The High Desert to a Lava River to a Waterfall

Tue Judy and I once again accompanied our friends Terry and Rose on another road trip at their invitation. The reason we are able to continue with our weekly road trips is because we now have another host couple working with us at the park. Clark and Nancy have been on board for two weeks. They will be with us until the park closes.

The first stop on our journey was McKenzie Pass . The hwy through the pass is a favorite of cyclist and sightseers. This area of Oregon has experienced many geological upheavals through the ages. Volcanic activity is evident throughout the drive. The last major event dates back 1,500 years ago. The “lava river” covers 65 square miles. We stopped at the Dee Wright Observatory(click on link for more info) on the 5335ft summit of the pass. Many of the highest Cascade Mountain peaks are visible from here.

A few pics (click to enlarge)

    

    

    

       Judy and Rose                                                 Two of the Thee Sisters Mts

    

Mt. Washington  

     

Once we left McKenzie Pass we drove to the next attraction, Sahalie Falls (Click). It is the highest of three waterfalls in the area.  A nice viewing area made it easy to get close to the falls.

That is all for now.   Thanks for stopping by.

The End Must be Near, The End of the Season

Judy and I attended PGE’s end of year“get together” for their campground and day use host Monday at Timothy Lake Lodge near Mt. Hood. The last time we were here for orientation in late April it was snowing and cold.  The weather Monday was beautiful with sunny skies and a mild 75’. 

Unfortunately, the only time we get together with the most of the “Host” is on these two occasions.  We had a good time sharing stories about our summer season. A nice catered lunch was provided by our boss Tony and side dishes and deserts were brought by the attendees.  Judy took a dish of “Watergate salad”. 

Here are a few pics;

Timothy Lodge

    

Judy and Lindsey 

That is all for now.  Thanks for stopping by.

Next Blog:  In a week or so

Day Trip: Headwaters of the Metolius River

Published from Roxie’s Cafe, on the banks of Lake Simtustus – Madras, Oregon

Judy and I joined with Terry and Rose, the PGE “host” at nearby Round Butte Dam day use park for a day trip to the headwaters of the Metolius River on Tuesday.  Terry drove the back roads that I did not know existed! Many of them were dirt forest service roads.

In route they gave us a tour of “ The Cove Palisades SP”, where Rose worked for about ten years. The next stop was “Balancing Rock” hiking trail. I saw it a week earlier but it was Judy’s first visit. Much of the area still bears the scars of a wildfire in 2002.  After some short distance hiking we continued the drive to Camp Sherman SP where the headwaters of the Metolius are.

Stop at Balancing Rock Trail (click pics to enlarge)

Metolius River From balancing rock trail 

Mt. Jefferson from Balancing rock ( notice wildfire damage from 2002) 

What shapes do you see?

We took a short break at Camp Sherman before we went to the headwaters viewing station.  The view is not very impressive until you consider that the water bubbling out of the ground is the source of a river that flows thirty or so miles to an impoundment that forms the large lake, Lake Billy Chinook.  Some of the best fly-fishing in the country takes place on the Metolius River.  After some relaxing time at Camp Sherman we went to the Wizard Ridge Fish Hatchery. 

Headwaters of the Metolius River

     

The Metolius begins here   

 

 

 

 

       It doesn’t take long until a river forms

The proof of being there photo! 

  We also crossed paths with Chip and Dale

Wizard Ridge Fish hatchery 

      

That is all for now.  Thanks for stopping by.

Next Blog: In a week or so.

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.