Dog Days of August

We have entered into the “Dog Days of August here in central Oregon. Other than work, Judy and I have not been doing much day triping.

We did flirt briefly with the idea of buying a new car.  We have decided we are going to replace the car we sold before heading across country in March.  Judy and I looked at four different makes and models, even did test drives.  In the end we decided to wait until we get to our wintering park in AZ., which we have not decided on yet.  At this time we are considering the Subaru Outback, Toyota RAV4, and Honda CRV.  We also looked at the Ford Edge, which was Judy’s first choice but gas mileage was less than we require.

The Labor Day weekend is this weekend and it marks the end of the summer season even though we don’t close the park until the 28th of Sept.  As part of the park closing process the yomes must be cleaned, water proofed and taken down.  I, along with my coworkers completed pressure washing all fifteen this week. 

Power Washing the Yomes

Area Pics

Deschutes River 

Water being released through Pelton Dam spillway

Wild Horses on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation 

Balancing Rock Hiking Trail

  

Judy and I went to the movie on our last day off.  “The Giver” is an adaptation a 1993 novel of the same name.  The novel was written for young adults, meaning middle school students. Although the novel was a “Newberry Medal” (language arts teachers will understand) winner, it is one of the most challenged novels in school libraries!  The movie stars Jeff Bridges as “The Giver”.  It centers on a utopian society where differences have been eliminated.  The novel was better than the movie. It is worth watching but wait until it is in “Red Box” or Netflix. Better yet, read the novel.

That is all for now.  Thanks for stopping by.

Next Blog: In a week or so

Day Trip: Crater Lake

Judy and I headed south Monday to take in the beauty of Crater Lake.  After passing through Bend, Oregon the skies became overcast so we knew we would eventually have some rain to contend with.

We reached Crater Lake at 11:15 AM and used our Senior Pass for free admission into Crater Lake National Park. We drove around the Rim Road stopping at many of the scenic overlooks. The views were fantastic. The skies were overcast initially but eventually there were periods of heavy rain. Did you know that Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States? The lake was created approx 8,000 years ago when the 12,000 ft. high Mount Mazama collapsed after a large eruption.  To learn more about Crater Lake,  CLICK HERE.

Crater Lake Pics (click to enlarge)

     

     

The Lovely Judy at Crater Lake

The drive home was filled with heavy rain most of the way.  Just south of Bend the rain and hail was so intense we pulled off the main hwy and parked under an overpass until it let up some. By the time we returned to the park the rain had stopped.

Tue. I took my truck to the Madras Les Schwab tire dealer to determine the cause of the truck’s front end vibration. The tech informed me that the steel tread was separating  from the tire on the left front tire. I replaced both front tires just to play it safe. Sure glad it did not separate while we were driving to Crater Lake and back.

That is all for now.  Thanks for stopping by.

Visit by O.G.W.A.

The Oregon Ground Water Association (OGWA) visited Pelton Park this weekend for their annual camp-out.  It has been a tradition for the past twelve years.  It is a network of well-drillers located mostly in Oregon. 

The group books the entire park for the weekend.  Judy and I were informed that the weekend that OGWA visits the park would be our easiest weekend. That was certainly the case. Floyd and Nancy have been the primary organizers for the past several years. They were aided by several committees that took care of various set-ups, community meal preparation, clean-up, and activities for the members.  They made sure to invite Judy and I as well as Rose and Terry to the delicious meals and nightly activities.  This was truly the easiest and most enjoyable weekend we have had at the park.  Thank You, Floyd and Nancy and all of the OGWA members for a great weekend.

Nancy and Floyd –Oregon Ground Water Association

Eat, I’m In   

Making a Pine cone bird feeder

   

Judy and I have been informed that the replacement couple are scheduled to start at the park around Aug. 18th.  We hope that will be the case.  Judy and I are looking forward to some permanent  help.

That is all for now.  Thanks for stopping by.

Next Blog: in a week or so. 

Finally an Overnight From the Park

Last Wed. Judy and I left the park overnight for the first time since the other host departed, two months ago!  We enjoy our job but it was GREAT to actually leave, because unless we leave we are always on duty.  Thanks to Janie and Rick for covering for us.
Judy and I went to visit our son in Portland.  We sure had a nice time visiting and sightseeing with him.  Wed. night we had a great dinner at the Portland City Grill located on the thirtieth floor of the US BanCorp Tower in downtown Portland. It was a little more swank (posh) than most of the eateries we frequent.  Where we sat we could see Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Hood. Due to the position of the sun I was unable to get any clear pics.
A Few Pics
      
    

Alas, all good things must end so we headed back to the park on Thur. evening.  Just as we thought, it was still there, like we had never even left!
That is all for now. Thanks for stopping by.
Next Blog: In a week or so.