OUT AND ABOUT IN OREGON

This is my World/Peter French Round Barn

2009-10-19T21:20:00.000-07:00

Trip to Utah September 2009

Sept 17^th Day 1

We got a late start so didn't make too much time but ended up at the Round Barn.

Had to leave two cats at home, Boo Boo and Avery they just had a fit when we tried to get them in the motor home,so Jan said he would watch them along with Shelby and Venus.

Finally getting down the road poor Alice got sicker than a dog, she puked and puked till there was nothing left i felt so bad for her. She just laid down the rest of the day. But by the time we got parked for the night she was doing so much better, ready to eat and play.

The cages take up a lot of room but i think everyone is much happier that way.

I was going to use the larger cage to put Freckles and Alice in which i did but since she got so sick i decided the next day that i would see how they do without being in the cage. Glad i did as they do ride much better.

Not much interesting stuff to see till we got to the Round Barn, of course the place was already closed since it was almost 6 pm they have a visitors center just outside the entrance to the barn. And who would ever think that there would be a visitors center there.But there is and its a nice one. We were the only people there in the sticks, so we thought that since there was no other place to park we would park there.Just got all the slides out and was getting ready to fix the baby bottles when a guy in a truck came up and said that we couldn't park there. But did tell us we were welcome to park just a few hundred feet at the gravel pit, said that there alarm system goes off whenever there is movement outside so didn't want us to get scared. Thank goodness he told us although we don't go out much at night. But our luck it would go off.

Free parking in your motor home. The Visitors Center is more of a museum and gift shop then anything else.Oh and we did listen to the coyotes all night long.

The Pete French Round Barn Located in Burns Oregon
This round barn was constructed sometime in the late 1870s or early 1880s. There were originally two—or possibly three—in the vicinity, but this is the only round barn remaining. They were used to break horses during the winter. Three hundred to one thousand horses were moved through each year. The French family donated the site to the state of Oregon in 1969
The interior of the barn is constructed from lumber that was hauled to the site from 60 miles to the north. The interior is unique in that it is made from juniper posts. The center was used as a stable; outside that, there is a covered circular track, that was used to exercise horses during winter months. The barn looks much as it did when cattleman Pete French constructed it.

Interior ceiling of Pete French Round Barn shows the wood beam support structure

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Big Tree @ LaPine State Park

2009-08-30T23:32:00.000-07:00

If you ever get close to LaPine Or, please stop at the State Park there and come check out this huge Tree. Nice little walk to get there.

This is my World/ The Drive to Chimney Rock

2009-07-09T23:45:00.000-07:00

A couple of months back we went on our 4th annual Rver's camp out with some members of the yahoo group that i have. I started this about 5 yrs ago and we have been having a camp out ever since, this yr we went to Chimney Rock towards Prineville Or. Here are a few photos of the drive there. To see other wonderful photos across the world please click on the side bar and join others

Metolius/ Camp Sherman

2009-04-27T19:58:00.000-07:00

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I got these out of the archives so that i can continue the trip to Metolius Recreation Area and Camp Sherman. So when going to see The Metolius be sure to stop and visit Camp Sherman

Welcome to the Camp Sherman Store and Fly Shop on the wooded banks of the crystal-clear, spring-fed Metolius River in Camp Sherman, Oregon (population 250). For over 90 years, this has been the community hub, where friends meet to share the day's news, talk about the fishing, stock up on essential supplies, get the fishing report and gear, and enjoy a relaxed pace and neighborly atmosphere rarely found in modern life.

And then check out the History site for some great photos

And then check out the
Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery
This hatchery raises trout, kokanee, and Atlantic salmon. The hatchery is in a park-like setting, with display ponds, interpretive signs, and a viewing platform. There are abundant camping, hiking, and fishing opportunities nearby. Group tours are available with prior arrangements.

This is my World / John Day Fossil Beds

2009-04-13T22:34:00.000-07:00

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I took these photos in "07" as we were driving back from Portland, and took the back roads. Its a popular place. Check out the website for the Fossil Bed. And also the Painted Hills is not far from there. And be sure to stop in the small town of Mitchell and meet Henry the 700 lb bear that lives in a cage

The Painted Hills Unit contains 3,132 acres of scenic marvels unique even in the Pacific Northwest. Located 9 miles northwest of Mitchell, and 75 miles east of Bend, the Painted Hills are visited year-round. Outdoor exhibits and a picnic area are also available for visitors here.Most years, the peak of wildflower season in late April to early May is spectacular.

Metolius River

2009-04-06T20:25:00.000-07:00

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A must see when coming to Central Oregon.

This is my World Tues./Smith Rock

2009-03-23T20:36:00.000-07:00

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Please click on photos for much bigger version as with this collage they will look much more impressive.

I have posted about Smith Rock before but this time i have posted about the trail and of Monkey Face Click to find out about climbing this rock. For those that like rock Climbing this is a very popular place. Anyway we have never completed the 2 1/2 mile hike around the mountain. Or have ever seen this side of Smith Rock. But my son and grandson went this past weekend and he is letting me borrow his photos for you all to see.

These are some great views from the top. I think they took some great photos

Here is Hudson showing off and making Grandma a bit ill thinking of him being on those rocks.

Well maybe one day we will take this hike all the way around. I hope that if you ever come to Central Oregon, take the time to check this beautiful place out, whether it be Rock climbing or just taking the hike on the trail.

This is my World Today/3/15/09

2009-03-16T10:56:00.000-07:00

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So this morning i woke up and this is what i saw, i don't remember the weatherman saying that we were suppose to have snow. I took this out my bedroom window, the cats were sitting up there just chattering away, so had to see what they were yakking about, so there were about 5 robins out there just sitting till they saw me with the camera and took off except this little fellow who was kind enough to sit while i took his photo.Isn't it spring YET?

So i took this photo of the yard as i was taking Princess out to do her business. Please take note of the tree and the limbs on the right side of the photo. And then scroll down to the next one.

I had forgot they were coming today, every two yrs the PP&L comes out and butchers my tree, i will take a photo of the tree another time as they are still out there doing a number on it. I keep telling them to move there ugly electric lines and leave my tree alone.Do they listen? NO! They just butcher it. I think hubby said he was going to see about trimming it up better this yr, so it doesn't look so lopsided.

This is My World

2009-03-09T09:39:00.000-07:00

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This was my world yesterday, it started out like this

And then it went to this, almost a white out,It didn't stick for long. I had wanted to take a drive so i would have something to post here but was not going out in this. Sorry nothing pretty to post today.

St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church

2009-03-02T11:39:00.000-08:00

Built in 1920 on the corner of Franklin Avenue,Lava Road.

Trip to Billy Chinook /The Eagle Watch/ Click here

2009-02-23T08:16:00.000-08:00

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Sunday we went to Billy Chinook for the Eagle Watch, hoping that i would be able to get some photos of some birds. An Eagle, a Hawk anything that would fly. Well it was not to be, I think the birds know when i am around so they go hide.I guess they must no i have cats.

Anyway this is what the day started out when we got to Round Butte which is a Private area with homes, We decided to take a drive up there, but the higher we went the foggier it got, also it was freezing. As we left that area and headed over to were the start of the Over Look, this is what we ran into a heard of deer grazing.
Never knew this was even there.. Nice surprise to see this.
And here are some Yome's. Had no idea that is what they are called. You ask "What is a Yome?"

A cross between a yurt and a dome, each fifteen-foot diameter canvas yome is equipped with a futon and a bunk bed, and sleeps four. These really had none of that in it because they were using them to show exhibits in them.
Be sure that you click on all photos for better viewing, this one you can read after it is enlarged
Please click here to read about what this project is all about as it is very interesting to read the cost of this project to save the fish.

Do you know what these claws belong too?

Well this is as close to a photo shoot of a Hawk, Yup he is stuffed, no luck in me catching a live one.LOLAnd here is a couple of the Yome's that they used for exhibits

Be sure to click on this photo to be able to read the wing span

We were not expecting a free lunch as i didn't read that on the information site. So they had these huge wieners on a bun, donuts, coffee, what a nice surprise that was.

Then we stopped at the top of some of the lookouts to see if we could see any eagles or hawks or whatever was flying in the sky, only thing we saw was a couple of geese flying over.

Pak -It -Place

2009-02-14T23:56:00.000-08:00

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Today we went to find a couple of garage sales with little luck, but did find a few,picked up a few things, but then Hubby wanted to go to Pak-It- Place Which is one place i just feel so out of place in. It reminds me a the dump which most of the stuff needs to be. It gets worse every time we go there which is not all that often thank goodness. Well i stayed in the car while he went looking but it didn't take him long to come back, saying I just can't handle that mess. I wonder just how much he actually sells there, as i can't imagine anyone wanting to go thru all that junk, actually I don't think it can be all that safe.

Headline News / Millican For Sale

2009-02-10T17:50:00.000-08:00

So today we went to town and i happened to glance at the newspaper. And Guess what? It made news again. Click here and hopefully you can read the article, i am not sure how long it will stay on on the web for viewing.

What does Millican Have to Offer?

2009-02-09T21:00:00.000-08:00

Continued from my trip from last week.
This is my World:
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Ok so I will tell ya what it has to offer. Your thinking that there is no way there would be an Observatory out here in the desert. Elevation is 6300 ft So bring warm clothes even in the summer But as you drive down this road it will take you to the hills were you will go to the Observatory. Unfortunately it was closed.
And this is what we ran into, Icy roads that we decided that it was only getting worse with not much of a chance to turn around, so we found the first turn out we could and got out of there.
If you click on the photo i think you should be able to read this sign.
I had to take a photo of the mountains, so you see you can see these mountains just about anywhere you go in and around Bend on a clear day. So i went into my archive photos of a few yrs ago and came up with these photos.Here is Nevada on the walk way. It was a beautiful day, and no we did not stay for the night to see the stars.Maybe one of these days we will have to do that.

There is a store there as well. But i think it was closed when we were there, i believe they are only open on the weekends.
And here is the camping area, if you click here it will take you to there website if you didn't already click on the header

Town of Millican Or

2009-02-05T22:31:00.000-08:00

Well in my last post i said i would share the town of Millican, the smallest town. So here is what you have, An old shack, not sure what it was used for. But sure has seen its better days.
And here is what's left of the rest of the town. Nothing but a old run down store that has been vandalized. Now if you would like to buy this small town it is for sale. This is what you get.
At one time it had a Rv Park, not sure how many yrs ago cause i really don't ever remember seeing anyone parked there in the 16 yrs we have lived in this part of country.
So here is the front of the store with the for Sale Sign on it.
Be sure to click on the photos for better viewing.
Now come back tomorrow for the rest of what Millican really has to offer that is an interesting place to visit in the summer time.

China Hat Rd

2009-02-03T23:37:00.000-08:00

Our trip carried us on and down a side road, can't remember what the number of the road was but it turned out to lead us to Millican Or.
Here we passed a couple of rigs that had there Atv's or motor cross bikes, having a great time i am sure.

Here is a sign that we passed leaving East Fort Rock Trail. we continued on
And saw this sign Entering South Millican. If you click on the photos you can read them
No matter were you go in the desert you can usually see these beautiful mountains.
And it is always amazing when we go, you will find a ranch somewhere you never would think anything would be out here, Here is a ranch and i am not sure if anyone lives there or not, i had to Zoom in on it to be able to capture this much of it. NO Electric out here.

Here is a watering trough that i am not sure still is in use or not, Maybe in the spring they bring some cattle out here, always surprised to see them and wonder what they really eat, and how can they maintain there weight. Maybe the desert has more food value then we think.

Here is a sign as we to get to Hwy 20 and back to China Hat Rd. It sure seemed like it was further than what we drove, but i guess when your driving slow it just seems that way.And i hope that you see all that desert sage and rocks
And it is always surprising to run into things like this out in the desert making you wonder what it was, I wanted to get a better look but there were signs up that said Private Property Stay out. So again i had to zoom in. Nevada thought it might of been a motorcycle race tracking or something to do with that.

And just as we got back on the main Hwy 20 here was this little doll house along with a tractor trailer, looks like it had been just laying there for years. Makes me wonder why this little doll house was there.
Check back to get the rest of our trip to Millican Or.
Deep in the high desert of Central Oregon, on a lonely terrain thick with sage brush and juniper trees where there are far more antelope, bobcats and jack rabbits than people, lies one of America's tiniest towns.Quote from the New York Times.

This is My World/China Hat Rd. Caves

2009-02-02T21:25:00.000-08:00

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Sunday was our day to finally get out and take a drive, we have not been out much this winter and i have to say i was feeling the caved in feeling of being housebound, do you ever feel that way?
Well anyway it was also Super Bowl and since we are not into football it was a good time to head out and enjoy some driving time and scenery time.
So we headed out to China Hat Rd, which is forest land and also had many side roads to explore along with some campgrounds. Also very popular for off road vehicles .
There is also a few caves out that way, which really arn't marked that well. But we did find a couple. Have to say i am not brave enough to go into them.Specially since it is hard to get too.Besides i don't like dark areas.

No signs to let ya know there are caves here but they have it all blocked off so that you can't drive your rigs on the path. So we started walking the trail and our first find was this one, a big hole in the ground as you can see if you enlarge the photos nothing but rocks in this part of the country, LAVA all around us.
Nevada and Princess walking on the trail, here is the hole that will lead you to the cave if you want to explore.
And here is the entrance to the cave.
As you can see the rim of the hole and all that rock.I will continue this drive on my next post so come back and check out the rest of the trip

The primitive campground is in a remote area of the Deschutes National Forest at 5,100 feet elevation. There are 14 sites for tents, trailers and RVs up to 30 feet. There are picnic tables, fire grills, and vault toilets, but no piped water. The campground is open from May to late October, weather permitting. No reservations are accepted and there is no fee. To reach it, drive east on USFS Rd 22 for 30 miles, then north on USFS Rd 18 for six miles.

My world

2009-01-26T23:57:00.000-08:00

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My world this week has more snow and very cold temperatures.

We saw this house at Romaine Village, i have seen it several times before but never had a camera, i made Nevada stop so i could grab this photo. I didn't see the water wheel so i assume that they have it closed for the winter, He makes all this stuff and the water wheel is so neat. I almost bought one a few yrs ago.
So yesterday it snowed again so when we went out again this morning i had to snap this photo of the mountains again, although it was really cold the sun was shining.

And one of Princess's favorite thing to do is play ball, she left it in the yard and so she had to sniff for it to find it. She sure has fun rolling around on the ground and rolling her ball. Isn't she cute with all that snow around her face?

I had to take a photo of my Lilac Bush as i thought it was kind of neat how just a small ball of snow layed in between the branches.
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This is My World/ Freezing fog

2009-01-21T08:43:00.000-08:00

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My world this week has been blue skies during the day and freezing fog at night,makes for pretty photos

That's My World Tues

2009-01-12T23:23:00.001-08:00

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Saturday I found some shelves on Craig's list the kind that are for garages and what ever, anyway the guy had 5 of the shelves and Nevada has been looking for some. So these were still in the box, never used. The guy was planning on putting them in his garage but then decided to sell his place and move back to Wisconsin. So we got a real good deal on them. So our trip took us out to Crooked River Ranch area again. So here is a photo of the clouds.Love that formation, make sure you click on the photo so you can see it better
This is the Crooked River a view from his house, he does have a nice view of the mountains too.
Nice huh?
On the way back home we sort of got turned around and anyway i never realized that there were so many deers in the area. Here is a few laying in these peoples yard, there actually were about 30 deer in there yard and just a ways down the road there must of been another 20 or 30 I now have been told it is a sort of refuge for the deer out there. Which i think is neat as i really hate to see them killed. But boy you sure can't grow anything out there.
And then as we were driving i saw this cloud and be sure you click on the photo to get a much better view of it with all the colors around it.When i saw it i was hoping that the photo would turn out good and clear. I don't ever remember seeing a cloud with so many colors around it.I bet DewDrop would know what its called.

Well that was my world on Sat. Now i will come and check out yours.

Mt Bachelor

2009-01-06T22:44:00.000-08:00

My son took these photos of Mt Bachelor last year when he and my grandson went skiing . Need to get him to take some new photos this yr.

Rainbow of hope for the New Year

2009-01-05T20:05:00.000-08:00

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The first day of the New Year we had to go out for medication, and as we were driving along we saw this rainbow, and i call it rainbow of hope for the New Year. With everything that is happening throughout our country and other parts of the world. I hope that we all find the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

Pioneer Park / Kirtsis Swim Tank

2008-12-29T21:36:00.000-08:00

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I wanted to finish the walk we did at Pioneer Park after the Parade so here are a few more photos. The interesting part of this walk is that we discovered that it also had a swim tank. Who would of guessed.

Sign is located near the northwestern corner of Pioneer Park.

C9 - Kirtsis Swim Tank
Purportedly the largest outdoor swimming tank in the state in the 1920s was located in Bend on the banks of the Deschutes River, just downstream from Pioneer Park. The 50 x 150 foot steel tank held 330,000 gallons of water. The water came directly from the Deschutes River, was heated by a burner that utilized sawdust from Bend sawmills, and then returned to the river. The swimming tank was part of the Bend Auto Court complex built in 1927 by the three Kirtsis brothers, immigrants from Greece who had earlier homesteaded east of Bend. The tank was open to the public, in addition to Auto Court guests, and the daily entrance fee was 10 cents.
Built: 1927

If you look at the were the ripples of the water is you can almost see were the pool might of been. Please enlarge the photos for better viewing

This is my world

2008-12-15T19:58:00.000-08:00

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In my world this week we are having some really cold weather, and our first real snow. I know there are places that have it worse then us, so i really shouldn't be complaining. But our temperature has dropped to -1 at one point. It is suppose to be that way for a couple more days.
Anyway here is a photo of that stray cat that has the babies i can't find. I finally decided to bring her into the office. Do you think she is one Happy Cat? Problem is she has babies and so i have to let her out several times a day, which she is not liking. Now talk about spoiled, I carry her to the edge of the property,put her under the Juniper tree were she goes potty and leave her, she then goes and feeds her babies were ever they are,we looked early this morning at the cable place and found her tracks and then they stopped. She has them hid well.

So everyone is doing a lot of snow shoveling, i love the hat this guy is wearing, keeps everything on the head nice and warm.
So what is the temperature in your part of the world?

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Sky watch

2008-12-11T11:46:00.000-08:00

My Sky watch for this week is here

After the Christmas Parade

2008-12-09T21:34:00.000-08:00

After we went to the Christmas Parade we decided to stay at Pioneer Park as the traffic was real heavy, so thought we would check this park out. The ducks and geese were plentiful.... It is well known for weddings, check the site out for more information.

Click on the photo for better viewing

This is my World

2008-12-08T14:31:00.000-08:00

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Sat was the Christmas Parade here in Bend, this was the second one that we have gone too in 16 yrs. Usually it is so cold that i don't enjoy standing out there and fighting the crowds, but this yr the weather was 57 degrees, what a great day. So i want to share a few of my favorites that was in the parade.

Of course Santa and the reindeers has to be the best....... And look at this Cat Mobile isn't it fantastic? Look at the eyes here.
The Beaver
Not sure if i like more, the snowman or the car, but i guess both are cute
And then there are these cuties, i hope that you click on the photos to see these neat dogs all hooked up to the sled. So darn cute.
This one is really cute too.
When they were going down the street they had these flops on that really looked like web feet.

Future home of Riverbend Community Park

2008-12-01T17:54:00.000-08:00

Here is a play area for the kids
Rock climbing anyone? The kids looked like they were having a great time
Also click on this photo to see the bridge and the ducks
The buildings here are some of the industrial buildings, guess i need to go see what they all have in them. Also they have part of this blocked off so they can put more pavers in for the side walk. Can't imagine what all this has to cost.But sure is pretty
Had to catch the sun in the water and the reflections of the tree. I must say the weather for the Thanksgiving week couldn't of been more perfect. Mostly running around 65 to 68 degrees. Just gorgeous. But not good for our ski resort.
And here is a fellow canoeing looks like he was enjoying himself.
So that is my world this week, Hope that you enjoyed my part of the world?

Sky watch over Bend

2008-11-27T18:15:00.001-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all. Hope that you all had a great day
Tonight i took this shot of the skies, what could be better than this shot for Turkey Day

This is my World

2008-11-24T20:07:00.000-08:00

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Umpqua Lighthouse:
I wanted to finish up with the light house from last weeks post, which is below this one. Do you see the handles outside the windows ? We were told that they had to go out and clean the windows daily, and with the high winds they would have to hang on to something or get blown off, and that is why they have these handles put on.
If you click on the photo you may be able to read what is posted here, also shows the photo of how they held on while cleaning the glass.

Umpqua Lighthouse Part 12

2008-11-18T07:54:00.001-08:00

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.At the entrance to Winchester Bay and at the mouth of the Umpqua River, stands a sentinel of the ocean, casting its red and white beams of light some 20 miles out to sea. The 65-foot tower is situated on a hill 100 feet above sea level surrounded by US Coast Guard buildings and a Museum.

An earlier light structure, the first on the Oregon Coast, was built in 1857 on the south side of the river. It fell into the swollen water seven years later during a storm when the water eroded away the sand.

The current lighthouse was started in 1890 and was illuminated in 1894. It is the sister lighthouse to the one at Heceta Head just a few miles north of Florence. Both structures were built from the same plans.

We took the tour to see the inside and this is the first time i have ever gone inside a lighthouse, so this was very interesting, our tour guide was very good in telling the story of the light house. There were 3 flights of stairs a total of 68 stairs i think he said

Can you imagine having to climb those on a daily bases?You would never have to worry about getting enough excersie

The Umpqua Light shines through a first order Fresnel lens made of 616 glass prisms handcrafted in France and weighing two tons. It is a beautiful display of fine craftsmanship and produces a spectacular colored light show at dusk.
This is especially true if there is a very light mist in the air. The light rotates out to sea and on the trees behind it on the landward side. The light shines 24 hours a day, but visit after dark or before sunrise, if you possibly can. As you enter Umpqua Lighthouse State Park, down a winding road, the light's rainbow beacon rotates through the tall pines with alternating white, white and red beams. The 65 foot tower is brick covered with white stucco, but you will not be able to take you eyes off this fantastic lens.
The lens assembly was originally turned by a clockwork mechanism much like a grandfather clock, powered by a huge weight which had to be wound up by the lightkeeper every four hours.

This motive power is now performed by an electric motor and monitored by sophisticated equipment, which notifies the Coast Guard station if a malfunction occurs.
The original oil lamp has been replaced with a high powered 1,000 watt electric bulb. A spare bulb is mounted on a panel, which automatically moves it into place should the first one burn out.

In November of 1983 the old chariot wheel mechanism that rotates the light broke down. The Coast Guard promptly installed an airport beacon on the tower and made plans to remove the original lens. Local residents launched a storm of protest until the Coast Guard relented and repaired the rotating apparatus.
The lighthouse was restored by the US Coast Guard and is maintained by them.

Lunch at Anchor Grill Part 11

2008-11-17T19:24:00.000-08:00

Ok so another one of the stupidest things we did was leave Tugman campground not knowing that we were only a few miles from Winchester. Dumb! Dumb! Dumb! Well anyway we got a campground at Winchester called Windy Cove nice state park, i think there was only about 3 other rigs there the whole night. Must say that everything we saw aroung the areas we went too was pretty much empty. Well anyway full hookup was $18.00
Windy Cove A (541-271-4138) and Windy Cove B (541-271-5634) are located adjacent to Salmon Harbor at Winchester Bay via Hwy 101, 4 miles south of Reedsport. Camp sites at Windy Cove A are “first come, first serve”. 21 hookup sites (out of 40) are reservable at Windy Cove B through the park office (541-957-7001). We also accept reservations for 8 of our 29

Anyway we decided to get some lunch before heading over to the Umpqua Lighthouse
and decided to stop at the Anchor Grill, you see those bushes well there must of been about 50 birds that decided to land in there, and let me tell ya, i tried real hard to capture them with my camera, but have to say they hid very well in there.

The restaurant was nice and clean, with nice atmosphere.
Nevada had there Clam Chowder which he said was very good, we knew that we didn't want to stop at any Mo's restaruant because the last few times we did there clam chowder tasted more like potatoe soup than clam.
I chose the mushroom burger and waffle fries, very good as well so i highly recommend this place for a decent meal.

They had this hanging on the wall and thought it interesting made me smile anyway

Tugman State Park part 10

2008-11-15T23:33:00.000-08:00

Eel Lake is brimming with fishing opportunities. The brush-lined shore, steep drop-off and underwater structure makes it the perfect lake for a bass boat and bass fishing. The lake has a good population of largemouth bass (some running up to five pounds), and other fish species include crappie, rainbow trout (which are stocked), steelhead, and coho salmon. All coho, even those under 15 inches must be released. There is a fully-accessible fishing dock at the day use area near the boat ramp. Trout and bass are often caught from the dock.
Only saw one lady fishing off the dock, said she didn't catch anything Very pretty setting however. Click on photos for better viewing.

They also have a really nice park there.

Our campsite at Tugman state park

We stayed there one day and half, as we didn't realize just how close we were from the other campground, oh well it was only $12 for full hookups here, a few bucks cheaper than the other place. It was a nice park this is the only photos i got from there. They didn't have very many people there either i think maybe 6 or 7 rigs, all the yurts said reserved, but we never saw a soul there that night or early in the morning, so guessing they don't rent them out in the off season.Maybe only on weekends.

Golden And Silver Falls Part 9

2008-11-14T21:51:00.000-08:00

Our next stop before going to Tugman State Campground was Golden & Silver Falls, Well let me tell you if you have never been there and would like to go PLEASE DO NOT GO IN YOUR MOTOR HOME! Not having internet connection i didn't do much research on this place, and in the brochure it didn't mention not taking your motor home. Didn't mention no turn outs, didn't mention very very narrow road, didn't mention that it really was not a stay over night area either, Just that it was a State Park. Ok so dumby us took the motor home, and tow into this god forsaken road that was almost no wider then the motor home itself, drop off on the one side.
Also was not told it was also a logging road on part of it, till we had this guy in a truck behind us stop next to us when we did finally find a spot to pull over to let him pass, he stopped us and yelled at us, saying this is a darn logging road and logging trucks can come around any of these curves at any given time. Well we were so taken back we really didn't have much of a response to him accept we were sorry. Sure would of liked to give him a ear full after we had time to think about it. Like it wasn't our fault that there was no signs stating the fact we shouldn't be on this darn road with a motor home. But nope didn't get a chance to do that. Hope he reads my blog dumb idiot.He should of told us not to go any farther. Oh well we have been in difficult places before, thank goodness tho there was no logging trucks coming.
So here we are at the end of the road, yup its a dead end, at the park. Nevada had to unhitch the Jeep so that we could turn around, thank goodness there was only 2 other rigs there, they did have a lady ranger there picking up god knows what, i was thinking it was dog poop LOL anyway we told her they should have signs up saying no motor homes, and she said i guess i have never seen anyone with a motor home come down here. But i must say there were houses along this road and most did have a motor home or trailer or 5th wheel, guess they took there chances when they left there place.
So here is the trail that lead to Silver Falls, Princess all anxious to explore as always
This tree was growing right out of that rock, be sure to click on photos for better viewing
Lots of moss on that rock
Princess stopping and looking at us" saying whats taking you so long "?

A hidden gem in the dense coastal forests of southwest Oregon, Golden and Silver Falls State Natural Area may be hard to find, but it's well worth the 24-mile drive from Highway 101. The small parking and picnic area are located along the banks of Glenn and Silver Creeks and is shaded by large maple, alder, and Oregon myrtle trees. Hiking trails wind through scenic canyons to each of the waterfalls -- they plunge over sheer rock cliffs to moss covered boulders 100 feet below.

And here is the falls, be sure you click on the photos, you can see the rainbow on foot of the falls.

And no, we didn't do the trail to the other one as it was already late in the day and all we wanted to do was get out of there. And prayed we wouldn't run into any other rigs or logging trucks, it was the longest 24 miles as the road also was not the smoothest.

Our camping spot part 8

2008-11-11T22:42:00.000-08:00

Well this is the end of this portion of our 1 1/2 day stay at Shore Acre Campground,Here is the spot that we were camped in, nice the creek ran right next to us, but not much water in it
This tree was in the next campsite which i just had to take a photo of as it is so strange looking,
Be sure to click on the photo to see it better
And here is Nevada putting the jeep in the right gear so we can tow it. Sure is nice to have a tow car so you can go around and explore. My next set of photos will be at Tugman Campground. So be sure and stop back to see the rest of our trip.

Winchester Bay Part 7

2008-11-10T20:54:00.001-08:00

We took a walk on the ramps were they keep all the boats and kept hearing the sounds of sea lions, so we just kept walking and looking and sure enough
Here they are just having a party, Be sure to click on the photos for a much better view, you can see the other fellow in the water.

Shore Acres Garden Part 6

2008-11-07T20:35:00.001-08:00

We stopped at the look out point and spotted these noisy guys, and boy they were noisy, wonder what they were chatting about. Do you ever wonder what they say to each other? Be sure to click on photos so that you can get a better look.
We then went to Shore Acres Garden, it is a nice place but i am sure that it is much prettier in the summer time and during the Christmas season. Here is a website for the lay out of the garden
When we got there we were the only ones there , accept the inmates that were pruning the gardens. Yes they use prisoners to maintain the gardens. Of course there were other people there as well that must know how to do the garden, one fellow said this was a nice way to take some flowers home, as they were cutting all the left over roses and pruning them all back, but the guy said they can't let any of the roses go because they were patented for 10 yrs i think he said. Maybe it was 20yrs. Anyway what was left was pretty.

So here are a few photos i took, definitely go see this place if you get to Coos Bay, i bet it is real pretty when in bloom.

Drive to Cape Arago Part 5

2008-11-06T23:08:00.000-08:00

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Please click on photos for better viewing

This is Cape Arago Lighthouse,(click on lighthouse to read all about this fantastic light house), we did not go see this one, but did the Umpqua Lighthouse which i will post later..... I was surprised that it turned out so well as we were quite a long ways from it.

Myrtle Point to Sunset Bay Part 4

2008-11-05T23:17:00.000-08:00

So we made it to Sunset Bay campground,Near Charleston beautiful place and full hookups were $16.00 for the night. Not bad. The park is beautiful. Not many people there which sort of surprised us. I will have more photos of the park later.So we decided to go to the beach which wasn't too far away, we went to the Picnic area
Which you had to walk thru this tunnel which was neat, there was foliage all the way to the picnic area

What a nice park it was too. This sign was posted which was interesting
And here is the beach, look at that lonely rock out there with trees that are dead.
Oh you should of seen Princess with her first beach experience, she didn't know what to do when the water came gushing to her
Does she look like she is having a good time? She did drink some of the water and i think went YUCK!

We thought about hiking to the Shore Acres Garden but it was a bit further and a much higher climb then i wanted to go with thongs on.So here is some photos of a short walk that we did take to it

Looks at this tree with the roots spread out and all that moss on it.Love the reflection in the water as well.
Click on photos for better viewing

Roseburg to Myrtle Point Part 3

2008-11-05T07:00:00.000-08:00

We took Hwy 42 to the coast and decided that we don't want to take that road again altho beautiful, but busy, more curvy and narrower. So here are some photos i shot along the way.Logging trucks were plentiful this time, that was good, as there are some mills still working, wonder which mill this load was going too.
This portion of the road as you can see has lots of fog, didn't last long which was good
Here is a view of the replanting that they did, will be nice when all the trees grow up again. Click on photos for better viewing.
I love covered bridges but missed which this one was, so i could look it up.Ok found the name of the bridge from my friend Sandy so here is information on that bridge

Location:
From Roseburg travel west on Highway 42 approximately 31 miles to Remote. Sandy Creek Bridge is on the north side of Highway 42, 1/4 mile west of the Remote exit.

Background:
The Sandy Creek covered bridge carried traffic on Oregon Highway 42 until it was bypassed in 1949. The 60-foot span was considered short in comparison to other covered bridges built on Oregon highways.

The bridge is strengthened by two crossed Howe truss members on each chord, a rarity in short covered bridges.

An additional aspect of the bridge is the use of large-framed windows on both sides of the structure, maximizing the illumination of the bridge interior.

In late 1981, a plan was developed to make a park at the bridge and use the old wooden structure as a covered picnic site. The Myrtle Point Lions Club adopted the bridge as a major project.

Work at the site began in 1982 and included a new roof, replacing boards and structural pieces, clearing brush and applying a coat of white paint. The park was dedicated in 1984 and now includes a tourist information center at the bridge site.

The nearby community of Remote received its name, it is believed, due to its geographic isolation.

The fall colors are just spectacular don't you think?
Abandoned old homes seemed to be a lot on the stretch of the road
And here is an old barn, which also seems to be abandoned.If barns and houses could talk what would they tell us? Was it a happy family or a sad one? I guess we will never know. A mystery in lost in time
Another house i found interesting, not sure if it was empty or not, but i thought the palm tree seemed a bit out of place in a area like here.But surviving

Myrtle Point is a city located in Coos County, Oregon. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 2,451.

I didn't know there was a logging museum there, click here is there website which when i clicked on said under construction so keep checking back

To the Coast part 2

2008-11-04T12:53:00.000-08:00

From Bend to Roseburg

Since we didn't get an early start at home, Nevada was too tired to continue on, we decided it was time to stop for the day at the Douglas County Fairgrounds were they have a Rv Park so decided to stay there for the night.Check out there site for prices on the park. I took these photos on the River next to the park

Here is the sign for fees of the Rv Park with prices

The sites are nice and level, elect & water, dump station seperate , included in price when renting spot, but i think there is a $3 or $5 charge if you just want to dump.
It also has the Douglas County Museum there which in all the 40 + yrs we lived there have never gone too. It was closed by the time we decided to go check it out. But they did have some stuff outside to look at .

If you would like to learn more about logging you can go to this website called Collier Logging Museum near Chiliquin Or. a really neat place with all the old logging equipment, a good place also for camping and fishing.
This building was the old Dillard Railroad station I tried to find some history on it but i got nothing to come up right now.

Here is some of the old stuff that was used in the days of farming, make sure that you click on photos for better viewing, notice the hay still in this baler, and the size of the bales.
Here is part of the parking lot that also leads to the Fairgrounds
Some great sky watch photos before the end of the day.
This was taken outside of Kowloons Chinese Restaurant that is a must for those that like Chinese food.I don't know anything about there food accept for there Mar Far Chicken which is to die for. All the chinese restaurants here in Bend have nothing like it and i have repeately asked why they don't open one in Bend. To no avail. but it is a definite stop for me whenever i go to Roseburg

Trip to the Coast part 1

2008-10-31T22:12:00.001-07:00

The road that leads to Roseburg from Bend. Our starting date 10-27-08
This is Hwy 138 that goes to Diamond Lake, Please click on so you can read about Diamond Lake and all the wonders of things to do and campgrounds, Glide, the fascination of that small community is the Colliding Rivers. The only place in the world where two rivers meet head-on. The North Umpqua River flows generally from the northeast, and the Little River flows generally from the southwest. As they get closer to one another, they happen to take a north/south approach, until they basically meet head-on. The lesser Little River loses its name to the larger river as they flow roughly westard together as one river, the North Umpqua River and Roseburg.

You can see how the fall colors are here more than in Bend as we drive down that way.
If you click on the photo and look at that rock it looks like a head of an indian. well it does to me anyway.

There were a lot of cones along this part of the road due to the fire they had this summer, the road was closed for sometime, there must of been trees that fell as some of the railings were broken.
Another interesting rock formation
There was quite a bit of water in the river this yr at this time. usually there isn't that much. so must of been a good snow fall this yr for sure to keep the river up.Since the fire i don't think that the campgrounds did very well this yr as they were all closed up, not sure if they close them this early in the yr. But you could still smell the burn as you drove down this part of the Hwy.
Our drive took us past the Dry Creek Store which i looked up on the internet and discovered that the place is for sale, so here is his website if your interested in a small business. I found it interesting that almost the same photo i got as a drive by he has on his website dated 10-31-07

Beautiful fall colors
The bridge to cross to go into Glide

Beautiful green scenery with a beautiful blue sky.

Sky Watch Over Bend

2008-10-23T11:54:00.000-07:00

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10-23-08 Took this shot at 7:15 AM Todays photos are of the morning sunrise shots10-20-08
I don't get up too early to capture the morning clouds but this morning i got a great shot of the cloud. Later in the morning the wind was blowing like crazy and many of the leaves finally came off the tree. Of course they all had to blow on the sidewalk.

Sky Watch Friday Over Bend

2008-10-16T19:37:00.001-07:00

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I took these photos tonight for sky watch such beautiful pinks

Drive to Crooked River Ranch

2008-10-12T20:58:00.000-07:00

It was cold this morning and last night down to freezing as we headed down to Redmond one of the ranches had on there sprinkler system so here is the beauty of all the water being sprayed froze.

Yesterday we took a drive to Crooked River Ranch to see about a camper, and here is a few photos of the scenery along the way, Winter has come, see all that new snow on the mountains, sure is pretty but well winter is here i think. Click on here to read the History of the Crooked River Ranch interesting.

Be sure to click on photos for better viewingThis we think is a old Pumice plant

Hasn't been used in yrs.

OOOPS! camera critters

2008-10-11T21:42:00.000-07:00

Click here to go to my camera critters

Sky Watch over Bend

2008-10-09T21:49:00.000-07:00

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I took these photos of the sky tonight before the snow came.

Sky Watch over Bend

2008-10-02T08:15:00.000-07:00

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Silver Creek Falls Part 2

2008-09-30T08:56:00.001-07:00

Just a few more photos

Silver Creek Falls Part 1

2008-09-29T23:02:00.000-07:00

We wanted to hit some of the trails At Silver Creek Falls and of course we always take Princess as she loves to walk, But soon found that all signs said No Dogs. So i guess this might have to be another trip and we park at the campground so we can leave her in the motor home but a shame as we love to take her. Might be a long time before we go there again.
So North Falls is the only falls we were able to see from the distant since we were not allowed to take Princess on the trail, so we just parked at the top and took these photos of the falls.

Just thought i would post some of the foliage around there. Lots of nice ferns
Be sure to click on the photos for better viewing, here you can see the trail
Silver Falls offers more than 9,000 acres of spectacular scenery.
The park’s most famous feature, The Trail of Ten Falls, thrills
hikers and photographers. The eight-mile hiking trail passes by
and under some of the stunning waterfalls of the north and south forks
of Silver Creek.
Take a stroll on the paved four-mile bike path, or ride your horse, hike or
mountain bike on more than 25 miles of multi-use trails. Park trails wind
through Douglas-fir and Western hemlock flanked by Oregon grape, salal and
sword fern. Pacific blacktail deer thrive in the lush, temperate rainforest. Black
bear, coyotes and mountain lions (cougars) live in remote park areas.
The spacious lawns and picnic shelters at the South Falls day-use area are perfect
for relaxing. Or, enjoy a swim in Silver Creek along a developed (but unsupervised)
swimming area.

The falls tumble over thick basalt lava flows
resting on softer, older rock.
The softer layers beneath the basalt eroded over
time and created natural pathways behind some
of the falls. Look up and see if you can spot
the many tree “chimneys,” or casts while you
walk behind North Falls. These formed when
lava engulfed living trees, causing the wood to
disintegrate.

Silver Creek Resevoir

2008-09-29T08:02:00.000-07:00

Since we were so close to Silverton we wanted to stop and see the falls and do some hiking, well that was a big disappointment because we had Princess with us and most of all the trails it said no dogs. More on that later.

Silverton Resevoir is a 65 acre inpoundment on Silver Creek located in the Cascade foothills 2.5 miles southeast of the city of Silverton Or. on Rt 214
The Reservoir serves the purpose of flood control on the creek as well as acting as a water supply for the city.
The lake is popular in the spring and summer as a recreation area. Stocked with roughly 20,000
hatchery trout each spring and early summer, the lake also provides opportunities to catch bullhead catfish. Swimming is also quite popular on warm summer days as well as recreational boating, though only electric motors are allowed.

Since the reservoir was created in 1960, there has been fear in Silverton that Silver Creek Dam might someday give way. Though structural engineers have declared the dam safe and deemed the conditions for a dam breach to be almost out of the realm of possibility, studies have found that a collapse of the dam would be catastrophic to the city below.

If you click on the photo you can see the rope that people have used to jump off, when the sign so not too.

Sky Watch Friday over Bend

2008-09-25T08:01:00.001-07:00

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Mt Angel Abbey

2008-09-23T22:19:00.000-07:00

I have always wanted to see the Abbey over the yrs and didn't know that you could take a tour. So going to the Oktoberfest was a plus to be able to go here, they have a museum also at the Abbey that i will share later on. I am not sure what the museum has to do with the Abbey.
Anyway we went to see the Museum to start with, but then when we got there and seen that, there was a bunch of people that was on a bus tour and Fr. Edmund Smith, O.S.B., Director of the Retreat House

Was doing a tour of the grounds, i am not sure if we were suppose to be there or not, but no one said we couldn't so we got a tour of the grounds with him telling us about the place, he has been there i think he said since 1953.

The Monastary

Mount Angel Abbey is a community of Benedictine Monks founded in 1882 from the Abbey of Engelberg in Switzerland. We maintain a monastic tradition that has been a vital part of the Roman Catholic Church for more than 1500 years. Responding to God's call to holiness and preferring nothing whatever to Christ, we dedicate ourselves, under a Rule and an abbot to a life of prayer and work. We strive to support one another in community, to serve God, the Church, and the larger society. We do this as we celebrate the Holy Eucharist together, pray the Liturgy of the Hours five times daily in choir, and devote ourselves to reading and silence.

Click on photos for better viewing

Mt Angel Seminary

Five years after establishing their community, the Monks of Mount Angel Abbey opened Mount Angel College. Two years later, Archbishop William Gross of Oregon City asked them to attach a seminary to the College. Over the years, with the increasing costs and complexity of school operations, the College and its associated high school have closed. The Seminary, however, has maintained continuous operation. Today it is home to 114 seminarians from approximately 30 dioceses, plus 40 candidates for priestly formation from religious orders. Counting 25 lay students working toward advanced degrees in theology, the Seminary maintains a total enrollment of just under 200.

The library is one of Mount Angel Abbey's principal works of Christian service. It has been made possible by the gifts of many people; its mission is to serve all who wish to use its resources.

The library strives to serve the scholarly and recreational needs of its patrons for reading, listening and visual material in many areas of human culture, especially theology, language and literature, philosophy and the arts, as well as social science and natural history.

To be continued:

Town of Mt Angel

2008-09-22T23:14:00.001-07:00

Nestled between farmland and foothills, Mt. Angel is located 18 miles northeast of Salem on Highway 214. This little town, founded in the late 1800s by German settlers, has an Old World flavor which is heightened by the many Bavarian style storefronts and the beautiful Benedictine Abbey. They celebrate their German heritage each year during the Oktoberfest, held in September.

This is a town that should be visited at least once, and the Oktorberfest is a good time to check it out as i have to say we really enjoyed our 4 day stay there.

More to come.

Detroit Lake

2008-09-21T20:50:00.000-07:00

Heading out to go to Mt Angel for the Okterberfest we drove through Sisters and then on to the Santiam Pass, a drive we really don't like because of the crooked road and steep hills. It is a 4,817-foot mountain pass.
We were surprised to see so many trees dead, either from fires or from bugs not sure.

Our trip last week took us thru Detroit Lake an area I would like to explore more as it looks like a nice place to go camping.
Detroit Lake is located in the heart of the Cascades.It is located just 50 miles East of Salem on Highway 22.It also has a Dam there so if your in that area stop and check it out, we didn't stop but one day we will

Sky Watch over Bend

2008-09-19T09:02:00.001-07:00

Sunrise over Bend on 9-18-08

Click on photos for better viewing
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Wickiup Reservoir

2008-09-08T20:41:00.000-07:00

Wickiup Reservoir check this site out for some real good information.

Camera Critters

2008-09-06T22:37:00.001-07:00

If you would like to join Misty click here for the blog roll
Sea gulls on the Resevoir
Pelicans on Wickiup Reservoir I never thought i would see them there.

Pringle Falls Campground

2008-09-05T22:23:00.000-07:00

So Wednesday we decided to drive to La Pine to see Sharon & Don but on the way i decided to go to Pringle Falls. Well we found the campground but nothing on the literature that i printed out said we had to walk a ways to get to the falls, which we never did find. OH HUM! Ok so here is the sign to the falls. I have to say that the road to the campground is a bit to be desired, i wonder how often it is used by RVer's

Remember to click on all photos for better viewing
This is the road to it, one lane and bumpy and not well cared for.Sure wouldn't want to take my motor home into it, you would be shaken to death.Lots of loose bolts for sure.

Nice place to sit by did keep looking up that way to see if i could see a fall )-:

Does have toilets and garbage

So there was a drowning on the falls, here is the link to that story and what they say about rafting in that area if you have ideas of doing so.I didn' t know that there was certain levels of rafting, but then you wouldn't catch me doing it. I don't like water that well.
Next stop is Wickiup Butte & campground

Sky Watch Friday in Bend Today

2008-09-04T17:50:00.001-07:00

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Todays sky watch took us to Pringle Falls Unfortunately we didn't find it but instead we found other beauty, but here is a couple of photos for sky watch friday come back and check out what we did find.
Be sure to click on photos for better viewing.

Lava Butte

2008-09-02T08:08:00.000-07:00

Our trip to Lava Butte Click on here for information and when they are open, we have lived here for 16 yrs and never went to the very top, a must see for sure, absolutely breath taking. Sorry i posted a lot of photos on this but well worth checking out. But your own eyes are much better to view this amazing place.

When you click on this photo you can see the power lines.
Below you can see some of the trails that you can take from the visitors center, we didn't do any of those, we drove to the top were the look out tower is. This is looking down

Son standing at the top by the tower, in the back ground you can see Hwy 97

This little fellow kept following us, he sure was a cutie, i think he was looking for a hand out.

Benham Falls Part 2

2008-09-02T07:36:00.000-07:00

Princess here is having a lot of fun, she sees the water and wants to get down there and play and take a lick or two. Nope we havn't let her take any more licks out of any water since she got sick.There is a nice path that you can walk along the stream, sure is a lot of water rushing down there.

There were a lot of these little critters running around, looks like he had the best view.

Here is son wanting to try out rock climbing, don't think he likes it much

Be sure to click on photos for better view.Next stop is Lava Butte

Benham Falls Part 1

2008-09-01T23:25:00.000-07:00

Today my son said he wanted to go to the Lava Beds so we said we would like to go as well as we had not been there for many many yrs. So as we got there we were told that we had to wait till 2:15 before we could drive up there. But please go to Benham Falls first, we had been there this past winter but came another direction, we didn't know that we could go this way. So here is a few photos of the walk to the bridge and then to the falls.And for those that have a the Golden Age card it is a free site for you. Otherwise you have to pay .

Be sure to click on photos for better viewing

Sky Watch Friday over Bend

2008-08-28T23:40:00.000-07:00

If you would like to join Sky watch Friday please click on side bar on photo of sky watch and join Tom, Sandy and Imac
On our way home today I thought i would take a couple of photos of the mountains so you can see how little the snow is left up there . Won't be long and it will be covered again, Hard to believe that summer is just about over

Click on photos for better viewing

Les Schwab Tire HeadQuarters

2008-08-26T23:18:00.001-07:00

The other day we drove by the new Les Schwab Tire HeadQuarters to see how things are going, my that place is huge, certainly is going to be nice when the whole project is done. So here is a few photos of what the building was like in Prinville

Les Schwab Tire Centers’ corporate headquarters in Prineville currently employs about 320 people. The company will move those jobs to a new facility in the Juniper Ridge development in Bend, leaving about 800 employees in the operations center in Prineville.

This is what its suppose to look like when its finished, huge huh?
And here are a few photos i took of it

Had to share this photo of the clouds above looks like a crown don't you think?
Be sure to click on photos for better viewing

McKenzie PassPart 5/Whispering Pines Campground

2008-08-24T22:15:00.000-07:00

So we continued on to check out one of the campgrounds, we actually thought it was a short distance as they didn't say how far, but turned out to be a long ways, but a pretty drive. Once we found it we were surprised that there wasn't a soul up there, and i am not sure but may not of been for some time, there was garbage in the containers though. For people with horses this is a beautiful area to take them and ride.
Whispering Pines Campground has changed there fees from what the website says.Check that out for directions and any other great things to see on the trails.

I think this is called Skunk Cabbage but does have a beautiful flower.

Sky Watch Friday Over Bend

2008-08-21T13:15:00.000-07:00

Click on photo if you would like to join Tom, Sandy, Imac

This was taken on 8-13-08

This was taken on 8-14-08

This one as well

This was taken on 8-15-08

Part 4 McKenzie Byway

2008-08-21T13:00:00.000-07:00

Dee Wright Observatory be sure to check this site out as it has some interesting things to read and see.

Part 3 McKenzie Byway

2008-08-20T20:04:00.000-07:00

So here is the road to the Observatory i wanted to share the drive with you. So many of the trees are dead and look like there might be a desease on them.Hope you enjoy the ride . Next post will be the Observatory.

This pass only allows vehicles up to 35 ft so motor homes any longer than that can not go there. And to tell ya the truth i wouldn't even think about taking our 30ft motor home thru there. That road is very narrow and in some spots very curvy. So think twice before taking any thing longer than 25ft.

Click on photos for better viewing

Part 2 of McKenzie trip The town of Sisters

2008-08-20T08:22:00.001-07:00

Ok so this is part 2 of our trip down the streets of the Historic Town of Sisters, what makes Sisters so popular? Well this is the main streets that we are going down, i didn't take the back side of the streets, but every building along the way is shops and more shops, a haven for you folks that love to shop, Not my cup of tea .LOL Be sure to click on Sisters so that you can read about the town and what is there for you pleasure .It also holds the Quilt show in the second weekend of July for those that love quilting

So here is the sign to go to McKenzie Hwy, which is my next post

A drive to the McKenzie Scenic byway Part 1

2008-08-19T23:50:00.001-07:00

We started out about 9 am this morning, thinking that it would be best to get an early start before it got hot and since everyone here was gone early.
So here is a photo of the 3 Sisters mountains in the distance. Look at those clouds over the mountain peaks.On the way to Sisters you will come to the KOA campground, this has really intrigued me as we have been getting a lot of people that have stopped there to camp out for the night, well come to find out there is NO tent camping allowed in this KOA now how stupid is that? Did they not start out as being a tent camping organization, the so to speak meat of camping? Well i guess that is why they are so darn spendy to stay at, we avoid them like the plague, as the are very expensive. Nothing makes me madder being a motel owner than to run into a campground that charges more to camp then it i charge for a room that i have to supply everything too. What do you get? Do they have a bed,and clean sheets, do they supply you with your own tv? well you get the picture no need to go into all the things.
Love this setting with all those tall trees
This is on the outskirts of Sisters a campground just past this and a mobile home and Rv park across from it.
Here is the beginning of town. Till next post i will have some more shots of the city of Sisters on the main street.
Click on photos for better viewing

The moon at Midnight

2008-08-17T15:24:00.000-07:00

I took these photos last night at midnight, there were clouds all around it. I wasn't sure if they would show up or not.They did a little bit.
Click on photos for better viewing.

Sky watch over Bend

2008-08-15T19:07:00.001-07:00

Prineville Oregon

2008-08-13T23:47:00.000-07:00

Our drive yesterday took us to Prineville Oregon to pick up my front room door. So on the way we stopped at the Ochoco View point which allows you to see the city and what a view this is. Be sure to stop here and take a look. We get a little sick looking down as you are so high up.

You can see the golf carts below
Here is the Meadow Lakes Golf Course

Yup here is Princess again having a great time looking at all the new things she gets to see along our exploring Here is the Prineville Courthouse, click here to read about this beautiful building and its history.

East Lake Resort @ Newberry Crater

2008-08-12T22:55:00.000-07:00

East Lake Resort
Be sure to read about this resort for your fishing pleasures

Be sure to click on all photos for better viewing.

Paulina Falls @ Newberry Crater

2008-08-12T17:03:00.000-07:00

Paulina Falls
Just below Paulina Lake, a dramatic 80 ft waterfall spills over volcanic cliffs into a canyon and is a short walk from the parking lot, Paulina Creek is the only surface outlet from Paulina Lake and has qualified for federal designation as a wild and scenic river.

There is a trail that you can take to see the falls at the bottom, which we didn't take as it was narrow and too long for me at the time after climbing up to the Obsidian Flow so opted not to do it. But it looks like a nice trail for hiking.
Here is Princess enjoying the trail she just has so much fun when we do this.
Here she is on the picnic table waiting for lunch to be served and a touch of tea for her dry throat, she loves tea. No i don't let her have much.
This i thought was an interesting rocks just above the falls.
Looking at the stream that leads to the falls, you can walk around to the other side of the falls and get a different look, but we were too tired to walk any further.

Big Obsidian Flow

2008-08-11T20:49:00.000-07:00

Today we decided to take a drive to Newberry Caldera Area and take a hike up the Big Obsidian Flow, Boy was I out of shape on that hike to start off with, should of done some walking before hand. Be sure if you go walk and stretch before climbing up there. But what a view you will have once you get there.

Located about a mile south of the trailhead, over 170 million cubic yards of obsidian and pumice erupted from a vent of Newberry Volcano only about 1,300 years ago, making this flow one of the youngest geologic events in Oregon. Native Americans used the obsidian glass for trade and to create tools. "Collecting of Obsidian is Prohibited".

Here are the stairs that you will have to climb to get to the top and continue on. Oh and wear something better than thongs as i had a bit of a problem in a few little areas lots of rocks on the walk way.I had forgotten that, I thought it was all clear.We had to carry Princess up and down these stairs , although we weren't the only ones having to carry our fur kids, ours was just smaller. Here is some of the obsidian rocks up close, click on photos for a much better view
Here is a view of a stream that had a lot of algae in it. But a nice view
Enlarge and you may be able to read some of this.

Here is Princess enjoying the stroll along the path and smelling all the new scents.
Another great site to see if you enlarge

Yes they have benches along the trail so you can rest and enjoy the scenery

A lonely tree growing in all of that Obsidian, Here is Nevada and Princess taking a rest
And when you get to this point you can see Paulina Lake.My next post

Another lonely tree starting among the rocks.Makes you wonder what keeps it growing.

Culver Oregon

2008-08-05T23:43:00.000-07:00

Here is a view of the 3 Sisters Mountains. The name was probably originally applied by members of the Methodist Mission in Salem in the early 1840's, and the individual peaks were given the names "Mount Faith", "Mount Hope", and "Mount Charity", beginning from the north.

Culver Oregon
A town of fewer than one thousand people. Nestled in a fertile valley with Haystack Reservoir and the Crooked River National Grasslands to the east, Lake Billy Chinook and the Cove Palisades State Park to the west, Juniper Butte to the south and Round Butte to the north, Culver is home to those who wish to make it theirs.

From the irrigation water dancing across the fields helping the crops to grow -- to the lake below where boats manufactured here are tested -- to the water, sparkling clear and pure from 0pal Springs nearby -- water is the key to the heart of Culver.

So Sunday we took a drive to Culver and Metolius to pick up my Pergo Flooring i bought for $95.00 Which did all of my living room and have enough left to do maybe the motor home living room. Another great find on Craig's list. I think i am addicted now with all the great things i have found.
Well anyway here is a few photos of driving thru Culver. Not much there but nice and clean.
We think this is Dill that they are growing there. Not for sure.

Then we came into the big town of Metolius
The community was named for the Metolius River, whose name derives from an Indian term, variously translated as "spawning salmon" and "white fish"

Lake Billy Chinook

2008-07-30T21:03:00.000-07:00

History of Billy Chinook

Lake Billy Chinook has existed since 1964 when
Portland General Electric constructed the Round Butte
Dam. The lake was named for Billy Chinook, a well known
Wasco Indian scout from the Warm Springs
region who traveled with explorer John Fremont in
1843.
PGE operated the Round Butte Hydroelectric Project
until 1999 when it entered into an agreement with The
Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs to co-manage
the hydroelectric facilities. The project generates approximately
800,000 megawatts electricity per year for
residents in the Portland metropolitan area.
Surrounded by mostly public lands, Lake Billy Chinook
includes 72 miles of shoreline and a surface area of
4,000 acres. Its deepest point is 400 feet at Round Butte
Dam. The reservoir stays full, or within one foot of full,
from June 15-September 15.

Lake Billy Chinook’s varied catch includes Kokanee (sockeye
salmon), small and largemouth bass, and many trout species.
The lake is especially well known for its bull trout fishery. Both
a tribal angling permit and a state of Oregon fishing license are
required to fish on the Metolius arm, which has a limited season.
You can buy tribal angling permits at The Cove Palisades
Marina or from local convenience stores. The Crooked River
and Deschutes arms of the lake are open year-round. Craw fishing
is also popular. An ADA accessible fishing platform is
located at the Crooked River Day-Use Area. Two floating
restrooms for boaters and anglers are anchored off the Kettle
Falls area near the Round Butte Dam and along the Deschutes
arm downstream of the Lower Deschutes Day-Use Area.

Well another day in beautiful Central Oregon till next time

Old Mill District

2008-07-28T19:26:00.000-07:00

So today I decided to take a drive through the Old Mill District so that you can see some of what its like. Yup a lot of shopping if you like that, and no I didn't do any as I don't like to shop, leaving that up to you when you come.

History of the Old Mill District:
I borrowed this information for your reading pleasure so hope no one minds

The City of Bend graces the Banks of the Deschutes River, which is draped like a silver ribbon between the Cascade Mountain Range and the high desert plateaus of Oregon's central interior.

Originally a small mill town, Bend has emerged as a full service city, the largest city in Central Oregon and Oregon's fastest growing.

Drake Park's Mirror Pond, Bend, Oregon

Timber Sawmills Defined Bend Oregon's Early Development

Around the turn of the 20th century, trappers, ranchers, and loggers carved out a living near the town that eventually became the Deschutes County Seat. Then as now, Bend is the commercial, retail, and service center for a region that nearly stretches from the Washington State line to the California border. With the arrival of a rail line to Bend in 1911, lumber and agricultural products could be economically shipped to outside markets.

By the 1920's three mills operated by Shevlin-Hixon and two operated by Brooks-Scanlon dominated the local economy and brought significant population and employment growth. By the 1950's, timber resources began to show signs of strain, when Shevlin-Hixon closed all three mills and sold its Central Oregon holdings to Brooks-Scanlon. In an effort to better utilize the declining supply of wood fiber, timber companies diversified into moldings, particleboard and plywood manufacturing during the 1960s and 70s.

The Old Mill District in Bend Oregon Today

The Mill Quarter is on the same property where Brooks Scanlon operated their plant. Several historic buildings have been renovated and provide a workplace for a variety of businesses.

In the early 1980's the community hit an economic low point with nearly a quarter of the workforce unemployed. About this time community leaders pursued tourism development as an additional leg to its economic foundation and as a tool for broader diversification efforts. Success of this strategy has been felt through the 1990s as the community attracted new investment in nearly all sectors, and through a solid "critical mass" of quality amenities for both residents and visitors, has also built an industry presence in computer software and hardware, medical equipment, aerospace, and recreation equipment manufacturing.

Regal Cinemas 16 check here for show times

I saw this as we were driving by and just took a photo not realizing what it really was till I downloaded the photos so Here is the link to the Working Wonders Children Museum . I had never heard of it before. So if you have small kids and coming to the area it may be something to check out, check there scheduleing to see what they have planned.

So I hope you enjoyed the ride down some of the streets and i know you will make your own photos if you ever get here. And be sure to Click on all photos for better viewing

Well another day in beautiful Central Oregon till next time

Smith Rock

2008-07-27T20:00:00.001-07:00

Smith Rock has 651 acres which hovers around 3,ooo ft in elevation. It is open year round a day pass or yearly pass is required.
There are some fabulous hiking trails that you can see some beautiful views surrounding the area. You can walk along the river or do a half day walk along the loop. It truly is a beautiful area to hike and explore.

The major rock faces are composed of welded tuff ( compressed volcanic Ash) reaching up to 550 ft. The picnic and campground areas sit on top of the rimrock which is made of columnar basalt

There are over 1500 climbing routes in and around the park ,ranging from some of the best sport climbs in the world.

People climb year round but in the summer the temperatures can reach 100 + degrees (f) and in the winter the temps stays close to the freezing mark (32f) during the day. Spring and fall are the best and most popular climbing months.

If you click on this photo you can see the climber on the side of the rock

Well another day in beautiful Central Oregon till next time

Drake Park Bends favorite gathering place

2008-07-26T19:47:00.000-07:00

Another place one should visit when in Bend is Drake Park Mirror Pond it is a beautiful park with lots of activities in the summer time, along with some great wildlife. Many ducks to watch. Lots of entertainment throughout the summer. Beautiful view of the mountains on a clear day.

This is my grandson Cody who spent some time with us for about 2 weeks this winter, here he is standing on the stage of what they use in the summertime for Munch N Music
Great entertainment on Thursday nights be sure and check this site out