked inviting. Traveling through Nevada and Southern California, there becomes a point when your a tad bit desert weary and we could now enjoy the green.
From this point we headed northwest to Pendleton, where we spent Cinco de Mayo and finally headed home via Hwy 12. OMG, yet another mountain pass and this issue I have with heights has got to stop cause again I found myself hanging on the edge of the world, and not enjoying the view at all.
Now we are home and we were greeted by the most glorious weather that could be had in the northwest, mid 70ies, sunny, with that glorious view of Mt Rainier just out our window. The motor home needs a good scrubbing, the lawn is knee deep and at least two loads of wash await, but they can wait.
Now I need to think about going to Iraq again. The opportunity is there, and the money is good, but am I up to it.

Thanks for following our lastest adventure.

Carson City, Nevada

Unscheduled stop. We were very lucky and we found Carson Carburator and the great mechanic invited us to spend the night in his driveway so he could test the motor cold. We did, and the next morning he found nothing major wrong, but cleaned the injectors and we were on our way. Running like a champ.
But I was done with mountain driving, and so we changed our route and headed north on Hwy 95.

Convict Lake - Mammoth Lake, Calif

We left Red Rock Canyon early, continuing north on Hwy 395 past Bishop, Ca and found Convict Lake Campground. The lower picture was a picture of the creek that bubbled right past our campsite. It was wonderful. The weather was now cool as we were higher in the mountains but the sky was blue, blue and the sun sparkled on the water. The only problem was the wind came up and by nightfall it was really blowing hard and when we departed the next morning, it hadn't gotten any better.

The road also got worse. As we climbed into the Sierra Nevada's, the road twisted and turned, the wind bobbed us around like a cork on water, and big "Strong Wind" signs warned of what was to come. Also, when we started the RV at Convict, it started acting up again, so I was worried about that. We even hit 8000' elevation!!! This was not fun.

Red Rock Canyon - Cantil, Ca

This was a real find. Just off Hwy 14 in Calif was this amazing campground Red Rock Canyon. We spent the night and it took tons of pictures. At night, the sky was like a million tiny jewels the stars were so bright. Trails to hike, wildlife was awesome, it was just an amazing place and our last night in the desert.

Joshua Tree Natl Park

You know, Joshua Tree is like my spiritual home. I really love the area and we had a great time. I didn't know how much I missed the place until I went back and visited with MaryFran and Gary, and my old buddy Steve. I wish I could have seen Mara again and John, but now I know, I am going to return one of these days.
Starting to have car problems. I don't think the RV likes the heat. We broke down in Barstow and Cody at Barstow Automotive fixed us right up. You hear horror stories about getting ripped off, but we were so lucky, he really went out of his way to make sure the RV was running right.

Death Valley

This is about the best view of Death Valley. The weather was in the 90ies so it was hot, but it was beautiful. We stopped at Scotty's Castle and really enjoyed the tour. Unfortunately, the camera decided to go bad and so our picture taking was limited.

Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, Nevada

I have given up on days, I haven't a clue.
We stayed two nights in Pahrump so we could drive over to Ash Meadows and Death Valley. Ash Meadows is a great place to visit, right in the middle of this arid desert we found this great little place, and we had it mostly to ourselves. The reason was because it was an 8 mile washboard dirt road into the place and then we found we could have come in from another direction and would have only been three miles of dirt. The wildlife was amazing. A kingfisher showed off for us and lizards darted around us, ducks were everywhere and when we came to the pool (above) I would have gladly gone skinny dipping in it. It was just that blue and they call it fossil water because they believe that it went underground about 1000 years ago.
I would love to volunteer out there but Roy turned up his nose at the thought of summer in Nevada.

Tuesday

We haven't had enough of Hwy 95, besides from Mina, it's 95 or nothing. Tonapah was the next town and we needed gas. What do we see across from the gas station but yet another Hotel, built probably in the 1920s, empty and also for sale. If someone could come up with something to do with these beautiful old building that would make money, it would be great fun to restore them.

Speaking about old hotels, Remember the last one in Alturas. About 10 years ago, our son-in-law tried to buy it but someone had just purchased it. Isn't that wild.

Back to 95. Before and after Tonapah Roy was clicking the camera like crazy. The mountains, some still capped with snow were just amazing. I haven't down loaded them yet, but when I do, you will see how beautiful Nevada really is.

Stopped in Beatty for some homemade ice cream. It wasn't the best that I have had, but it sure tasted good. At about 4 we got into Pahrump, NV where we spent the night. Tomorrow, we are going to explore Ash Meadows and Death Valley

Monday, I think

Nevada, at least the western portion that we visited was awesome. They brag that Hwy 50 is the Lonesomest Road, but Hwy 95 south must come in a close second.
Lets see, we were in Fallon at the Naval Air Station. They train "top guns" there and there was a static display of jets that was really something to see, but the weather was cold, raining and miserable and reminded us of home, so we stayed inside and enjoyed the warm, and got our laundry done... for free. Can't beat that.

Monday, as we departed, the sun came out and the landscape turned from farms to desert in a matter of a mile or so. We laughed at the occasional "Wildlife Viewing" sign, because our sum total of wildlife has been was a deer in Oregon and a coyote in California. Hawks occasionally, if they count, but I sure wouldn't pull off the road for that. Every once in a while we would see a herd of cattle, but Roy doesn't believe they can be considered wildlife. To break up the monotony, a town would pop up, but they always seemed to be on the brink of extinction. Gas stations would be closed and windows boarded up, motels would have a hopeful "For Sale" sign fading in the sun. Walker Lake, like Pyramid had narry a tree. A ranger we spoke to speculated that cattle had probably denuded the area, but you would think one tree would have survived.

Then we came to Hawthorn, NV and Roy kepi saying that it looked, off in the distance like army bunkers. Sure enough, there was both an Army Depot and a Navy Underwater Warfare Training Department - now that's a stretch, the lake was miles in to the north.

Our stop for the night was in Mina, NV and talk about a ghost town, this little town was mostly empty, decaying buildings, dusty dirt roads, dying vegetation..... (see picture) but it had the most awesome little RV park, cheap, clean, WiFi, no TV but we have satellite, so that didn't matter.

We are at that point, we have been gone for a week and I have to really think about what day it is. The only time I think about the time is Roy is keeping a log and asks me when we arrived and when we departed. This is great living.

Pyramid Lake

Pyramid Lake is as blue as the sky. Actually this is the first blue sky, warm day that we have had. It didn't last, the very next two days, we were back in the rain and cold again.

Day 6

Well we didn’t get stick, it was actually a very foggy morning but the roads were dry so we continued south. Gas in California is running about $3.35 a gallon, so if we can make it, we are going to try to head for Nevada and fill up there.

Later
Found Pyramid Lake and as I had found nothing about any full service campgrounds in the area, when we stopped at the little store to get a dry camping permit, the lady told us the Marina had full hook ups. Another “happy accident” and it had everything except internet service and it was only $20 dollars a night. Heck, that is awesome….Pyramid lake is huge, and they were holding a fishing tournament while we were there so there were a few boats in the water. Across the lake is a small island which is a National Wildlife Area and protected as it’s a nesting area for the white pelican. We saw a few pelicans and tried to take their pictures. Will see how that turns out when we download the camera.

Day 5

La Pine is a nice State Park but very little to do, except visit the Big Tree. The sign said that it is the largest Ponderosa Pine in Oregon. 500 years old, 25000 board feet, but not so tall, as it looks as if it were topped at some point.
After the visit to the Big Tree, we hit the road, going southeast this time on Hwy 31, which is listed as a Scenic Highway. It was that. The first third, the road eased its way thru forested pines and then through a small section of sage brush, but then we came to an area around Silver Lake that was awesome. Towering mountains framed the picture and the quiet valley, just sprinkled with occasional cattle farms and dotted with “blink and you’ll miss them” towns. We hit squalls of snow but it mostly blew around and didn’t stick. Roy tried to take pictures….out the window, but it just doesn’t show how scenic this road was

I had planned to spend the night at Goose Lake State Park. The brochure said that it would be open mid April but while I do believe this is mid April, the park was closed for the season, so we continued. We turned on Hwy 395 and ‘happy accident’, we found an RV park in Alturas. By this time, the snow is really coming down and as we pulled in, others followed until the park was pretty much full. I called it a happy accident as we decided to walk downtown, and there was this old hotel for sale. I am talking over a 100 year hotel and peeking in the windows we just drooled. Inside someone had restored it to its 1900 standards. What we wouldn’t give for a tour! Roy found the advertisement for it, and the owner wants a cool million, two. It has two dinning rooms, one bar area, a game room, a lobby with gleaming hard wood floors and walls. There are a few rooms with attached baths, but most of the rooms don’t have baths and while I would love to buy it, I can’t see what can be done with it. It’s not a big town, but folks don’t stay in historical hotels when there is an internet friendly Best Western in the area. I could see making apartments out of the rooms, but that would ruin it. The only other thing, might be a huge Bed and Breakfast. There was really no parking in the area either, and I am sure the outside paint it led and that would cost a small fortune to remove, but I am certainly going to send the picture to my Betty and Paul so they can also drool.
The snow is really coming down now. We might get stuck here.

Original RV
I’m sitting here at La Pine State Park and the sun is out and the snow is just coming down. Since it isn’t sticking, we don’t really mind. I checked out the Nature Trail, but got cold so turned around and will try it again later.
Left Madras after a leisurely breakfast and stopped in Bend for gas. The tank was barely at ½ and we spent over $100.00. Makes one nauseous!!!! AND we hear that California is worse.
On the map, they have the High Desert Museum in red, so we decided to check it out and it was great. We spent hours going through it, seeing some wildlife, recreations of old settler’s homes and a steam powered saw mill. There were displays of both local and Plains Indians and some of the most amazing bead work I have ever seen. If you get a chance, stop by the High Desert Museum and spend the day, its well worth the $12 bucks admission charge.

17 April 07 Day 3

Got an early start and instead of getting back on the I-84 we took a little narrow country road to Hwy 97. Unfortunately, the camera wasn’t handy because we passed this old church that was crying to have its picture taken. It was probably a 100 years old and falling apart, but so quaint. Anyway, decided to come back one day before it’s gone for good.
Road Less Traveled, have you heard that before. I got this brilliant idea to take another country road off Hwy 97 to John Day. The further east we went, the narrower the road got, and the steeper the drop off got. Lucky there weren’t many cars because I was driving right down the center lane. It got to the point that I saw a place to turn around and I did. I will save John Day for another time when I am not in the motor home.
We stopped at Madras and bought the repellent and then found the KOA where we had reservations. It was nice, wide spaces, WIFI that worked and hot showers. While we were there, it rained, hailed and snowed, but we were snuggled in.

One last picture of Deschutes

I don't know if this was a barn or garage, but we found it on our hike.

16 April Deschutes State Recreation Area

Roy on Middle Trail
Spring flowers were beautiful
We decided that we would take the Horse Trail above the river as it is a wider (actually and old road) and less chance to get another friendly tick. It was a beautiful, mostly flat hike and at the end we found a little creek that was loaded with watercress. Oh yes I did, we had a great watercress sandwich for lunch and in our salad at dinner. Yummm.
(We found this strange looking plant called Indian Consumption Plant, thin narrow stalks with a round ball like flower at the end of each stalk. My book said that it tasted like celery so, ofcourse, I tasted it and it tasted like spicy celery, almost hot to the tongue...

Deschutes State Park

The old covered wagon greeted us at the entrance of our first night camp. According to the history of the area, this was part of the Oregon trail and they tell you that if you look across the river at sunrise or sunset, you can see the ruts in the road. I looked, but possibly you need to have a vivid imagination also. I saw no ruts

Yes, I forgot stuff. Propane being the most important. (Actually, thats Roy's job and HE forgot to check it) Glad we had electricity and the microwave warmed over our leftovers and made coffee.

We checked out the River Trail for about a mile and then returned on what they call the Middle Trail. While I was making dinner, I noticed a little tick was on my arm. Thank goodness it hadn't managed to burrow in. All I need at this age is Lyme Disease......

Note to self: Propane and Mosquito Repellant

Finally, Day One

I have an announcement. Its great to be retired. Today is our first day on a vacation that we have been looking forward to for months. First day and no stress at all, we didn't have to rush, Roy finished mowing the lawn while I went through the house making sure everything was packed, making sure the coffee pot was unplugged ( I did that about 10 times), making sure the lights were out (twice) and double checking to make sure we hadn't forgotten anything. (Didn't work, we did) It was a tad after 11 am, so we stopped at the first rest stop and had lunch.
I-5 to I 205 to I 84 was our route and I must say, I-84 in Oregon is beautiful. Multnomah Falls is only one of many along the route and we stopped and took tons of pictures from just about every angle and then wondered how much an ice cream would cost. Once we saw the line, we decided we really didn't need any, anyway.

And we're just about off

Tomorrow is the day and I am so excited. We are headed out as soon as Roy mows the lawn. Its either been raining or he has been busy so the lawn is about ankle deep. I would do it, but I have the RV to stock, clean, dump, and de-moss from the winter, not to mention a house to ready for un-occupancy. Notice - here I sit - on the computer doing nothing.
Our first stop is going to be Deschutes State Recreation Area and we are going to spend a couple nights there so we can explore the area. It looks like its got tons of hikes so expect lots of pictures.
Our next stop in Madras, Ore and I think they have WIFI so we can post our first entry. After that, we will be at a couple more Oregon state Parks, La Pine and Goose Lake. We are going to spend the weekend at Fallon Naval Air Station and restock, use the Laundromat, etc etc. From there, if the weather is okay and if the road is open, we are going to Berlin-Ichthyosaur SP. It's at the 7000 foot elevation area so it may still be very cold, but its and interesting park and we would hate to miss it.
From Berlin south, THERE HAD BETTER BE SOME WARM SUN. We are going to explore Death Valley, so I am hoping for warm also. What are the odds.
We should be at Twenty-Nine Palms the following weekend and looking forward to seeing our friends in the area and then heading home thru California and Oregon.
Hope we can post lots of pictures.

One week and counting

Do I look excited? I feel excited
In one week we will be on our our frist vacation of the year and I am really in frantic mode as I have lots to do, both at work and here at home before I can really be ready, if you know what I mean.
Will I remember everything? Thats my biggest fear, forgetting the Rx, the salt or, heaven forbid, a can opener. Its a big deal to get to your campsite, most of which are in the middle of no where, and back in and pull forward until your straight in and your still speaking to your spouse who was directing you and once that is all done, you notice that you forgot the meat you had planned on for dinner, its still at home in the freezer. Well, the only thing I would unplug for is my morning coffee, everything else I can do without.
Will I remember to turn off the coffee pot or worry about for the next month.
Did I make all the reservations? Do I need reservations, will anyone else be on the road.
Will I need to sell my first born to pay for gas?
Anyway, watch this spot.

Covel Creek Trail

This is a great "mother log". It has a baby tree sprouting from the back and this beautiful fern on the front. The picture was taken on a trail for the blind that we happen upon near Covel Creek Trail.

Next trail

We found this little brook right off the Yellowjacket trail at the Crispin Learning Center. It was a strange hike as it branched off in all directions, but the river was always on our left and the road on our right so we didn't get lost. The blowdowns were everywhere. This winter has been hard on our forests.