In the Burn

June 6 - 13, 2023

Bend - Idanha, Oregon

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We enjoy a couple last lazy days in Redmond, Oregon, and spend several hours at the High Desert Museum south of Bend. I've heard it's well done, and Bill wants to go too. 

At check-in Tessa holds up her paw and promises not to cause the residents any stress. She's a seasoned-go-to-live-animal-places attendee. 

This is a small venue with a combination of local wildlife, regional art, and both cultural and historical exhibits. A small cafe and lovely gift shop are included.

Enjoying a little snack, the porcupine looks so soft and cuddly.

Rescued at 8 months old, the Bobcat is a beauty. She and Tessa ignore each other the first time.

Vistas del Cielo (Views from the Sky) is a unique full-room piece made from thousands of paper strips. Artist Justin Favela imagines a desert landscape from his childhood. The pieces hang from the ceiling, making a 3-D visual 

Spirit of the West is a journey through the history and multiple cultures of the high desert area, starting with a Northern Paiute camp.

Settlers moved into the area introducing wagons and the trappings of the cities they left behind.

The heat in the mines meant shirtless miners (the first time I've seen this). The mining exhibit is detailed with a very dark walk-through tunnel.

Small towns developed around the mines and farming families.

Every tableau has wonderful layers.

One of my favorites is the Chinese market and laundry.

One of the temporary exhibits, Creations of Spirit, features the living works of seven tribal artists. I appreciate the narrative on the challenges that native people struggle with balancing the sacred use of their ritual and personal items with the sharing of them as art. Each frame offers a glimpse beyond the beauty of the item(s).

A lot to learn. A lot to appreciate.

The Burrowing Owls are hysterical. They are very curious about Tessa and run down to look at her, then scamper back to their hill.

Next door this beautiful rattler is more interesting in watching the little owls.

Horned Owl

The Barred Owl is the classic "wise old...." looking down on us puny humans. 

Water meanders throughout the outdoor space, to the River Otters. I'm excited to see them playing (Tessa is also a fan), but today they're tucked up in their den for a nap. Too dark for photos, but they're sweet.

Once they see each other on our second pass, there is no more ignoring by Bobcat or Tessa. About the same size, it's not clear if they want to play or eat each other. We move on.

The package I'm expecting hasn't arrived by the time we're packed up and ready to move on Thursday. With just 75 miles to go, and since we've paid until Saturday, we wait until 2:00. Then we give up, advise the office of what we're expecting, and head out. 

Hwys 126, 20 and 22 are two-lane, wide and well maintained through deep forest. Except for the acres and acres of burn. All of the fires happened since we were here four years ago. They clearly came close to our RV park, River Mountain View Park in Idanha, but we can't see any of the damage once we're set up. With 50 amp FHUs on gravel mostly-level sites, we're happy to be back for a few days. It's a no-frills, funky little rural park.

We cross the North Santiam River upon our arrival.

So glad the forest around the park was spared from the massive fire.

Although the yellow blooms are pretty, I'm sorry to see the invasive Scotch Broom has moved into the area.

A drive along the Breitenbush River shows us more of the destruction caused by the 2020 Beachie Creek Fire. Starting in August that year, three separate fires came together and burned 9.2 billion board feet of timber before finally being contained in December. Much of the little town of Detroit was destroyed. Lots of newly constructed homes are nearing completion, and one small eatery is feeding locals and tourists. 

We're unable to continue to the small community of Breitenbush.

A few unburned areas of hardwoods along the road.

What is it about ferns that are so magical?

Mother Nature sprucing up the place.

Entering the lake, the river is framed by rose colored branches. 

Detroit Lake

We need a few things we can't get at the local mini market so we drive into the state's capital. Salem is just an hour away. Eventually we're out of the burn area, into the lush green forests we remember. A quick stop to check out the capitol and surrounding gardens, late lunch, and we head back home. Hwy 22/20 gets a lot of traffic!

Beautiful detail on planters that need some gardener-love.

Smelling like heaven - Dave would love these!

Although Bill is no longer fishing, the river is rushing so fast at the RV park, he'd likely not be putting a hook in the water here anyway. But we really enjoy the powerful sound of the riffles over the rocks. It's beautiful to see, and to hear.

The big rodeo was in Sisters over the weekend, so we wait for Monday to return and pick up my package. The park has been so good about keeping me informed of it's arrival and making sure it's waiting when we arrive. It's a lot of driving, but it's also a lovely area with the snowy mountains all around, and the healthy river along the highway.

With little Internet, no satellite, limited day trip options, and no fishing this time, we're ready to head for the coast. Tuesday's drive is more Hwy 22/20, a short section of I-5 through Albany, and gorgeous burn-free forests. We pick up some high winds, a little rain, and then we're at the ocean! It's where we love to be in the summer :-)

Newport, Oregon

Reese and Penelope on deer watch in Virginia - with help from Moz!

Oliver ready to take on the dunes!