tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36963972593548853912024-02-19T13:38:25.796-08:00Life in the Right Lane<br>
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Writings and Photos From our travels. On the road since June 2013. Joy to You!
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11492330893926790541noreply@blogger.comBlogger246125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696397259354885391.post-80496305866272132852014-07-08T18:45:00.001-07:002014-07-21T20:29:17.960-07:00We have moved the blog for this Circumnavigation of the USAFor the next year we will be circumnavigating the USA and I have opened up a travelpod blog for this.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog/photokent/2/tpod.html" target="_blank">Travelpod blog link is here</a></span></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvblySyEdpo2-qnJbJam50j2fahQE2LhuDPdS_3pKqmtoFipbKttV6cvdhzmCDu1XICBjfCaycborWk35OibgYfrBQRRC4mAqGTxj8oridmNOM2WjrXGO56zUsPL-oiPc43AUYVW8wSGIK/s1600/Around+USA.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvblySyEdpo2-qnJbJam50j2fahQE2LhuDPdS_3pKqmtoFipbKttV6cvdhzmCDu1XICBjfCaycborWk35OibgYfrBQRRC4mAqGTxj8oridmNOM2WjrXGO56zUsPL-oiPc43AUYVW8wSGIK/s1600/Around+USA.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sample of Around USA<br />
Not our actual route tho</td></tr>
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During the past 3 years, I have not been totally satisfied with Google Blogger for two main reasons.<br />
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1) Despite the fact that Google wants me to set my location for each blog entry, I have not been able to figure out how to show that on the actual blog post. <br />
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2) Google forced me to have comments move to its Google + page which is too much trouble to handle and not everyone has a google Plus account for commentaries.<br />
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Two of my long time model railroading freinds have used TravelPod blogging service for their recent trips across the USA.<br />
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I also like the fact that I can build an email list of those folks who want to get email updates of new posts. Easy to do.<br />
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Both of the above Google blog issues are handled with this blogging software. two main things I don't like about this software is that I have to write too much for the pictures to be included in the body of the blog post. Otherwise they sit at the bottom of each post. Not the end of the world but not everyone knows to click on the picture to enlarge it. I will work on this. The other thing I haven't been able to figure out is how to add tags. Not the end of the world. And I can still post to Facebook for folks. <br />
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That said, I have moved over to travelpod for our USA circumnavigation. All the other links work just fine.<br />
I still might post from time to time here. we will see.<br />
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<a href="http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog/photokent/2/tpod.html" target="_blank">The new travel blog can be found here.</a></h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLESByV4xJeZE9AMjH-_bjohvPEBDTSPPk7ZEqIqdN9vtnMRc9RiUItoWO5k6hP2zRDpsVwvdU0sOKZdvHZs53CoXW4_Abhiu_G1LlfQX20bpjRL48RHfAudeI8UkY06z4CyUb0ud47XVN/s1600/Priya+and+Bimal+7.3.14+070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLESByV4xJeZE9AMjH-_bjohvPEBDTSPPk7ZEqIqdN9vtnMRc9RiUItoWO5k6hP2zRDpsVwvdU0sOKZdvHZs53CoXW4_Abhiu_G1LlfQX20bpjRL48RHfAudeI8UkY06z4CyUb0ud47XVN/s1600/Priya+and+Bimal+7.3.14+070.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We do dress up occasionally</td></tr>
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Blessings from the road<br />
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KentAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11492330893926790541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696397259354885391.post-36185778163848838002014-06-14T10:13:00.001-07:002014-06-14T10:13:58.376-07:00Day 24 - A blessing, a meeting and the long walkFinally getting things situated here. Insurance, vehicle registrations, packing, unpacking, passports renewed, and yes, eating lots of strawberries. LOTS.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCyBrBtjCutM0g1xXBjs6ucc7l0AsSpyK4HVUVXJ9xEpGxQR9S0gpzzfWzk1U9d_V3pei5Z3JlO3j9XDzVk30jv4nA4nAFvAITcqiJpvzEvmQpMz67cFYG5sHHKSbsiowh-I37gQmv6fct/s1600/Fun+and+Games+this+week-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCyBrBtjCutM0g1xXBjs6ucc7l0AsSpyK4HVUVXJ9xEpGxQR9S0gpzzfWzk1U9d_V3pei5Z3JlO3j9XDzVk30jv4nA4nAFvAITcqiJpvzEvmQpMz67cFYG5sHHKSbsiowh-I37gQmv6fct/s1600/Fun+and+Games+this+week-2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Expansion Hall rededication</td></tr>
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We also rededicated the Expansion Hall here at Ananda Laurelwood last evening to renew the energy, and open it up to new uses. I still have my office (in that back corner in photo above).</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkS4jaBcmDOkFl92ASy8M3wv2ZHKZbJ0ER0QSrKMywg81bZM4vnFZzahxLEtfYVGnJ9pYeyH-ATZ70SU6iimjguGebgRC92CXD3RWh2O3W3StbWLjwpIXhFddK9FLBYqx3StP63ejQBLPM/s1600/Fun+and+Games+this+week-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkS4jaBcmDOkFl92ASy8M3wv2ZHKZbJ0ER0QSrKMywg81bZM4vnFZzahxLEtfYVGnJ9pYeyH-ATZ70SU6iimjguGebgRC92CXD3RWh2O3W3StbWLjwpIXhFddK9FLBYqx3StP63ejQBLPM/s1600/Fun+and+Games+this+week-1.jpg" height="242" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the reflection in the window</td></tr>
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Then we get up real early for weekly leadership meeting online through Google Hangouts with folks in other geographic locations. Usually we attend remotely via our iPad but this week I got to be here in person with some of the folks.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEAQn3ary13zGGHnclicyJN_2PRW_hKwjgdLK32ok74KGY8EaLIkMOT4CCWOzZkp1RqkOVOiOigOepWsR0nUKTp35n0Z1Yecz3RSXX3Pr5lrEnsgU5fHSO-nrdCzdTREfkyfFiUshMz6Rb/s1600/Fun+and+Games+this+week-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEAQn3ary13zGGHnclicyJN_2PRW_hKwjgdLK32ok74KGY8EaLIkMOT4CCWOzZkp1RqkOVOiOigOepWsR0nUKTp35n0Z1Yecz3RSXX3Pr5lrEnsgU5fHSO-nrdCzdTREfkyfFiUshMz6Rb/s1600/Fun+and+Games+this+week-3.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Today I saw this really cool Chevy. I don't know much about classic cars but do know this one is a favorite.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPL2UjQTslsIWYOZl2ydZD1JLKnnBR2Xi8v5wamIhYCChEi8E6l07nKqdQ1J52F25NBzPeCmh5LO5w_UR6WWd3v5ca4bd7zFylJL5lGwNjfxW57R0Js215-5MKxHUkNeiCoTAloD-dmw4C/s1600/Fun+and+Games+this+week-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPL2UjQTslsIWYOZl2ydZD1JLKnnBR2Xi8v5wamIhYCChEi8E6l07nKqdQ1J52F25NBzPeCmh5LO5w_UR6WWd3v5ca4bd7zFylJL5lGwNjfxW57R0Js215-5MKxHUkNeiCoTAloD-dmw4C/s1600/Fun+and+Games+this+week-4.jpg" height="242" width="320" /></a></div>
After depositing our quarterly tax payments at the post office, I stopped by our storage locker to check on things. It is always interesting because, despite the close proximity of the locker to the entrance of the facility, I have to walk way down to the back end punch in the security codes and then walk all the way back down to the front end again to reach our locker.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4TEyHigk5Fhh2K9pP8fEEO4AoonPFqj7H47WfnKcfT2rq-x5jM_RDiGzacSwOtuaAFIf8ZQ_AJpv2hEJzvX0Hqx_5-uPvDdMkY8_Cwh-bhmRigsorlp_TTpu5-aIy7t1kr9jLtDh_hjLu/s1600/Fun+and+Games+this+week-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4TEyHigk5Fhh2K9pP8fEEO4AoonPFqj7H47WfnKcfT2rq-x5jM_RDiGzacSwOtuaAFIf8ZQ_AJpv2hEJzvX0Hqx_5-uPvDdMkY8_Cwh-bhmRigsorlp_TTpu5-aIy7t1kr9jLtDh_hjLu/s1600/Fun+and+Games+this+week-5.jpg" height="242" width="320" /></a></div>
Sure enough. Our household furniture is still there. Dry and safe. I was even able to find the box with camera gear boxes in it so I can now sell some extra camera gear. Didn't find the Blu Ray DVD player because it is way in the back, I think and wasn't about to haul everything out right now. Oh well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4dDSpXHlfFSYdEJf_XfmxDg05sQQxmKwR-EuzdlRifV2kgqb4J2DXS7f9Z2aLl6EFlPmMV4UKdro_yulF7dE6qg5BYhzxTyXu8Jzh9kSOm-A7s-PZfFmDtJ6z3RssliVo8EBm1lHK56QL/s1600/Fun+and+Games+this+week-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4dDSpXHlfFSYdEJf_XfmxDg05sQQxmKwR-EuzdlRifV2kgqb4J2DXS7f9Z2aLl6EFlPmMV4UKdro_yulF7dE6qg5BYhzxTyXu8Jzh9kSOm-A7s-PZfFmDtJ6z3RssliVo8EBm1lHK56QL/s1600/Fun+and+Games+this+week-6.jpg" height="241" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11492330893926790541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696397259354885391.post-79526458959110939862014-06-13T17:42:00.000-07:002014-06-14T10:14:16.011-07:00Day 25 - Nature's Bounty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love farmer's markets. Every where we travel, we look for possible markets to support and purchase fresh local foods. Sometimes the timing works out.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5oLvwaCNC6Az6tL3A9mNjo8GZ5L_lENkitCDVBgl0Qbe-uTtkeyDjiq0RpRcaxx3zd50m7YW49eyOHUJpXL2xS_zno8EHTQb3WonWT_Cru7SLOsAPFOApotJB-KBLDUqle8LRbxlXJ0GY/s1600/Beaverton+Farmers+Market-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5oLvwaCNC6Az6tL3A9mNjo8GZ5L_lENkitCDVBgl0Qbe-uTtkeyDjiq0RpRcaxx3zd50m7YW49eyOHUJpXL2xS_zno8EHTQb3WonWT_Cru7SLOsAPFOApotJB-KBLDUqle8LRbxlXJ0GY/s1600/Beaverton+Farmers+Market-1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Asparagus from Eastern Washington</td></tr>
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Beaverton Farmer's Market is one of the best, especially this time of year. I brought my new Olympus camera with me to shoot some photos.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX81Xgiesg9YQ17Jnmcb6x5n2hj2lmIKraKRU1aAvTtvbKs6M3aYZDBctHvlprPINsFhotBQKsThWdtTSQ1cWB62mgPewBYkkPiE5gVDUNI6fk-tiWWE41HI9lG5YzE1_kSnes773gUTUA/s1600/Beaverton+Farmers+Market-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX81Xgiesg9YQ17Jnmcb6x5n2hj2lmIKraKRU1aAvTtvbKs6M3aYZDBctHvlprPINsFhotBQKsThWdtTSQ1cWB62mgPewBYkkPiE5gVDUNI6fk-tiWWE41HI9lG5YzE1_kSnes773gUTUA/s1600/Beaverton+Farmers+Market-2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Local Beets</td></tr>
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Huge it is and well attended. I forgot to take photos of the booths because it was so busy and crowded.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5F2SVhYPiSpUb4OcLTf9XUYHbwg5iPum5KkToZOLktokAg3pt_7f7OvPlRjM8EO03fom_udeVDuETYJ13NBxWTP1uCikWvz3vJsLfrRZHFcU7Pa8wwxxR6PUBokMn7ffYNUX1gwMzUMco/s1600/Beaverton+Farmers+Market-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5F2SVhYPiSpUb4OcLTf9XUYHbwg5iPum5KkToZOLktokAg3pt_7f7OvPlRjM8EO03fom_udeVDuETYJ13NBxWTP1uCikWvz3vJsLfrRZHFcU7Pa8wwxxR6PUBokMn7ffYNUX1gwMzUMco/s1600/Beaverton+Farmers+Market-3.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raspberries!!!</td></tr>
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I just tried to shoot photos of some groupings of wonderful fruits and veggies.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIu83BssxhUHnLWwf0batlNLef24jIChyzGyJK1N4pMzAh1IHPGRTK9x1sIAlJg0bK8kF8X03y9jqfhZEuHeBKfCSyKhq7AmzsUqegp9A0LWm94jNiEEhILnQZk4JGeTDfXFpmhI5FhsYX/s1600/Beaverton+Farmers+Market-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIu83BssxhUHnLWwf0batlNLef24jIChyzGyJK1N4pMzAh1IHPGRTK9x1sIAlJg0bK8kF8X03y9jqfhZEuHeBKfCSyKhq7AmzsUqegp9A0LWm94jNiEEhILnQZk4JGeTDfXFpmhI5FhsYX/s1600/Beaverton+Farmers+Market-4.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Asparagus Tamale. Yes it is! and yummy to boot</td></tr>
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And some flowers too.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSH0418WF-kHa-d_I_ZmdwYzWURq3iAbNInduOM86WSW3mIwT4STg8g9dHkrIJl0TMlWkT1Wu1YP8FXkqDffqe1VqYL8lglH9WqEBfrwBPZOSv6_uBhYXW43IN2pNv1zNMK0CTvR0LHU0o/s1600/Beaverton+Farmers+Market-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSH0418WF-kHa-d_I_ZmdwYzWURq3iAbNInduOM86WSW3mIwT4STg8g9dHkrIJl0TMlWkT1Wu1YP8FXkqDffqe1VqYL8lglH9WqEBfrwBPZOSv6_uBhYXW43IN2pNv1zNMK0CTvR0LHU0o/s1600/Beaverton+Farmers+Market-5.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flowers for sale</td></tr>
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Then I got distracted and here it is Friday and tomorrow is Farmer's market so we do it all over again. Like Ground Hog Day, or The Edge of Tomorrow without guns.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8xoIgtvWX3thM3xRyeR5La6FCZOseVqX7g05ap0pKqNP3XHySzvbZdhYydr_HJyBRRUdC30Udo1JHP_4Yya0oIH9d5dORJBTnH4pjEJqSwbjbuZwbJ8AWEuf0E-9QV3uJdWCtH9JY9ID-/s1600/Beaverton+Farmers+Market-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8xoIgtvWX3thM3xRyeR5La6FCZOseVqX7g05ap0pKqNP3XHySzvbZdhYydr_HJyBRRUdC30Udo1JHP_4Yya0oIH9d5dORJBTnH4pjEJqSwbjbuZwbJ8AWEuf0E-9QV3uJdWCtH9JY9ID-/s1600/Beaverton+Farmers+Market-6.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first of 3 flats we have eaten in the past week</td></tr>
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heh, heh.......<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11492330893926790541noreply@blogger.com0Beaverton, OR, USA45.487061999999987 -122.8037102000000145.30894099999999 -123.1264337 45.665182999999985 -122.48098670000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696397259354885391.post-44216173308731912282014-06-10T16:10:00.002-07:002014-06-10T16:14:27.890-07:00Oh My, What Sweet Lips You Have!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Some random thoughts and photos from past week since I haven't posted in a while.</div>
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We have been here in Laurelwood for a week now. Visiting friends and serving here and there. Most of you regular readers know our home address is now here at Ananda Laurelwood where education and community is most important. Not all "Laurelwoodians" live on the property as we do.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEwq92U4rJtXdtPiW4yK6ixW-EdfMpr-nZa2C1ztU3iAlYipdc1ql-I5c4EPfbvtB_o-w4pKju1BJmzk-x7Yj82a-_R9znqjJSv_LYkVpq7qKiK7ojXnU7nu0cLj_EK4M8va3SUb6a_yIF/s1600/Laurelwood+Misc+Jun+10-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEwq92U4rJtXdtPiW4yK6ixW-EdfMpr-nZa2C1ztU3iAlYipdc1ql-I5c4EPfbvtB_o-w4pKju1BJmzk-x7Yj82a-_R9znqjJSv_LYkVpq7qKiK7ojXnU7nu0cLj_EK4M8va3SUb6a_yIF/s1600/Laurelwood+Misc+Jun+10-1.jpg" height="242" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gentlemen farmers</td></tr>
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We visited our long time good friends, Dambara and Manisha, who live just down the street. Having moved up to Oregon last summer at the same time we did, they bought an acreage and have become "gentlemen farmers". Last week they bought some Llamas so we went over to meet the new arrivals.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVYdzrLmHaPlKTqFGSHbarMCGBhiv7vIGKvOxwGlo6d4_vCyerjlYPLmEjh5eu1sQzFOi1j7Tb8xibjhf72v654R4zwLoyRH6F8M5Nb0dDETjoPD6sCLN8rFIkcl8iObzag4-K68u5x6H/s1600/Laurelwood+Misc+Jun+10-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVYdzrLmHaPlKTqFGSHbarMCGBhiv7vIGKvOxwGlo6d4_vCyerjlYPLmEjh5eu1sQzFOi1j7Tb8xibjhf72v654R4zwLoyRH6F8M5Nb0dDETjoPD6sCLN8rFIkcl8iObzag4-K68u5x6H/s1600/Laurelwood+Misc+Jun+10-2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My what soft lips you have!</td></tr>
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I have never before feed a llama. They have such soft lips. What fun to sit outside and catch up on happenings the past year while we have been traveling. Sraddha also is doing more photography. Mostly with iPhone and she has a great eye. Better than me. I am trying to coax her into shooting with our new Olympus camera which is light weight.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCI6SsrLQ0HQ9seDSs7Salxipi1qMcTCgE_7ZEm-M4l-hYclHDRh7WerkS3oZ7PrEqg6Xk5Zha2QImo1tUfJIQ8VZ7aFsFOeVj0h3XaR6_8bKleoKhzoPm542n22SR187KC7StPMWijFSI/s1600/Laurelwood+Misc+Jun+10-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCI6SsrLQ0HQ9seDSs7Salxipi1qMcTCgE_7ZEm-M4l-hYclHDRh7WerkS3oZ7PrEqg6Xk5Zha2QImo1tUfJIQ8VZ7aFsFOeVj0h3XaR6_8bKleoKhzoPm542n22SR187KC7StPMWijFSI/s1600/Laurelwood+Misc+Jun+10-3.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smile!!!</td></tr>
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Since we were last here, some new folks have come on the scene. Elizabeth and Ty are from Portland area and she and Sraddha have bonded over the beautification of Ananda Laurelwood so they are planning all kinds of fun projects.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Ol04ptr2rL1iQr19cK2mxxD0pkAxah7ffXjXkgJe5VEj6Z5k6CMkUjveQQoYG8d1xde-gvPss9QKEWEeCh5zN2xhsY6l1BXpthDHpO5grWeeyO-yJWfBhZ2u6crPmJHiVG7EnxLmgLoT/s1600/Laurelwood+Misc+Jun+10-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Ol04ptr2rL1iQr19cK2mxxD0pkAxah7ffXjXkgJe5VEj6Z5k6CMkUjveQQoYG8d1xde-gvPss9QKEWEeCh5zN2xhsY6l1BXpthDHpO5grWeeyO-yJWfBhZ2u6crPmJHiVG7EnxLmgLoT/s1600/Laurelwood+Misc+Jun+10-4.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little garden right outside the cafe</td></tr>
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We usually return to the RV after morning meditation to have our coffee and breakfast, but do take some meals in the Green Hill Cafe which serves a delightful fresh vegetarian fare.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAnHM3klEh9PAOQeyaCusX7nJHYZ2NE0UbjY1G_BUZSzoJ57GT_vbK48YdhvDkmUYtNtpsMksE0aMPL8WYVMLBwReeKHhMPPD3AWDWnba-VmnR7yPraztykepBP1as8yg-HgiUK_DGbcq-/s1600/Laurelwood+Misc+Jun+10-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAnHM3klEh9PAOQeyaCusX7nJHYZ2NE0UbjY1G_BUZSzoJ57GT_vbK48YdhvDkmUYtNtpsMksE0aMPL8WYVMLBwReeKHhMPPD3AWDWnba-VmnR7yPraztykepBP1as8yg-HgiUK_DGbcq-/s1600/Laurelwood+Misc+Jun+10-5.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green Hill Cafe lunch time</td></tr>
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One of our other long time friends, Janakidevi, has a vision for a "Yogananda Garden" in the wild areas up on the hill behind where we reside. This morning we went for a walk with her, bushwacking through the fields and along the dirt road up to the top of the hill to look at possible places for trails and beautiful resting spots for visitors. I snapped a few pix along the way.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTgQZ66JghEt_dP0ZBHSrYemsPB0MQYHGrEycXWH8HJcLOIhdTh-7cvPu8Yk7SlH231OmSdjya6xstgmJetsX2V5PUxN08Uvt2VI5_L65DxWHzLErLYcKjuNg-7nm32JZHEpy2XglmCygF/s1600/Yogananda+Garden-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTgQZ66JghEt_dP0ZBHSrYemsPB0MQYHGrEycXWH8HJcLOIhdTh-7cvPu8Yk7SlH231OmSdjya6xstgmJetsX2V5PUxN08Uvt2VI5_L65DxWHzLErLYcKjuNg-7nm32JZHEpy2XglmCygF/s1600/Yogananda+Garden-1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking amidst the brambles</td></tr>
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She wants to have a large statue of Paramhansa Yogananda created and installed up on the crest of the highest point. No spring chicken, she envisions this parklike environment where now is mostly brambles. Admirable.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvuXW7xCI90sZlLLp2lSNu9BN6x9u_mbfUN_cjNabIPVW6MolGHoiHH7OwW7EczP3gaDDAvKNMPpiOixtydPbkSu9Gvr2zoQDBBJZ2udfwdntPEg7WHYWWeGarJZYocc1N7bVa1_Y6kGVx/s1600/Laurelwood+Misc+Jun+10-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvuXW7xCI90sZlLLp2lSNu9BN6x9u_mbfUN_cjNabIPVW6MolGHoiHH7OwW7EczP3gaDDAvKNMPpiOixtydPbkSu9Gvr2zoQDBBJZ2udfwdntPEg7WHYWWeGarJZYocc1N7bVa1_Y6kGVx/s1600/Laurelwood+Misc+Jun+10-6.jpg" height="241" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from top of hill looking out west towards coastal range</td></tr>
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As we were walking around I couldn't help take in the breathtaking beauty all around us. This planet has a guiding force of grace and beauty everywhere. If only we can tap into that energy.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp3ZFMgcaXVnvraZEi4PBxPXZoaGtDBDGXsgHXKJhrUs7ysnmMbvySpr8ky0CLRow1hgpOqa54xI14s5wy9AUP5rJRpL6djeQy3CYK5cKnTmmAEZS7zzBzyoGoGpOcoAhnIdWHLwpbkpsq/s1600/Laurelwood+Misc+Jun+10-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp3ZFMgcaXVnvraZEi4PBxPXZoaGtDBDGXsgHXKJhrUs7ysnmMbvySpr8ky0CLRow1hgpOqa54xI14s5wy9AUP5rJRpL6djeQy3CYK5cKnTmmAEZS7zzBzyoGoGpOcoAhnIdWHLwpbkpsq/s1600/Laurelwood+Misc+Jun+10-7.jpg" height="243" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">beautiful flowers</td></tr>
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While up at the crest I shot this short video on my iPhone scanning the vista while she discusses her vision. sound is not very good but we will post more later on.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxjMV6QnZoYKoQVrld-OwtzKIpnh4eVOA5Qb_Q997e4_ZZM6RaCZwoAzk_BzTOczvUz_xPsUpiEelO1bnDDAw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11492330893926790541noreply@blogger.com038950 Southwest Laurelwood Road, Gaston, OR 97119, USA45.4226394 -123.079064445.422595900000005 -123.07914339999999 45.4226829 -123.0789854tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696397259354885391.post-54200267063571566192014-06-04T09:33:00.001-07:002014-06-04T09:33:02.510-07:00Day 14 - Ananda Laurelwood..Home Sweet Home.... for little while<b>Miles Driven - 117</b><br />
<b>Total Miles - 1082</b><br />
<b>Nehalem Bay State Park to Ananda Laurelwood, Gaston, Oregon</b><br />
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After breakfast, we packed up, dumped the wastes, headed off across the coast range to our "home from home". I say this because Ananda Laurelwood is where we hope to <a href="http://anandalaurelwood.org/home-2/land-purchase/" target="_blank">someday settle down</a> and is the reason we moved out of our home in northern California. Well not the only reason but it is why we have made our change of address and also moved our household goods up to Oregon into long term storage whilst we roam around the USA.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSUs-VOjUphMpzjhJI7ub94I2F4Yg9r-ipr4pCa-T7zqs90HHTqWNfPt0RJprQxJ8IesqYeKtMhlEnkMB5xkJBX3EVVOhyZU-kTsdUKyLy9AqT1U9pjAaRaSIHnS3RGSmIa38WZJA1tD1h/s1600/Rv+Camp+Laurelwood-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSUs-VOjUphMpzjhJI7ub94I2F4Yg9r-ipr4pCa-T7zqs90HHTqWNfPt0RJprQxJ8IesqYeKtMhlEnkMB5xkJBX3EVVOhyZU-kTsdUKyLy9AqT1U9pjAaRaSIHnS3RGSmIa38WZJA1tD1h/s1600/Rv+Camp+Laurelwood-3.jpg" height="242" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our home at Home!!</td></tr>
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We will be here in the Portland area for about 5 weeks, commencing our eastward journey east after the Fourth of July weekend to attend a family reunion in Sandpoint, Idaho. In the meantime, we have a lot to do to prepare. RV and Jeep registration in Oregon, my new Oregon driver's license, a couple of repairs and installs on the RV, etc. We have a to do list of about 30 different things. We started today with the smog checks of RV and Jeep in Hillsboro before heading out to Laurelwood. Passsed!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhjRXqulvzZlv8KvpxiiI4AESSlojlnNRVceHh4-rBw3e0UTPVtGEmH3sjv925lol7c0OUiKWbZ1R9iPfCygjP00lz8eaIS5eM9NCW17gUPd-nJacTwgHP1NCsMJkCsPsfj2pKVPP-4OwO/s1600/Rv+Camp+Laurelwood-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhjRXqulvzZlv8KvpxiiI4AESSlojlnNRVceHh4-rBw3e0UTPVtGEmH3sjv925lol7c0OUiKWbZ1R9iPfCygjP00lz8eaIS5eM9NCW17gUPd-nJacTwgHP1NCsMJkCsPsfj2pKVPP-4OwO/s1600/Rv+Camp+Laurelwood-2.jpg" height="244" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Big Pines Shelter us from view. No one even notices us.</td></tr>
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In addition, of course, we want to reconnect with many of our friends in the area, and maybe even a few good meals. We have already started to visit.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGAvRVtY8xfsA-0jJZ-bprD0wqBL2Tmx8QheQcW2mtEeVYSs6pDFsk-yXjteoDF6VkZRW4WjSTV6PT7Ya1E0MP4Q-PIqgb99mSHcPHnkl9K4cX7J0ZMMcbQly_S4wXUfUV0qg4lNxOYwvM/s1600/Rv+Camp+Laurelwood-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGAvRVtY8xfsA-0jJZ-bprD0wqBL2Tmx8QheQcW2mtEeVYSs6pDFsk-yXjteoDF6VkZRW4WjSTV6PT7Ya1E0MP4Q-PIqgb99mSHcPHnkl9K4cX7J0ZMMcbQly_S4wXUfUV0qg4lNxOYwvM/s1600/Rv+Camp+Laurelwood-1.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beth's Garden in distance. Blue shack is Chicken Coop</td></tr>
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The time will rapidly pass so we actually might have to get a little bit organized. Forsooth. Just as I am getting used to letting each come, I will need to figure out which "to do" needs to be done in which order and what is the priorities. And to be still and calm during this whole process.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-0rbFGRr7I6xZ3cEuwr8mH5HIRP2oA_oDdkuIL51Ica1gkHFZHqUWvkRdwZsWW5RPHMNqW_rJhEvvqGSWCDWioDSUotRdBPUrWAigwQapik2epDXrDbaeYggb3oXnf3XV03QwnK9gG3p_/s1600/Rv+Camp+Laurelwood-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-0rbFGRr7I6xZ3cEuwr8mH5HIRP2oA_oDdkuIL51Ica1gkHFZHqUWvkRdwZsWW5RPHMNqW_rJhEvvqGSWCDWioDSUotRdBPUrWAigwQapik2epDXrDbaeYggb3oXnf3XV03QwnK9gG3p_/s1600/Rv+Camp+Laurelwood-4.jpg" height="242" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Julien's big Solar collector project. Last incarnation was a satellite dish</td></tr>
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Fortunately I have my partner and many friends, some of which we have already seen. Off to see what mail and packages greet us today.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11492330893926790541noreply@blogger.com038950 Southwest Laurelwood Road, Gaston, OR 97119, USA45.4226394 -123.079064445.422595900000005 -123.07914339999999 45.4226829 -123.0789854tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696397259354885391.post-48787010735400721002014-06-02T19:55:00.001-07:002014-06-02T19:55:11.813-07:00Days 10-13 - One Day a Desert Rat, the next Day a Beach Bum<b>Miles Driven - None in RV some in Jeep</b><br />
<b>Total Miles - 975</b><br />
<b>Still on Oregon Coast - heh, heh</b><br />
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One day we are in the last day of 8 months in dry desert, the next day we are on the beach, Well, to be precise, 2 days later, but, when you are on the beach, hey, you lose track so easily. Know what I mean?</div>
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<td> One day<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEDhjdiCUsTsDTXFNe1qbsnLX6l08MV_MR5Y0L3AUwDHFXQlwzjJlTWM_CoBWeYCE8RHyP-o3Sin71qJDGlz_xDfQtPXpjSdGQnykwcpkNoUzZHwb1-vtoDlUU4gSYfXLJvL6YHUa7ysbs/s1600/Painted+Desert+-+Fossil+Beds-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEDhjdiCUsTsDTXFNe1qbsnLX6l08MV_MR5Y0L3AUwDHFXQlwzjJlTWM_CoBWeYCE8RHyP-o3Sin71qJDGlz_xDfQtPXpjSdGQnykwcpkNoUzZHwb1-vtoDlUU4gSYfXLJvL6YHUa7ysbs/s1600/Painted+Desert+-+Fossil+Beds-1.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painted Hills In John Day Fossil Beds, Oregon</td></tr>
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</td>
<td> Next Day<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjidOV5efZwqOOEmMY3FeDL9_a1gcuOpZuLV79hsX7GC4YJILF7lgakJBpsjZfaJnDelDPfM7EIxIvs4a7fIetw8xzkDv6VwDziv7Y_RiUv6b08tIoMoYFXc68LCPYar1zbQezwCm4C7EU0/s1600/Oregon+Coast+June+2014-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjidOV5efZwqOOEmMY3FeDL9_a1gcuOpZuLV79hsX7GC4YJILF7lgakJBpsjZfaJnDelDPfM7EIxIvs4a7fIetw8xzkDv6VwDziv7Y_RiUv6b08tIoMoYFXc68LCPYar1zbQezwCm4C7EU0/s1600/Oregon+Coast+June+2014-4.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />Manzanita Beach in Oregon</div>
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Well, er, uh, ok, no excuses, like being a beach bum. Perhaps that is why I haven't written in several days. Sometimes you just need to take a little break which we have here at Nehalem Bay State park on the Oregon Coast.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5vRbBpcEIQXh46f0XzTqKpO8HZeGNTyL66CWAPWVKTxP0UOZyoxwBg8m8-F2cPYlI3RbIL1HH7ulx6pg3N2IBte5LzhuyYnXqQiLXpo7SK_QS-Fqe02BXHcWQ9hQNRAhJf1FUVKVgAUg/s1600/Oregon+Coast+June+2014-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5vRbBpcEIQXh46f0XzTqKpO8HZeGNTyL66CWAPWVKTxP0UOZyoxwBg8m8-F2cPYlI3RbIL1HH7ulx6pg3N2IBte5LzhuyYnXqQiLXpo7SK_QS-Fqe02BXHcWQ9hQNRAhJf1FUVKVgAUg/s1600/Oregon+Coast+June+2014-3.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
We actually did something the other day. We walked the 2 miles to downtown Manzanita and went geocaching. Remember, I found my very first geocache last week at the Gordon House in Silverton when I wasn't even looking. So I downloaded the app and, and opened it up to see if anything nearby.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPqKp9HXwCG6-IYFNrzlYVLSdo2bW3PXT8C7HwOkxlNDrCXBu-CqldH-g4DZdOEtsKZJFu5LpKdjEIYasZge-ZJUyyBEOYHthiyFARgeQXxd0L4fDYVOqXX3Toc_QhIugYtmU3zECdIrFY/s1600/Oregon+Coast+June+2014-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPqKp9HXwCG6-IYFNrzlYVLSdo2bW3PXT8C7HwOkxlNDrCXBu-CqldH-g4DZdOEtsKZJFu5LpKdjEIYasZge-ZJUyyBEOYHthiyFARgeQXxd0L4fDYVOqXX3Toc_QhIugYtmU3zECdIrFY/s1600/Oregon+Coast+June+2014-5.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Second GeoCache</td></tr>
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Yep, there was one. A little hunting, we discovered it behind some bushes in front of a home on main street. Tee-hee.<br />
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One thing about the Oregon coast is how favorable the climate is for plants and flowers. We admire some of the local gardens as we walked around town.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihXoiPUDteuWrWjeiqYTZbhOJNI1On-i7zYfKwpks7v35c89tL471C_LYW3HzzCS2ohY5GUskNcypTKpr6pZRh5syRht8CdS1iepf38DNSRBQ-bfq-_0ID0v67m8j6tGHUcInlaCuVJOxc/s1600/Oregon+Coast+June+2014-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihXoiPUDteuWrWjeiqYTZbhOJNI1On-i7zYfKwpks7v35c89tL471C_LYW3HzzCS2ohY5GUskNcypTKpr6pZRh5syRht8CdS1iepf38DNSRBQ-bfq-_0ID0v67m8j6tGHUcInlaCuVJOxc/s1600/Oregon+Coast+June+2014-6.jpg" height="242" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Admiring local garden</td></tr>
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Back home at the "Rancho del Williams", (aka CharLi, aka the RV), <span style="text-align: center;">We cooked up some grub from local seafood shop.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMbkhmGFC92idvEUl6aneakZwdUCW3qFI0igQcPIzRjMZbWOqJksFkfYpLPzsbujugD4rHD7jjy_lRd4YnzhxQROaRLKP6Y3lXoa230cTqQhx9h33BiBLq054-ldw9Sc_E0sik8MWZK25h/s1600/Oregon+Coast+June+2014-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMbkhmGFC92idvEUl6aneakZwdUCW3qFI0igQcPIzRjMZbWOqJksFkfYpLPzsbujugD4rHD7jjy_lRd4YnzhxQROaRLKP6Y3lXoa230cTqQhx9h33BiBLq054-ldw9Sc_E0sik8MWZK25h/s1600/Oregon+Coast+June+2014-7.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love "See Food" when I see it, I eat it!</td></tr>
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Only minutes from the beach I monitored the sunset possibilities, and dashed out to find a good place to watch. Much of this time of the year is clouded in with fog banks so you have to shoot these when you can. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh61cROB0zp2BCeo7v7ixRd5Q-NXU2wHvBkZXnyhmfMLhs0ZYguQQ9wBbanQW4P0gZLbM1iIJUXzwAjAFmj4toieE4EmlBon23FXr6n8BhUsyW6cJg0umYRvjEm4y1dEApbfFYSOESK36Zj/s1600/Oregon+Coast+June+2014-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh61cROB0zp2BCeo7v7ixRd5Q-NXU2wHvBkZXnyhmfMLhs0ZYguQQ9wBbanQW4P0gZLbM1iIJUXzwAjAFmj4toieE4EmlBon23FXr6n8BhUsyW6cJg0umYRvjEm4y1dEApbfFYSOESK36Zj/s1600/Oregon+Coast+June+2014-1.jpg" height="242" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">El Rancho del Williams</td></tr>
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I found a nice little dune which gave off some reflection of suns rays and spent a good 45 minutes watching the sunset and taking photos. I ruined the shots from regular camera but managed to get a couple with the iPhone. Never leave home without it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglVOWXju9IZeblgyo77a44n5_rpUvTs7QUiBs2CzPLuTOjeNc8Cy6pzQcCit_lhLOhdEgZygpwgNcVKw0Tg9NjcktwBth_zpZ8CcLLNPoI6-TJ7CBtJEzfQtaIINI_cZEcZUr6eKPZFA6H/s1600/Oregon+Coast+June+2014-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglVOWXju9IZeblgyo77a44n5_rpUvTs7QUiBs2CzPLuTOjeNc8Cy6pzQcCit_lhLOhdEgZygpwgNcVKw0Tg9NjcktwBth_zpZ8CcLLNPoI6-TJ7CBtJEzfQtaIINI_cZEcZUr6eKPZFA6H/s1600/Oregon+Coast+June+2014-2.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a></div>
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Today we drove to Cannon Beach about 20 miles north. We ate some lunch at local places, I had pizza and she had fish & chips.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeT7745XK5lBUBAM7cEUEVInOoFBif5L-qQv74JcZD9SoeB5xylPXfQihdXFAZPfHKS7nIxh8u_mSye4R6_1k2JN1Hus0Z1FijmefjygBQjxxobMxY247FPBzWM-t_slF4u2N1ujlLBkm6/s1600/Oregon+Coast+June+2014-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeT7745XK5lBUBAM7cEUEVInOoFBif5L-qQv74JcZD9SoeB5xylPXfQihdXFAZPfHKS7nIxh8u_mSye4R6_1k2JN1Hus0Z1FijmefjygBQjxxobMxY247FPBzWM-t_slF4u2N1ujlLBkm6/s1600/Oregon+Coast+June+2014-8.jpg" height="244" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Puffins!!</td></tr>
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We walked out onto the beach near Haystack Rock in hopes of seeing some Puffins. It is breeding time for many birds. Unfortunately the tide was in so we couldn't get too close. I got no useable photos except from iPhone (see droopy camera there). Through Sraddha's scope, we could see some puffins and Murres, and Pelagic Comorants on the rock. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSv3XbXrfms_UiB1xi-SI_zCEJAiAZSUd6wM2-eHnaPakoapIdI5BOgN75siSj8Qz2yv74bupLUhBt7H2XVusnm3F-tdstqVzZE6nEv5oItAQcAb8UTWbpfPDTEYrcsQrXfhdQXSx1kWvh/s1600/Oregon+Coast+June+2014-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSv3XbXrfms_UiB1xi-SI_zCEJAiAZSUd6wM2-eHnaPakoapIdI5BOgN75siSj8Qz2yv74bupLUhBt7H2XVusnm3F-tdstqVzZE6nEv5oItAQcAb8UTWbpfPDTEYrcsQrXfhdQXSx1kWvh/s1600/Oregon+Coast+June+2014-9.jpg" height="242" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BIRD!!!</td></tr>
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We headed back south along highway 101. Interesting to note the cloud bank seems to hang permanently over Cannon Beach this time of year, while Manzanita and Nehalem Bay is usually sunny. (Editors note that tonight the clouds moved back in so no sunset.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg11kGVXVNOUEgHqmnq4WcAoB6wXdojkA0KNjLIl53IYS7FNfWvSjIQ-cQQeXkoMWPyIqRRNPgiApmB1YjMm0zGkpPye_AnKfXnt-RLuf8kuXazyCnxZxAypB5wq9TOkVjg8hcq_Sgrkish/s1600/Oregon+Coast+June+2014-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg11kGVXVNOUEgHqmnq4WcAoB6wXdojkA0KNjLIl53IYS7FNfWvSjIQ-cQQeXkoMWPyIqRRNPgiApmB1YjMm0zGkpPye_AnKfXnt-RLuf8kuXazyCnxZxAypB5wq9TOkVjg8hcq_Sgrkish/s1600/Oregon+Coast+June+2014-10.jpg" height="243" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">looking south towards Manzanita Beach. Note fog bank further south </td></tr>
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This few days of R&R have been fun. We spent the mornings walking and also researching and making some reservations for next winters trip to Florida. Have some fun places booked. It gets crowded down there so wanted to make sure we have some places to stay during peak season. Mid December through March 2 is now booked. The rest, we will wing it.</div>
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If you have read this far, I will let you in on a big secret......Promise not to tell anyone? We get to spend my 65th birthday next January in......</div>
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wait for it.......</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk95VdOAFZ7K5nakZyvKUxx2l9TvFtLs_oiQ-PSkEdHGL1ZA0rOS0r5-1JG3q6ZubR4RvbjDWh069syxcSswj_NO7Pv1mtlGimXenTr-4XNkIKu9cYQIGZYF5-jlpiaCQnc-9-1VLZVbwQ/s1600/keys+highway.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk95VdOAFZ7K5nakZyvKUxx2l9TvFtLs_oiQ-PSkEdHGL1ZA0rOS0r5-1JG3q6ZubR4RvbjDWh069syxcSswj_NO7Pv1mtlGimXenTr-4XNkIKu9cYQIGZYF5-jlpiaCQnc-9-1VLZVbwQ/s1600/keys+highway.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">The Florida Keys!! Woo Hoo</span></td></tr>
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Off to Ananda Laurelwood for a few weeks. So I won't post daily but hope to put up some photos and some fun things.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11492330893926790541noreply@blogger.com0Nehalem Bay State Park, 9500 Sandpiper Lane, Nehalem, OR 97131, USA45.6859731 -123.9368150000000245.5972271 -124.09817650000002 45.7747191 -123.77545350000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696397259354885391.post-2953209349951159762014-05-31T07:00:00.000-07:002014-05-31T07:00:02.067-07:00Day 11 - Coast Ho with a kinky cable!<div class="p1">
<b>Miles Driven - 146</b><br />
<b>Total Miles - 975</b><br />
<b>Silver Falls Sate Park to Nehalem Bay State Park on Oregon Coast</b><br />
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The adventure continues. Did you know that, in California, we used to get our Christmas trees from this area in Oregon. We drove through miles and miles of farms like this en route to Silverton, Oregon.<br />
We had just left 8 months of being in dry, desert like conditions, to now feeling the soft, moist, soothing air caressing our skin. mmmmmmm.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT3I6A6ZfKqFIeSS1DIY257logb8hsavrpPUiblo8yYpQiMrGG-FZlUSuWPXdk6ikalPVflAmrspeTLSQk3elgncsDcQLsK8i0v3iP7qHVmH2IxbB_BeZMQp2tv0vU0UFcll6imj5m_aBx/s1600/Silver+Falls+to+Nehalem+Bay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT3I6A6ZfKqFIeSS1DIY257logb8hsavrpPUiblo8yYpQiMrGG-FZlUSuWPXdk6ikalPVflAmrspeTLSQk3elgncsDcQLsK8i0v3iP7qHVmH2IxbB_BeZMQp2tv0vU0UFcll6imj5m_aBx/s1600/Silver+Falls+to+Nehalem+Bay.jpg" height="242" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas Tree Farms</td></tr>
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Upon arriving at David Gortner's home yesterday, in Silverton, we noticed our Jeep brakes were smoking hot. What is happening here. We were parked on a downgrade so could not disconnect. Had been noticing the brake lights remain on the jeep when we stopped earlier and have been doing this for a while. Something is not quite right.</div>
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We had our coffee and visit. Was fun to catch up with David, but the brake issue was in the back of my mind. Just to let you know that we were able to disconnect down on the bottom of his street before driving onto public roads. Sraddha set up to follow me in Mr. Toad.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLSt-6Im_UHc1QrAt5-BGApW9aYSS1-TZhC3dVKLX0qaFyYyYhG0n0iJQq2L2hy-OM5N3s9hr9xGt2YGg4n24spR4Bdb7AlYQDOvR_c_jy7e-cvgOKBaEV3keyyCNcuFCvuSHWCyuFPMaw/s1600/Kinky+cable.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLSt-6Im_UHc1QrAt5-BGApW9aYSS1-TZhC3dVKLX0qaFyYyYhG0n0iJQq2L2hy-OM5N3s9hr9xGt2YGg4n24spR4Bdb7AlYQDOvR_c_jy7e-cvgOKBaEV3keyyCNcuFCvuSHWCyuFPMaw/s1600/Kinky+cable.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The culprit- a kinky cable. Please excuse the desert dust. </td></tr>
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We then headed to South Salem to shop at Trader Joe's and refuel at a Safeway gas station. I got on my cell phone, did some research, ended up speaking with the tech support guy for the braking system installed in our rig and did some troubleshooting. Turns out not an electronic problem. Whew. However, the cable that runs from under the drivers seat to the brake peddle appears to have a little kink in it, so consequently it is sticking a little bit when the actuator initiates during braking of RV and doesn't allow the cable to completely release. We hope our brake drums are not destroyed. Will take in for check in Portland.<br />
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Sraddha drove the jeep independently without issue all the way to the coast and will drive it back to Laurelwood next week where we will take it into a brake specialist to examine the brake system and fix as needed. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkj4Md0SgDyM5DoPmjLH4CnwXNq6nogCO3fRk8xa9hPO-c320Qbikfcr4Q83elYP5WH7ao5sRh52Pl05nouQh0L3cZ5Hopi3mmDaXrjb8FWZLUO3sRjksTmdmX4g-05Ywy2rz9oSNIGayX/s1600/Silver+Falls+to+Nehalem+Bay-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkj4Md0SgDyM5DoPmjLH4CnwXNq6nogCO3fRk8xa9hPO-c320Qbikfcr4Q83elYP5WH7ao5sRh52Pl05nouQh0L3cZ5Hopi3mmDaXrjb8FWZLUO3sRjksTmdmX4g-05Ywy2rz9oSNIGayX/s1600/Silver+Falls+to+Nehalem+Bay-2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Short Coastal Pine trees lined the drive into the park</td></tr>
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I have an appointment in two weeks down in Salem with a dealer who will install a new cable which, hopefully will fix the issue.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDEnu9E6hmuWW8enq277htMqAWeokyzV0DzbiMbQYTMhyNl-4VNo0zBBEqNR1PzLHwSLNuD7cv103xLm_u26FkjQfy8TqGY_qnAggGzYXyniMRXjRdMHIUqcIL-OxJtXSs04WOjdA30-1r/s1600/Silver+Falls+to+Nehalem+Bay-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDEnu9E6hmuWW8enq277htMqAWeokyzV0DzbiMbQYTMhyNl-4VNo0zBBEqNR1PzLHwSLNuD7cv103xLm_u26FkjQfy8TqGY_qnAggGzYXyniMRXjRdMHIUqcIL-OxJtXSs04WOjdA30-1r/s1600/Silver+Falls+to+Nehalem+Bay-4.jpg" height="242" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">our campsite for the weekend.</td></tr>
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We will be in Laurelwood for next 5 weeks before heading inland and wanted to be on the beach for a few days so we headed to the coast. By the end of the day, when we arrived, we were ready to be done with the daily adventure.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglh6eSr2fYXtvffBrs_N5F_qhb2n-C2LPN7ZkfB0RZjwP_UGi_y6Xkgivn-yz3OivbAIfspnJUaglJhOz0xEGzDgCFDw3_Aj9Af33cRHo5m1DJutpVKUr1ZKBdh5awSe8nfknOYmDk0b93/s1600/Silver+Falls+to+Nehalem+Bay-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglh6eSr2fYXtvffBrs_N5F_qhb2n-C2LPN7ZkfB0RZjwP_UGi_y6Xkgivn-yz3OivbAIfspnJUaglJhOz0xEGzDgCFDw3_Aj9Af33cRHo5m1DJutpVKUr1ZKBdh5awSe8nfknOYmDk0b93/s1600/Silver+Falls+to+Nehalem+Bay-3.jpg" height="242" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I did manage to capture the last sun of the day on the beach with iPhone.</td></tr>
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May not blog too much over the weekend. We will see. Stay tuned!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11492330893926790541noreply@blogger.com0Nehalem Bay State Park, 9500 Sandpiper Lane, Nehalem, OR 97131, USA45.6859731 -123.9368150000000245.5972271 -124.09817650000002 45.7747191 -123.77545350000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696397259354885391.post-72147850747654408432014-05-30T09:14:00.002-07:002014-07-05T07:18:19.560-07:00Day 10 North - A Water fall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We stayed our first night on west side of Cascades at Silver Falls State Park east of Salem.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQFUF7-HClyhViIA201VBUtJSydKdXOnt2lwRUKorNdNwM20c6n6ZQO_Cuus_HgBYiW6R4CfrnWPNocXLQjlOyS4yHDmzqckxAZ5hOi1gAkjrWFR6qKhdoQxMvptE-GwjYias7e9gNQbE/s1600/Silver+Falls+Waterfall+distant+shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQFUF7-HClyhViIA201VBUtJSydKdXOnt2lwRUKorNdNwM20c6n6ZQO_Cuus_HgBYiW6R4CfrnWPNocXLQjlOyS4yHDmzqckxAZ5hOi1gAkjrWFR6qKhdoQxMvptE-GwjYias7e9gNQbE/s1600/Silver+Falls+Waterfall+distant+shot.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North Falls from Overlook</td></tr>
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This park is known for its 10 waterfalls spread out through the largest state park in Oregon. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDWtVTN32z4ChEKaPf_Xvv-hn9Sb-ugDbjgYCWdNGbMD9amBjX2xW0DSbZ11dJjD6LmvFQGvVGx04HVo9gcfoyNEB2Hf-SRSRASzv4HCYE-W4WYjFjZz_i5aWuljrBYcNQ0VRlUuSV78zn/s1600/North+Falls-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDWtVTN32z4ChEKaPf_Xvv-hn9Sb-ugDbjgYCWdNGbMD9amBjX2xW0DSbZ11dJjD6LmvFQGvVGx04HVo9gcfoyNEB2Hf-SRSRASzv4HCYE-W4WYjFjZz_i5aWuljrBYcNQ0VRlUuSV78zn/s1600/North+Falls-2.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North Falls from other side down the trail</td></tr>
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You can hike along the 9 mile trail to see all 10 falls if you have the time. I hope to return someday to do that.<br />
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I got up early in the morning and, after morning tea, drove over to North falls trailhead. The trail leads down UNDER the falls and all around to the other side.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Underneath with mist</td></tr>
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I should have brought my earplugs as the roar of the falls was echoed throughout the underside.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaMX8PNs7qmEO9rh1jyW_CcYj2i4Fp78zPnpnL1T10xfK-AbgCgaMP6CQ28QZTZJ9lgI55-hufJpMohA_zPLs7CiGWRhJlZ7d8H8SZUpWZ1iLjDcP1H_ja7wZzlpB9vSlsC_M2JFCvIqVg/s1600/North+Falls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaMX8PNs7qmEO9rh1jyW_CcYj2i4Fp78zPnpnL1T10xfK-AbgCgaMP6CQ28QZTZJ9lgI55-hufJpMohA_zPLs7CiGWRhJlZ7d8H8SZUpWZ1iLjDcP1H_ja7wZzlpB9vSlsC_M2JFCvIqVg/s1600/North+Falls.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sitting in the back of the cave like area looking out under the fall.</td></tr>
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Hiking back up I noticed some beautiful trees with moss growing on limbs. A true rain forest.<br />
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Nearby in the campground, behind our site I walked amidst deep vegetation. We left Silver Falls State Park vowing to return for a longer stay and hikes its trails. We drove to Silverton through Christmas Tree Farms, to see and former colleague from Ananda Village, David Gortner who lives in the area with his author wife, Lennie Martin.<br />
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Then we decided to drive to the coast. Which is another adventure story. Stay tunedAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11492330893926790541noreply@blogger.com0Silver Falls State Park, 20024 Silver Falls Highway Southeast, Sublimity, OR 97385, USA44.8722791 -122.6486967999999822.895773600000002 -163.95729079999998 66.8487846 -81.340102799999983tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696397259354885391.post-28358051107989084322014-05-29T08:51:00.000-07:002014-05-29T08:54:05.032-07:00Day 9 - Mountains, Rain, the DMV and my first Geocache. <b>Miles Driven - 176</b><br />
<b>Total Miles - 829</b><br />
<b>Ochoco Pass to Silver Falls Sate Park, Oregon</b><br />
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The DMV. I wish this word didn't send shivers down my spine. Would prefer sending good energy up my spine. That said we have had an interesting saga in our move up to Oregon.<br />
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We just discovered two weeks ago that the registration for our Subaru which was left in Oregon, still does not have the license plates. We had submitted the registration paperwork over 3 months ago, when Sraddha visited Laurelwood. Come to find out the bank info was left off the form and another co-owner, not named Sraddha or Kent is on the registration.<br />
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What the heck is happening here? They also misplaced the file and another name is on the registration in process. A phone call to DMV and now a visit to Prineville DMV has moved along the process. We now have temporary (60 day) permit to drive the Subaru when we return next week, however not the registration which could take another 4-6 weeks. Not good since we want to sell the Subaru. Arghh. <br />
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This also makes us gun-shy to transfer the RV registration now which we need to initiate upon return next week.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlxbMJ_gxyzoH3BVdFICyDqKCpkfLwp2X5W169619t6cUasvJPhhgMfjL0ZkDVCsL0BtN-thXql-fyG5bWxD9SSPRJT8pgahlfyBMy0b9Ii4cWGM2v0YpLEzyoD0i5r3cpLLRkD3-kL7vf/s1600/Silver+Falls+Rainforest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlxbMJ_gxyzoH3BVdFICyDqKCpkfLwp2X5W169619t6cUasvJPhhgMfjL0ZkDVCsL0BtN-thXql-fyG5bWxD9SSPRJT8pgahlfyBMy0b9Ii4cWGM2v0YpLEzyoD0i5r3cpLLRkD3-kL7vf/s1600/Silver+Falls+Rainforest.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainforest outside our back door here in Silver Falls State Park</td></tr>
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Anyway we continued west from Prineville over the Cascades through a driving rainstorm. The mountains were socked in so no good photos.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBicFfaurtkC5LSJonOv-d_dsUqnDMl7AUSKFyaz4V1zfbLaf6c-2YsaxRuvFEU7KSjXV22O9uGGqCDUHGGUkb-Fx824XNgOvPXcRVhhGm9p1WSXHCUvJmdNnIICbVwtHQx4mCEGEnxaI0/s1600/Silver+Falls+Waterfall+distant+shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBicFfaurtkC5LSJonOv-d_dsUqnDMl7AUSKFyaz4V1zfbLaf6c-2YsaxRuvFEU7KSjXV22O9uGGqCDUHGGUkb-Fx824XNgOvPXcRVhhGm9p1WSXHCUvJmdNnIICbVwtHQx4mCEGEnxaI0/s1600/Silver+Falls+Waterfall+distant+shot.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North falls from overlook</td></tr>
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Overnight we move from camping in deserts for past 8 months to camping in a rain forest. What a difference a day makes! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpxDeSbQCnWI3mVxplEBSsNI5c1K6arRTo-UKBkPc8URoVAlNIXIG7X2rSjQjecXuTercqlyo1RQoDV3Q1qZq00ysgmOUSR6SiJ1tiNC9cRXwJujTAC4TRDTJ-vGo8Q171OkQqh1U4rhte/s1600/Silver+Falls+Rainforest+Tall+Trees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpxDeSbQCnWI3mVxplEBSsNI5c1K6arRTo-UKBkPc8URoVAlNIXIG7X2rSjQjecXuTercqlyo1RQoDV3Q1qZq00ysgmOUSR6SiJ1tiNC9cRXwJujTAC4TRDTJ-vGo8Q171OkQqh1U4rhte/s1600/Silver+Falls+Rainforest+Tall+Trees.jpg" height="203" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trees to the left of North Falls overlook.</td></tr>
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We settled into Silver Falls State Park east of Salem, unhooking in pouring rain. Can you say "wet in 30 seconds"? Later in day we drove to Silverton to see the Gordon House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and built after his death. It was recently moved, yes torn down and moved to its present location.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCQqDQUzJAyNDza_aJSiULV52BIxpCePLXL4ARvYeN6va6xXoWeVDBs_9u9_MzacpUQReo8jyThYRENfnkaAG3bTMZRLlwLj5GJ4EDFbbgmADhHWaJn3co7RfgXW5Xt9K4kPRqkLUJaVL/s1600/Gordon+House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCQqDQUzJAyNDza_aJSiULV52BIxpCePLXL4ARvYeN6va6xXoWeVDBs_9u9_MzacpUQReo8jyThYRENfnkaAG3bTMZRLlwLj5GJ4EDFbbgmADhHWaJn3co7RfgXW5Xt9K4kPRqkLUJaVL/s1600/Gordon+House.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gordon House in Silverton, OR</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJInikVTpSpBbfJYg4kNIU4ufdXPpUd3PSS7hRvlW5ltx86-TBVWTyjGRxFjM-UyLI07TXykHPX9-zZc-w0s55A1OMYquEuVqGYoyRSxkftYwy3VJxq5brI88N8tXfwU1WIdjv69LGDIJ/s1600/Kent+Geocaching.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJInikVTpSpBbfJYg4kNIU4ufdXPpUd3PSS7hRvlW5ltx86-TBVWTyjGRxFjM-UyLI07TXykHPX9-zZc-w0s55A1OMYquEuVqGYoyRSxkftYwy3VJxq5brI88N8tXfwU1WIdjv69LGDIJ/s1600/Kent+Geocaching.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kent finding his first geocache</td></tr>
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Amazing design and color fit so well with greenery around it. While walking around through the tall grass to get a good photo (the one above). I stumbled onto my first Geocache. "What is this?" It was an old ammo box just like I had read about. Like a little kid at Christmas, I opened it up to see what was inside. Having just read about geocaching in fun book about maps, I was curious about the whole phenomenon. <br />
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Apparently someone hides a, hopefully, watertight container, often a tupperware type, somewhere which contains a small notebook or log and sometimes trinkets or various things. They then record and publish its GPS location, then others look for it. Seems a bit strange but I already can see the allure. So I recorded my "handle" which I made up on the spot, in the log, then downloaded the app and created my account to then record the "find". Actually fun and Sraddha was laughing the whole time.<br />
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Sraddha twisted her knee yesterday on the hike in Blue Basin so we didn't hike the falls trail this afternoon.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11492330893926790541noreply@blogger.com0Silver Falls State Park, 20024 Silver Falls Highway Southeast, Sublimity, OR 97385, USA44.8722791 -122.6486967999999821.6842741 -163.95729079999998 68.0602841 -81.340102799999983tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696397259354885391.post-69491040838870201212014-05-28T13:45:00.003-07:002014-05-28T13:46:54.471-07:00Day 8 - Travel through Time in the John Day Fossil Beds <b>Miles Driven - 101</b><br />
<b>Total Miles - 653</b><br />
<b>Clyde Holliday State park to Ochoco Pass NF Campground</b><br />
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We began the day driving west down the John Day River valley. Being May, it is still green. Never having driven this section of Oregon before, it was pretty neat. My main impression of central Oregon had been over by Bend, and also along the basalt bluffs of Columbia River where it is dry desert sage brush. Amazed at the ranches, pine forests, and beauty.<br />
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In eastern Oregon lies one of the most complete natural history of the past 60 million years. The John Day Fossil Beds National Monument occupies 3 main units in eastern Oregon. We visited 2 units. Driving west from John Day, Oregon we follow the river through the narrow Picture Gorge where we see 17 different volcanic layers each representing over 8,000 years of time.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture Gorge. 17 volcanic layers averaging 8,000 yrs each.</td></tr>
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This is an amazing place. Essentially, there are layers of volcanic ash dating back 40 + million years ago in which fossils the whole Mammal Age can be found.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUUCb2SxIJBBdWhNclI65relNI3L3_D-KZ1HCFX13q8T7AKod7ZKJBtjlrOAF6geP9o55hI318X2UHUvKcC0xbg31cVPV3Pq4MZJm_10GFEpcIDyQiYioYM4l5IrrB7lwXfcr55Q9OLL9o/s1600/Fossil+Beds_-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUUCb2SxIJBBdWhNclI65relNI3L3_D-KZ1HCFX13q8T7AKod7ZKJBtjlrOAF6geP9o55hI318X2UHUvKcC0xbg31cVPV3Pq4MZJm_10GFEpcIDyQiYioYM4l5IrrB7lwXfcr55Q9OLL9o/s1600/Fossil+Beds_-1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The monument was inaugurated in 1975 with 3 distinct units. We first visited the Visitor Center on the John Day River, spending 3 hours touring one of the best educational displays we have ever seen, which covers each era of which there about 8-10.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVN_LV_nssCvyxuVCr9O8ur7LSu79TDklHGqpnpmkO1NeAXzj5H69si3x1-zyDlPMcKSudMi14LwH2TLdud21iBmxorUaY-dv6RyO0mwPylP4UBMwV0zJJziQLysdbavmkawf8yjXQXh5n/s1600/Fossil+Beds_-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVN_LV_nssCvyxuVCr9O8ur7LSu79TDklHGqpnpmkO1NeAXzj5H69si3x1-zyDlPMcKSudMi14LwH2TLdud21iBmxorUaY-dv6RyO0mwPylP4UBMwV0zJJziQLysdbavmkawf8yjXQXh5n/s1600/Fossil+Beds_-4.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amazing displays at Visitor Center</td></tr>
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We then drove further north to the first unit, the Blue Basin and pulled into the parking lot trusting there would be room to turn around.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHr1MI2A4r9aFmRt6fKOMqVoTnSNvi1PGlUj6CKNS37KZDM6xG0ziVANXtIo2XROzDbMQU75_PQZl4yT7sdUyN16Wc44SQJo46yjhOLbY6Cb-Zlsn8TbHEIX4ur1dMkrccRcWX_WcLIpBl/s1600/Fossil+Beds_-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHr1MI2A4r9aFmRt6fKOMqVoTnSNvi1PGlUj6CKNS37KZDM6xG0ziVANXtIo2XROzDbMQU75_PQZl4yT7sdUyN16Wc44SQJo46yjhOLbY6Cb-Zlsn8TbHEIX4ur1dMkrccRcWX_WcLIpBl/s1600/Fossil+Beds_-5.jpg" height="243" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Day River Valley near Blue Basin</td></tr>
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We were assured by the ranger that we could turn around in the parking lots so we headed in. There was room. Whew. Ya never know.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-xAYuVobsxiyq_Fb7R2v7KKu4Fc6Pb8xh9iSzPUsSgLAw0rYxICXeVaRGdskSw4xjWWftumA_lNwKyQI3ECjrNZj1BLCFctxYWdKtK9-MPxTDE96sXzGTdNdLDKSsNGOSt6y1pO7Vm4oW/s1600/Fossil+Beds_-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-xAYuVobsxiyq_Fb7R2v7KKu4Fc6Pb8xh9iSzPUsSgLAw0rYxICXeVaRGdskSw4xjWWftumA_lNwKyQI3ECjrNZj1BLCFctxYWdKtK9-MPxTDE96sXzGTdNdLDKSsNGOSt6y1pO7Vm4oW/s1600/Fossil+Beds_-6.jpg" height="242" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Backside of blue Basin Overlook Trail looking north</td></tr>
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Two hikes <a href="http://www.nps.gov/joda/planyourvisit/sheep-rock-trails.htm" target="_blank">were recommended.</a> We set off on the Overlook trail first which took us around the backside then steep switchbacks up about 800 feet to the overlook. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZOwO9rVgPpwzYcULdf_eFArWqtVZTz1DHQaT0Gku78ujBdnVyjTIGOiaORR_TvJ1An9yCN8KcYjgU9qvdEOwm-Xxm4Mi3SePVCdHcIs8dnMnV30cYJClm6n6zpFD2XERLpCBcL7vrWt6r/s1600/Fossil+Beds_-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZOwO9rVgPpwzYcULdf_eFArWqtVZTz1DHQaT0Gku78ujBdnVyjTIGOiaORR_TvJ1An9yCN8KcYjgU9qvdEOwm-Xxm4Mi3SePVCdHcIs8dnMnV30cYJClm6n6zpFD2XERLpCBcL7vrWt6r/s1600/Fossil+Beds_-7.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overlook of the Blue Basin</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;">We hiked about a mile along the rim before descending via switchbacks to the center of the canyon.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz5iz9ju5t9gB38lOxSzR1WBtdhvrQp-aBcMqGUtE_Op8jrvxBs404noa8uOGwnYwUaDUrZJ1d5cL2tjmhbTJa5dtlbGVW4iiJVmNT1mwzXZPp0_gHVSgTUImptn0FNTEODRITo_Q13YXO/s1600/Fossil+Beds+Canon-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz5iz9ju5t9gB38lOxSzR1WBtdhvrQp-aBcMqGUtE_Op8jrvxBs404noa8uOGwnYwUaDUrZJ1d5cL2tjmhbTJa5dtlbGVW4iiJVmNT1mwzXZPp0_gHVSgTUImptn0FNTEODRITo_Q13YXO/s1600/Fossil+Beds+Canon-2.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Most of our photos were shot with the iPhone, however I did manage to shoot a couple with the big Canon. They will be on my Flickr page.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0fxukh6H5GQijWsQXN6p8wkU-UsUYoX1Xqlv29S4g_F1j-5QRTYd8pwiXLTHj3iq6fY3ofbx_3QJ1bhHxBDMKDZY0eWErW9CB8XKEcGVNH3Huv4D9hvTadR_uT7JlZUOvC-LnkNgWWNlr/s1600/Fossil+Beds_-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0fxukh6H5GQijWsQXN6p8wkU-UsUYoX1Xqlv29S4g_F1j-5QRTYd8pwiXLTHj3iq6fY3ofbx_3QJ1bhHxBDMKDZY0eWErW9CB8XKEcGVNH3Huv4D9hvTadR_uT7JlZUOvC-LnkNgWWNlr/s1600/Fossil+Beds_-8.jpg" height="242" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is it really that blue down there?</td></tr>
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The second hike took us down into the center of the canyon.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKrw-2juuh1xSZkoIJAh_OYIJcs8Jx5ziFjqGw6wGkOEtRoyXsySG3Z1WNd2hFmFtABhu_ghvQw_6DzbIu0fHzg2jNccQziUNPPq0tUHmbGDSBPSHMSehj25wIUHOzpEJNHj5EK7IfFAaj/s1600/Fossil+Beds_-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKrw-2juuh1xSZkoIJAh_OYIJcs8Jx5ziFjqGw6wGkOEtRoyXsySG3Z1WNd2hFmFtABhu_ghvQw_6DzbIu0fHzg2jNccQziUNPPq0tUHmbGDSBPSHMSehj25wIUHOzpEJNHj5EK7IfFAaj/s1600/Fossil+Beds_-9.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue and Green Volcanic Tuff with many layers on top</td></tr>
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The blues and greens are volcanic Tuff layed down 30+million years ago. Over time, many layers heaped on top caused compression and metamorphosis of the tuff turning it these fascinating colors</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVL6WbsZaDmoKrZUMhpjLaqYkXLPX3sY4_j-1sYyGdpmpfbS1d5CUGPTe9twq21DuCaaIRL4ddUdZdhsODV0TZrdWrEu9bgb1hRCiAiwrlUfl6YMSBF7vApAoytcI3cVzzM9qkziZujemv/s1600/Fossil+Beds+Canon-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVL6WbsZaDmoKrZUMhpjLaqYkXLPX3sY4_j-1sYyGdpmpfbS1d5CUGPTe9twq21DuCaaIRL4ddUdZdhsODV0TZrdWrEu9bgb1hRCiAiwrlUfl6YMSBF7vApAoytcI3cVzzM9qkziZujemv/s1600/Fossil+Beds+Canon-3.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep, it's blue all right</td></tr>
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All during the hike, CharLi and Mr. Toad waited faithfully in the parking lot. Just barely fitting in.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz6Q3xL5DLoLRhJ_A5ikzBdHsK9RYH9pHg0hXg_d76668fe16VZSeu2rVaz8IdO5U4TcyBlWUgHDDkRFka73o-5dynOsyQLwiMVVNoFe6Zm8Ld7nZd45ujISJnaxY7FQT2VzAncWUwVg8B/s1600/Fossil+Beds+Canon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz6Q3xL5DLoLRhJ_A5ikzBdHsK9RYH9pHg0hXg_d76668fe16VZSeu2rVaz8IdO5U4TcyBlWUgHDDkRFka73o-5dynOsyQLwiMVVNoFe6Zm8Ld7nZd45ujISJnaxY7FQT2VzAncWUwVg8B/s1600/Fossil+Beds+Canon.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charli and Mr. Toad waited in the parking lot, waaaayyy down there.</td></tr>
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Our second visit was to the Painted hills unit about an hours drive west. It was after 5 PM when we departed back to the main highway, over a mountain pass, down into another river valley, north 6 miles just hoping we arrive in time before the sun pops behind clouds for rest of night.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy1Q6qddLLywnEdH9OHFwATMAW06IxmDgjpV8mw1iQbU4WHmIDJmb58bnBI1Jxs7Rth4GX9wke9v6y8QUuSK3SqA2BxtxpctgLDSfAV4yAummjmZOrh4T3_UBOhu6GnVmify0ztoHEAJMT/s1600/Fossil+Beds_-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy1Q6qddLLywnEdH9OHFwATMAW06IxmDgjpV8mw1iQbU4WHmIDJmb58bnBI1Jxs7Rth4GX9wke9v6y8QUuSK3SqA2BxtxpctgLDSfAV4yAummjmZOrh4T3_UBOhu6GnVmify0ztoHEAJMT/s1600/Fossil+Beds_-11.jpg" height="241" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painted hills. Also Volcanic Tuff like blue basin. Just different color</td></tr>
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We were not disappointed. In fact the clouds accommodated us quite nicely, darkening the distant hills and accentuating the painted hills. Photos do not really depict how incredible the beauty really is.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8lTsPv_M5lU9EAlOLOZOrMUc4vkVPF_YqVhVbs6Eli7M7Un16yweJQ0wtM1SnbDwt8CjyCnYGj6E9TzpkM7Ie1WrHk7TW6462VWJF1HTeYm4th2X3h8pNakloxppKDCiJ-oaiZrbhrjQ/s1600/Fossil+Beds+K%2526S-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8lTsPv_M5lU9EAlOLOZOrMUc4vkVPF_YqVhVbs6Eli7M7Un16yweJQ0wtM1SnbDwt8CjyCnYGj6E9TzpkM7Ie1WrHk7TW6462VWJF1HTeYm4th2X3h8pNakloxppKDCiJ-oaiZrbhrjQ/s1600/Fossil+Beds+K%2526S-1.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the 10 second delay on the big camera.</td></tr>
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We didn't want to leave but had to head out at almost 8 PM because we didn't know where we would camp this night and still had, maybe an hour of useable light left to park. After all, there are no Walmarts around here.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW4liiLhzqEfXEoWUs57qv3vtSJnzz_UzePV0fWAIRKlGbG3MYem_3JbnDa3piATJnFnVsrOFGZ24Ie47AJ_wXsU2kTqrXHLawJi8fmEeyA_sqN5aZOLOgQUADj_SzBvdeRJwP3X1Qkogo/s1600/Fossil+Beds_-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW4liiLhzqEfXEoWUs57qv3vtSJnzz_UzePV0fWAIRKlGbG3MYem_3JbnDa3piATJnFnVsrOFGZ24Ie47AJ_wXsU2kTqrXHLawJi8fmEeyA_sqN5aZOLOgQUADj_SzBvdeRJwP3X1Qkogo/s1600/Fossil+Beds_-10.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shooting the Painted hills. I only had about 20 minutes of good light.</td></tr>
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We drove back out to the main road. Along the way we did see one possible BLM dry site, however, with the fading light, was not sure we could make it in there and didn't know about rain overnight leaving the road muddy and stranding us. Such wusses we are. Plus we did know of a Forest Service campground up on Ochoco Pass (4723' elevation) which we thought would have space for us. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXZ32jEUvFlZqbF6A91oV4D_u39oQkuuOLeQQBCcklHDG-bPLIyU2IDE6ERQdfAGwkZba9_KYQdXssvF1PnV-YtEUHouluIKw5yEZKYKSF9xuUcaB0ZVm2diI5qzrjb81kaDzMe3tfxB4/s1600/Fossil+Beds_-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXZ32jEUvFlZqbF6A91oV4D_u39oQkuuOLeQQBCcklHDG-bPLIyU2IDE6ERQdfAGwkZba9_KYQdXssvF1PnV-YtEUHouluIKw5yEZKYKSF9xuUcaB0ZVm2diI5qzrjb81kaDzMe3tfxB4/s1600/Fossil+Beds_-13.jpg" height="244" width="320" /></a></div>
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Turns out we found a sweet pull through and cost us only $6 to camp in the tamarack and pine forest. We pulled in around 8:45, dropped the levelers and out go the slides. Sraddha had started some Posole early in the morning which just needed to be reheated and seasoned. We ate, listening to the wind rustling in the trees and slept soundly, quite satisfied of a full day or hiking, learning, and being in some incredible natural beauty we had not even imagined a few days before.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11492330893926790541noreply@blogger.com0John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, 32651 Highway 19, Kimberly, OR 97848, USA44.5556229 -119.6448321000000343.833523400000004 -120.93572560000003 45.2777224 -118.35393860000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696397259354885391.post-66716529255365865942014-05-27T12:00:00.000-07:002014-05-27T12:00:02.464-07:00Day 6 - Change in Plans, Trip through MountainsMiles Traveled - 108<br />
Total Miles - 552<br />
Departed - Narrows at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge<br />
Arrived - Clyde Holliday State Park, east of John Day, Oregon<br />
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Due to a really good deal we actually had save $20 by booking the Narrows RV park for 4 nights. We spent another fun morning birding at Park HQ with <a href="http://talesfromturtleandhawk.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Turtle and Hawk</a> at Headquarters we saw numerous small birds and a few in flight. We had met Bob and Bettina down in Patagonia Lake last winter. Good birders!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkYgobZmgwdCjnwaMu03HD1yUcxbN1kbHKtKyq964yFEz87qjs0yWh1ui_Yw8jnVNPclSiR3da8Zd42E_vDRNvywlVHkAYtXc-iQGPVOCl0SgsP4IKSWbjsjGg1r4kwQ7BdbsnNy95HJR3/s1600/4+freinds+Maleur-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkYgobZmgwdCjnwaMu03HD1yUcxbN1kbHKtKyq964yFEz87qjs0yWh1ui_Yw8jnVNPclSiR3da8Zd42E_vDRNvywlVHkAYtXc-iQGPVOCl0SgsP4IKSWbjsjGg1r4kwQ7BdbsnNy95HJR3/s1600/4+freinds+Maleur-1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3 great birders and one clueless shooter</td></tr>
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We returned to the RV late morning for a nice salad brunch (not normal eating around here, let me tell you). As we were finishing up, I asked the question:<br />
<br />
Me - So what do you want to do for the rest of the day.<br />
<br />
Her - Oh, I am trying to figure out what birding to do..Do I want to go look for those burrowing owls?<br />
<br />
Me - I have an idea. (uh oh) It's still early in the day and the day is long. Let's head out of here up north, refuel in Burns and check out that pesky Jeep tire with slow leak, then see if we want to spend the night at Idlywild campground up in the mountain forest? If not then keep going. Whaddya think?<br />
<br />
Her - Hmm. Yeah, I am ready to move on.<br />
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And just like that we began to pack up. I still had the blog post to finish with <a href="http://lifeintherightln.blogspot.com/2014/05/days-4-and-5-birds-of-malheur-national.html" target="_blank">XXX rated bird photos</a><br />
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so she began packing up. When I finished, we then completed the packing (about 20 minutes), dumped waste, hooked up and off we go.<br />
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We stopped at Idlewild campground about 17 miles north of Burns around 2:30. Nice forest service campground with 3 pull throughs in which we would have fit. We walked around for about an hour looking for the Black Backed Wooedpecker whom our friends, Turtle and Hawk, had seen last week. Would have been a new bird sighting for Sraddha, however we just weren't' feeling it. <br />
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This is the great thing about not having a fixed schedule we really like. We looked at each other and agreed that is was, again, time to move on. I love flexibility and spontaneity. Very different from even 6 months ago.<br />
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Long story short, we drove another 70 miles to John Day, then west 8 miles to Clyde Holliday State Park. Now this park is on the John Day river and absolutely beautiful. Yet right near highway. AND they don't take reservations. We gambled that, since it was the end of Memorial Day weekend, there might just be a couple sites open, which there were. Not the prime sites, but we managed to select a decent site, unhooked, drove down the reverse direction so we could back in easily and settled in for the night.<br />
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Instead of departing Malheur Refuge with 140 miles to drive to the John Day Fossil Beds, we are not less than 30 miles to go this morning. Good decision.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">our campsite at Clyde Holliday State Park</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11492330893926790541noreply@blogger.com0Clyde Holliday State Park, 59500 U.S. 26, Mount Vernon, OR 97865, USA44.4160716 -119.088781644.4132361 -119.0938241 44.418907100000006 -119.0837391tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696397259354885391.post-76613869632590950512014-05-27T06:30:00.000-07:002014-05-27T07:57:51.139-07:00Days 4 and 5 - Birds of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge - XXX rated post ;)<b>No RV miles. Whew</b><br />
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<b>Driving around Malheur </b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY1Aqy1oMYpcbnfm6yl11qXkox85Wqfproe0CihYGqHAeEnny_bAFScT3bHC5umfEj4rYKnf7AJQuLlc1LumXl3P0fO1nBDnzB38dkaOlXTo0ueAWPtMFGkpbXKQ4TbZzGmUVMY_ytvE4U/s1600/2014-05-25+22:27:24++00001.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY1Aqy1oMYpcbnfm6yl11qXkox85Wqfproe0CihYGqHAeEnny_bAFScT3bHC5umfEj4rYKnf7AJQuLlc1LumXl3P0fO1nBDnzB38dkaOlXTo0ueAWPtMFGkpbXKQ4TbZzGmUVMY_ytvE4U/s1600/2014-05-25+22:27:24++00001.png" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Refuge we are visiting.</td></tr>
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What an amazing place at this time of the year. Thousands of visitors come here, especially over Memorial Day weekend. We stayed at the <a href="http://www.narrowsrvpark.com/" target="_blank">Narrows RV park</a> just a few miles from park HQ. <br />
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We spent 2 mornings with our friends Bob and Bettina, and also toured the south end Central Patrol Road down by Frenchglen where we saw a Trumpeter Swan family with chicks. This is where i get out the big super telephoto lens.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWf-mpScTnLS_TG1JsjzXNBCXePV-OEDErSBKG8kUZ6N1p5Tt80BnU4JLHR6uzGpda4AF2gYgL8Rd_fu5YBAPNtaD7wNEO0A9wrdmzer_n2OVAPJhoe6zaV6uwaqs86TWwCySk0AgxpT0F/s1600/Trumpeter+Swan+Family+052414++001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWf-mpScTnLS_TG1JsjzXNBCXePV-OEDErSBKG8kUZ6N1p5Tt80BnU4JLHR6uzGpda4AF2gYgL8Rd_fu5YBAPNtaD7wNEO0A9wrdmzer_n2OVAPJhoe6zaV6uwaqs86TWwCySk0AgxpT0F/s1600/Trumpeter+Swan+Family+052414++001.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trumpeter Swan Family</td></tr>
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A new bird was the Bobolink. Very rare in west, they do breed in this section of the Malheur. Late May and early June are the times to see the males in their plumage so we were here at the right time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK3DSbMiT4KO4S5fKzIyhaVfLWr1zmjgZ-QZ3ui9qxD9Q-E2GuHwLx7iyCdCJUmSNIVrth7Jx-0ToulnnIxC-Y75CF0KFVhs17iohglivh534IvgVaimSnZGuwVT0Sw_i34CACOEBY4RjA/s1600/Bobolink+052414++001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK3DSbMiT4KO4S5fKzIyhaVfLWr1zmjgZ-QZ3ui9qxD9Q-E2GuHwLx7iyCdCJUmSNIVrth7Jx-0ToulnnIxC-Y75CF0KFVhs17iohglivh534IvgVaimSnZGuwVT0Sw_i34CACOEBY4RjA/s1600/Bobolink+052414++001.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bobolink</td></tr>
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Another treat was to witness a pair of mating Avocets. As we were watching other birds in same area, I noticed this one avocet with its head down for the longest time. If finally dawned on me that they were courting. Suddenly the courtship got real serious and he jumped on top of her, then they danced and parted. Here is a short series of this scene.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHHkln6LtpsmkX63fvEzTV8IwoVwUo0-Q-MVbKM0OHTlypbz31iasSZr7Kwre4UoL-QNK05PUDkwLQ7ET7pKrMuSTbwILNBS2aFr8FgyVMcxxc9s0iR15011CBS_fuhGfnSEKAsgugxm0Q/s1600/Avocet+Mating-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHHkln6LtpsmkX63fvEzTV8IwoVwUo0-Q-MVbKM0OHTlypbz31iasSZr7Kwre4UoL-QNK05PUDkwLQ7ET7pKrMuSTbwILNBS2aFr8FgyVMcxxc9s0iR15011CBS_fuhGfnSEKAsgugxm0Q/s1600/Avocet+Mating-1.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hey Good Lookin! Wanna Dance?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhruK6V2ZxPjFIWnPDbYUxzpPgEmNMDl3Cdsoo2dv0tK-rEqWGlRxgecPtY4u8xsBnH0FOOCZIVaNemtwe-8VxwVhmxLuX0c4dcEcwBKWEtNzODHJ6ZH8j0Sc0l5vu668Quky6Ig8xu4QPZ/s1600/Avocet+Mating-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhruK6V2ZxPjFIWnPDbYUxzpPgEmNMDl3Cdsoo2dv0tK-rEqWGlRxgecPtY4u8xsBnH0FOOCZIVaNemtwe-8VxwVhmxLuX0c4dcEcwBKWEtNzODHJ6ZH8j0Sc0l5vu668Quky6Ig8xu4QPZ/s1600/Avocet+Mating-2.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yahoo!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcJQI9XPoz_CVk7aYY7IXHovL1h5PzY6Pugk7btJ_kAZkqKfRGRVvYETlPcCB0ur9qsOpocL2pWAKwlgOFr6P9n3Z0R1oyDgt6vzDAx5kAP-0xx6Be_geixMep0ur_vMmvvwf2K7twZuaR/s1600/Avocet+Mating-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcJQI9XPoz_CVk7aYY7IXHovL1h5PzY6Pugk7btJ_kAZkqKfRGRVvYETlPcCB0ur9qsOpocL2pWAKwlgOFr6P9n3Z0R1oyDgt6vzDAx5kAP-0xx6Be_geixMep0ur_vMmvvwf2K7twZuaR/s1600/Avocet+Mating-3.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh, yes. That was just great! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyHSyvjSgeu6x0y5vk5ZGTSgNzn5Qg-yvsz1tJVsy-RR5HWSH1UvS6ms7TQZrMVv8tIGIHfGkGui3gAyR9NYSvRUOZ2bp6JvL14TUxnmEN9qqvDYy7cJH6CIvhfzQzAviduuwlZuOefHDy/s1600/Avocet+Mating-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyHSyvjSgeu6x0y5vk5ZGTSgNzn5Qg-yvsz1tJVsy-RR5HWSH1UvS6ms7TQZrMVv8tIGIHfGkGui3gAyR9NYSvRUOZ2bp6JvL14TUxnmEN9qqvDYy7cJH6CIvhfzQzAviduuwlZuOefHDy/s1600/Avocet+Mating-4.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is this a lifetime commitment?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEwxU7K8Cl-Lk-f_UhfEvQaq8hIAEoRNoQhKmbiyFr9u_UylGmuRe0SZK5rZsQ-KCQ4Gmk0dyEH3_R3hQU_q8oiKgqUCA7d3C8cVAdWfUU3CTwK-hejjGKJx04ZHcqyRqR9dEbJ6ZYyIe6/s1600/Avocet+Mating-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEwxU7K8Cl-Lk-f_UhfEvQaq8hIAEoRNoQhKmbiyFr9u_UylGmuRe0SZK5rZsQ-KCQ4Gmk0dyEH3_R3hQU_q8oiKgqUCA7d3C8cVAdWfUU3CTwK-hejjGKJx04ZHcqyRqR9dEbJ6ZYyIe6/s1600/Avocet+Mating-5.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let's try the Polka</td></tr>
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You can view these photos and many others in high resolution over at the <a href="http://photokent.com/" target="_blank">Birds of Malheur Refuge</a> as a slide show over on my photo website and some <a href="http://flickrkent.com/" target="_blank">on flickr too</a>.<br />
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We pressed our luck one evening when we drove out west on a dirt road looking for Burrowing owls. We had been told they were out on this road but we drove almost 20 miles in one direction before giving up and turning around. On way back we had to negotiate with a herd of horses and mules blocking the road. Sweethearts all.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4e3-vEUq7T8CkSljnQ4fotiGKHr8M422HRxa0t8RxRpahXyw-eEUwMKKasqfaPLGXKnr2_GyHCaxD45CPJKTqGKq07UV3pNweqwf3E89v_eAFts_Gg-gcOlQzFqW4DRrajiaMaMvo4Qa9/s1600/malheur+horses-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4e3-vEUq7T8CkSljnQ4fotiGKHr8M422HRxa0t8RxRpahXyw-eEUwMKKasqfaPLGXKnr2_GyHCaxD45CPJKTqGKq07UV3pNweqwf3E89v_eAFts_Gg-gcOlQzFqW4DRrajiaMaMvo4Qa9/s1600/malheur+horses-9.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is there a toll here? no sugar.</td></tr>
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All in all, it was a real fun time. We are heading out and hope to be back someday. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11492330893926790541noreply@blogger.com0Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, Princeton, OR 97721, USA43.265685 -118.8440567000000143.2653235 -118.84468720000001 43.266046499999995 -118.84342620000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696397259354885391.post-32779777054640231432014-05-26T06:30:00.000-07:002014-05-26T06:30:02.456-07:00Days 3 - DUST, DUST, DUST Hart Mountain to Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, Oregon <b>Todays Miles - RV- 84; Jeep 64</b><br />
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</b><b>Total Miles - RV - 444; Jeep 64</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><b>Departed - Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><b>Arrived - Malheur National Wildlife Refuge</b><br />
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You might say we are, ahem, "Refugee's".....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiILC0SGXy5s8sjFgLEwSAIxfTWiZwMbZ-sb0zfj95hmN0H_3tRarn2j8PtHlVK5hlXQKC4X5QjxTO1P1oggoSJ_LtxpEBg5_5Vx6aHz0FTRYZDSirsw2Jx-U8XIsE-p6cbv78wxHGXQY-G/s1600/2014-05-25+18:53:52++00001.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiILC0SGXy5s8sjFgLEwSAIxfTWiZwMbZ-sb0zfj95hmN0H_3tRarn2j8PtHlVK5hlXQKC4X5QjxTO1P1oggoSJ_LtxpEBg5_5Vx6aHz0FTRYZDSirsw2Jx-U8XIsE-p6cbv78wxHGXQY-G/s1600/2014-05-25+18:53:52++00001.png" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Route<br />
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Our route takes us across a 40 mile gravel road. Recently we drove 20 miles over gravel to Chaco Canyon so we weren't worried. It was good road and the views were incredible. We did see some antelope too. Too far away for photos tho.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6zBEVKNv31d-lCXmg4YlJBZvADSSaPFlqwMRstAwTEgi5rAGh8H7NkCJCsqiWs0h0ys7CnQmnGWcNMhubhIQboOxnSt_GBl2BGAYRuO2DQp4UO83ohy0JmY6tGrbNkqt85yHH-fmzVkdO/s1600/Malheur+first+set.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6zBEVKNv31d-lCXmg4YlJBZvADSSaPFlqwMRstAwTEgi5rAGh8H7NkCJCsqiWs0h0ys7CnQmnGWcNMhubhIQboOxnSt_GBl2BGAYRuO2DQp4UO83ohy0JmY6tGrbNkqt85yHH-fmzVkdO/s1600/Malheur+first+set.jpg" height="243" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Long, Long Gravel Road (40 miles)</td></tr>
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We made the blacktop north towards Frenchglen which is south end of Malheur. Just before Frenchglen we faced a 3 mile, 14% downhill grade. Thankful for towhaul feature which downshifts to lower gears thereby saving our brakes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyAHs9mXUT1vn3fmW9rDzFlIz44nz9mVOGVqzkbOd1OjaVSCDn9n4fW_l3VtJyX-FbPRsCY9DTtc76CsCkqEd7d1KqgLmxKP_QZy9TUV2n02WM2DCkb10a-l9Dne3k_O17p2RS4mVQ7ORN/s1600/Malheur+first+set-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyAHs9mXUT1vn3fmW9rDzFlIz44nz9mVOGVqzkbOd1OjaVSCDn9n4fW_l3VtJyX-FbPRsCY9DTtc76CsCkqEd7d1KqgLmxKP_QZy9TUV2n02WM2DCkb10a-l9Dne3k_O17p2RS4mVQ7ORN/s1600/Malheur+first+set-2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Down a 14% grade Yikes</td></tr>
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We then drove 30 miles north to Narrows where we find an RV park. We thought to stay only 3 days but the price for 4 days was significanly cheaper so we are staying 4 nights. You know who, the birder, is pleased. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixud51TK9kd17QZs57gL_ihto2ezVDGbxXWbvbPsuqREp97Z4R_uqZVr8YhJfEScUTvIWKsSiySvi_AgAd0_Vxc-RGxhXP1HB08v4-BXRsvNWgxFvMiyD7hm69Ac2tYPdpXikAwiDKQQz0/s1600/Malheur+first+set-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixud51TK9kd17QZs57gL_ihto2ezVDGbxXWbvbPsuqREp97Z4R_uqZVr8YhJfEScUTvIWKsSiySvi_AgAd0_Vxc-RGxhXP1HB08v4-BXRsvNWgxFvMiyD7hm69Ac2tYPdpXikAwiDKQQz0/s1600/Malheur+first+set-3.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This 70 miles of gravel road was rather dusty</td></tr>
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The bad news is we discovered dust in all compartments and coating the whole RV. Inside and outside the jeep. We drive into Burns (30 miles north) to buy some fresh produce pick up a package at the Post Office (see bottom) and also to wash, vacuum and clean the jeep inside and out. We took everything out of the jeep. As we cleaned, a major thunderstorm approached blowing all the little stuff everywhere. Yikes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglxb9b4ade5sphpUHDiPPOSeIsnjgHaVrg2XiXjP1UmSKQonupXKsXuVpvy1rM0ZocnfeMA13m4SLVTUNrajLGoJQlN4Ht3vYlQBrHXsbOQS0cGoYKAuYQShub6UgXLWLOO-BRJlUrSXtw/s1600/Malheur+first+set-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglxb9b4ade5sphpUHDiPPOSeIsnjgHaVrg2XiXjP1UmSKQonupXKsXuVpvy1rM0ZocnfeMA13m4SLVTUNrajLGoJQlN4Ht3vYlQBrHXsbOQS0cGoYKAuYQShub6UgXLWLOO-BRJlUrSXtw/s1600/Malheur+first+set-4.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First things first, we wash and clean Mr. Toad</td></tr>
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We managed to clean the jeep despite blowing gusts up to 40 mph. Later in the evening back at the RV we witnessed a wonderful sunset then the rain started. after about an hour, before it was totally dark, we put on our rain jackets, went outside, and wiped down CharLi the RV. Woo Hoo. Clean and saved $40 cleaning fees.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLdXe1oTkbUkblV77aTi4DjZpVU1GmWgAc40DGVE9U9wSlghqKSFRrRI5-Ndds_xPS-NmMuu2eHbBV_a5l9RtSOPpBbXHbEngQjvBO7DhtuY3lWAWuIHQ2gnjZalt7Ge6oSkiQixL3Roxt/s1600/Malheur+first+set-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLdXe1oTkbUkblV77aTi4DjZpVU1GmWgAc40DGVE9U9wSlghqKSFRrRI5-Ndds_xPS-NmMuu2eHbBV_a5l9RtSOPpBbXHbEngQjvBO7DhtuY3lWAWuIHQ2gnjZalt7Ge6oSkiQixL3Roxt/s1600/Malheur+first+set-5.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset before the rain at Malheur</td></tr>
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This is an amazing place. Major stopover for the Pacific Flyway. It is amazing the number of bird species we are seeing here. Have seen Trumperter Swans, mating Avocets, Terns, small birds and many more. I have over 20 good photos already at my photo site kentwilliamsphotography.com and will post some shots on flickr. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv0q1SRulTcv6FL6GgZipYOWVpUnwqkKJKXFO3hLe2pTyRht5WEyP5iGTBLDbQGjwCC5i3isrJiUm2B_9UfpGC8E7Qq_RXAyIA510SvBGXXZNjo4RljSP5GI_XTVtlz60QqAoAk6Wx4PCk/s1600/Malheur+first+set-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv0q1SRulTcv6FL6GgZipYOWVpUnwqkKJKXFO3hLe2pTyRht5WEyP5iGTBLDbQGjwCC5i3isrJiUm2B_9UfpGC8E7Qq_RXAyIA510SvBGXXZNjo4RljSP5GI_XTVtlz60QqAoAk6Wx4PCk/s1600/Malheur+first+set-6.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"BIRD!!!"</td></tr>
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We initially came here to meet our new birding freinds, Turtle and Hawk (aka "Point and Shoot"). They are full timers recently retired who sold their home in Ashland and now travel around volunteering to help on various bird surveys.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCZLt-9EDy2rN8bGsseM2rlbDu9c8hCV5M-_JfRgaaID56OoCgZtvOZozeaEBJcSUewYJaBR9v7PXiYmSCUxWih305zGXpl0bnFz5twrrVo3Fq20fwBtmZb6FYozZMVwKQsboPZHBWl7y/s1600/Malheur+first+set-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCZLt-9EDy2rN8bGsseM2rlbDu9c8hCV5M-_JfRgaaID56OoCgZtvOZozeaEBJcSUewYJaBR9v7PXiYmSCUxWih305zGXpl0bnFz5twrrVo3Fq20fwBtmZb6FYozZMVwKQsboPZHBWl7y/s1600/Malheur+first+set-7.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Intriguing bicycle. Love the Faux Fur!</td></tr>
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We drove back down to Frenchglen then back up the Central Patrol Road.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkAFHVtMF7m1Pvq7N9aZQg5L-BQale7QGJSbns8p55e0lV0J3hkOKn14PCMGmTbGYeE9VjT227setw47UHu53Ej1QL3ulmxXDQ6SwcvMtCK2V9qqCY3ZgmmwCTG5BDuq_Xxq4p4gHXEPUa/s1600/Malheur+first+set-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkAFHVtMF7m1Pvq7N9aZQg5L-BQale7QGJSbns8p55e0lV0J3hkOKn14PCMGmTbGYeE9VjT227setw47UHu53Ej1QL3ulmxXDQ6SwcvMtCK2V9qqCY3ZgmmwCTG5BDuq_Xxq4p4gHXEPUa/s1600/Malheur+first+set-8.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bensen Lake where Trumpeter Swans are</td></tr>
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Next post will be about some of these birds.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicWUnlGB46n9jdeIGAZEPLaWxs-YcoOZBV1XX5ftV_E2A1_Mmwc3DaUGCQqTrmSa8g-xN7AlK-90OWrAtTAp4XKIHCsTEXnte01JQm6wcRHw3Gpzg-gB1IQFM_KwnQuy10olJAPOZ4tAEv/s1600/Malheur+first+set-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicWUnlGB46n9jdeIGAZEPLaWxs-YcoOZBV1XX5ftV_E2A1_Mmwc3DaUGCQqTrmSa8g-xN7AlK-90OWrAtTAp4XKIHCsTEXnte01JQm6wcRHw3Gpzg-gB1IQFM_KwnQuy10olJAPOZ4tAEv/s1600/Malheur+first+set-9.jpg" height="242" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our morning coffee system</td></tr>
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Oh, yes, We just received some incredible coffee from Peets, via General Delivery. We have discovered that, while traveling, we can have packages shipped to General Delivery Post Office Zip Code. They will hold for 30 days. We get things from Amazon, mail shipped from Ananda Village and Ananda Laurelwood and also Peets Coffee which we received at Burns P.O. A special roast, we tried yesterday and today. Yum. We are ordering more. It makes the mornings so great!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11492330893926790541noreply@blogger.com0Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, Princeton, OR 97721, USA43.265685 -118.8440567000000143.2653235 -118.84468720000001 43.266046499999995 -118.84342620000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696397259354885391.post-90320352897896763162014-05-25T11:35:00.002-07:002014-05-25T12:01:51.767-07:00Day 2 - Back in Oregon. Hart Mountain Antelope Refuge<b>Todays Miles - 135 </b><br />
<b><br />
</b> <b>Total Miles - 360</b><br />
<b><br />
</b> <b>Departed - Likely, CA</b><br />
<b><br />
</b> <b>Arrived - Hot Springs Campground, Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEUj4xLOxNWSppNQncKUJ4QMAIQuMfIX1Pi7WLmfMZdl3qX87ZmZ-Bg0HYalwHBizZFV_j4c20vPbmYHxef1zqeGviI7aKrNGnuz6wvUfXK-oBjJ1aAo8auHclwk8IwxxVsvdTwuK4kwi3/s1600/2014-05-25+18:05:51++00001.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEUj4xLOxNWSppNQncKUJ4QMAIQuMfIX1Pi7WLmfMZdl3qX87ZmZ-Bg0HYalwHBizZFV_j4c20vPbmYHxef1zqeGviI7aKrNGnuz6wvUfXK-oBjJ1aAo8auHclwk8IwxxVsvdTwuK4kwi3/s1600/2014-05-25+18:05:51++00001.png" height="198" width="320" /></a></div><h4><span style="font-weight: normal;">Note we are already days behind in posts as we had no internet at Hart Mountain. We dumped waste, filled water tanks and prepared for next phase. </span></h4><h4><span style="font-weight: normal;">Out the campsite early, we headed north to Lakeview, Oregon. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96fIcRz6lTifQ2I08b5NrzxaysKSzdbgx1cq9lPRLH93vE0omyAtalYbOmYnUMlDojzL1K4Kxv1HVsDx6VHVF67A1B_UlAhOE_azXPk_nNzrPtN1rkMuFg3UJ4ZgL-8D50OIKmzy-qzLC/s1600/Likely-Hart+Mtn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-weight: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96fIcRz6lTifQ2I08b5NrzxaysKSzdbgx1cq9lPRLH93vE0omyAtalYbOmYnUMlDojzL1K4Kxv1HVsDx6VHVF67A1B_UlAhOE_azXPk_nNzrPtN1rkMuFg3UJ4ZgL-8D50OIKmzy-qzLC/s1600/Likely-Hart+Mtn.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Hurray, back in Oregon. Feels good.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPAj-rJOQ4IBwvNFdrUeNdOGO6EbX-OjeTKpdUOfgqY7vv44sEAEFfKMvjmgU1n_N_edkLZJ3R3DMJlMr6RkJitRMVRYwzqaCfCDub0ZVa6NqT4XxUM3smEh0xsdONWTpDS_n_2FtGJO_/s1600/Likely-Hart+Mtn-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPAj-rJOQ4IBwvNFdrUeNdOGO6EbX-OjeTKpdUOfgqY7vv44sEAEFfKMvjmgU1n_N_edkLZJ3R3DMJlMr6RkJitRMVRYwzqaCfCDub0ZVa6NqT4XxUM3smEh0xsdONWTpDS_n_2FtGJO_/s1600/Likely-Hart+Mtn-2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking out north onto Lakeview area</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">We stopped in Lakeview for refuel (regular was $3.95, $0.25 cheaper than Alturas). We also made some phone calls (yeah cell service) and ate brunch.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi58PAAxyJVHHwUnen2GAHd9x7fEiFXCkcN-iWQOgZVi15jjevFTnbyvPvlK0fhDUALjvqidVb1CrWDAnaONNGbDTKBHUDkW95YY3BCN3Ud9vuNL1_NtVSiApUJ5pvoKFqPCjihDrvj_l3q/s1600/Likely-Hart+Mtn-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-weight: normal; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi58PAAxyJVHHwUnen2GAHd9x7fEiFXCkcN-iWQOgZVi15jjevFTnbyvPvlK0fhDUALjvqidVb1CrWDAnaONNGbDTKBHUDkW95YY3BCN3Ud9vuNL1_NtVSiApUJ5pvoKFqPCjihDrvj_l3q/s1600/Likely-Hart+Mtn-5.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">East on highway to Plush, Oregon</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-weight: normal;"> The Oregon high desert is really pretty amazing. 4,000-7,000 ft with mountains over 8,000 feet they pale in comparison to the Rockies and Sierras. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgGFRb_ZEWMwr28uyHctqU3yawajfHcvGhDKk2ii1UrUOwXtHoQzXyGrHrxy0S7Yb6K6R869x1HTnkrqIPF_aTuehyphenhyphenY68alXdOxT_UQUffmdKK5GZgrl5DEgm62S0mhUNeOB8T3WWAvYdV/s1600/Likely-Hart+Mtn-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgGFRb_ZEWMwr28uyHctqU3yawajfHcvGhDKk2ii1UrUOwXtHoQzXyGrHrxy0S7Yb6K6R869x1HTnkrqIPF_aTuehyphenhyphenY68alXdOxT_UQUffmdKK5GZgrl5DEgm62S0mhUNeOB8T3WWAvYdV/s1600/Likely-Hart+Mtn-3.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">However, the vista's are amazingly beautiful. Simply your basic wide open spaces. We look out on the Hart mountains in the distance. Geologically it is a fault block where one edge, in this case the western edge, raises up and the other side is very gradual. We have seen quite a few in the west.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZhg9c_MHxvHVFkng_XSnIuK_trzUalVk1tz6oisn7nlDnymSzm5UyY9GCMv93Ssi1rrrLEz2kxkNw5-IxayZyvdNabZpMCcgKIiDVnc4s1g_oASOB3me_09v5C8sDXqtUKsm6QVti_hHJ/s1600/Likely-Hart+Mtn-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-weight: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZhg9c_MHxvHVFkng_XSnIuK_trzUalVk1tz6oisn7nlDnymSzm5UyY9GCMv93Ssi1rrrLEz2kxkNw5-IxayZyvdNabZpMCcgKIiDVnc4s1g_oASOB3me_09v5C8sDXqtUKsm6QVti_hHJ/s1600/Likely-Hart+Mtn-6.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Lots of sagebrush and open road. No antelopes yet though</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigbmo_znb7xUKPEVN5iJzcqO7jjSJn_0qggtAOCw7kNfz31pXrHlo31T6F2I-8SOocR-QpwmT4PMMubbbcR9GmBQ06Ci9AsO6W8LnRUbMthcPOSQNodEAuWXDC7cPlMS9IjG-mXhHgig8_/s1600/Likely-Hart+Mtn-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-weight: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigbmo_znb7xUKPEVN5iJzcqO7jjSJn_0qggtAOCw7kNfz31pXrHlo31T6F2I-8SOocR-QpwmT4PMMubbbcR9GmBQ06Ci9AsO6W8LnRUbMthcPOSQNodEAuWXDC7cPlMS9IjG-mXhHgig8_/s1600/Likely-Hart+Mtn-7.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-weight: normal;"> We drive past ranches and farms, admiring the space and quiet it represents.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEPFBRfrGyhX_zVHNUejK-46NTLNukwhrBcNDE2HfBXOhQdw-E0FSOp0N-voCsV1YWR7AJrEkFDipALTQRG6WJfZkuHtOgIHIZP6lt7c41efOc7Ng6AEPEVAsGvBSN4uBD_bnszCH20lwP/s1600/Likely-Hart+Mtn-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-weight: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEPFBRfrGyhX_zVHNUejK-46NTLNukwhrBcNDE2HfBXOhQdw-E0FSOp0N-voCsV1YWR7AJrEkFDipALTQRG6WJfZkuHtOgIHIZP6lt7c41efOc7Ng6AEPEVAsGvBSN4uBD_bnszCH20lwP/s1600/Likely-Hart+Mtn-8.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Home, Home on the Range! Where the deer and the antelope play.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKC3Si2fkAoHdZ_Ir9vaJSkjNlafgjJ3k5Ni9C_VOnGobVdwz85ErvIXLEKUms0aPK3Vb4QsyFcew87g7YJwxvC71uVfF1sXRFmqCl7TvR4sAY73_l_TwYI2McyZyM8LBHw8Xsql_GxLp/s1600/Likely-Hart+Mtn-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-weight: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKC3Si2fkAoHdZ_Ir9vaJSkjNlafgjJ3k5Ni9C_VOnGobVdwz85ErvIXLEKUms0aPK3Vb4QsyFcew87g7YJwxvC71uVfF1sXRFmqCl7TvR4sAY73_l_TwYI2McyZyM8LBHw8Xsql_GxLp/s1600/Likely-Hart+Mtn-9.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-weight: normal;"> We stop to check out an old Civilian Conservation Corps campground. Nice shape but find a map and discover there is a hot springs campground up on the top of the mountain north of the Park HQ.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrM-BYnYshmy4ufRDvJlYlJ-rUAJJewHhqBtf-V18NCheswY4LGUgIJykPhi7u6rs9kw6DexghxYcnbywMQdtCU6sv-ae0eBnqzPe1uLhKLxiSoLkreba0QAAi8hTCgMVqYgPqzaPzTPW6/s1600/Likely-Hart+Mtn-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-weight: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrM-BYnYshmy4ufRDvJlYlJ-rUAJJewHhqBtf-V18NCheswY4LGUgIJykPhi7u6rs9kw6DexghxYcnbywMQdtCU6sv-ae0eBnqzPe1uLhKLxiSoLkreba0QAAi8hTCgMVqYgPqzaPzTPW6/s1600/Likely-Hart+Mtn-10.jpg" height="243" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Up we go on the gravel road which just has been paved. Later we hear there are some big horn sheep in area which we missed seeing. Next time.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJPKd43QckUuEK2NMbHbIMhgvm8NNkKS_80CT2DAuipSnS6aWIH4sRD4Lamxgi06TJ2ZM0Y6HWytOuQwJwstrD-9CJRQaJl8kIaaiZjtlS1D7PJ_mUgOIK97zX9n0J9JmdxQsPFZtYWEyl/s1600/Likely-Hart+Mtn-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-weight: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJPKd43QckUuEK2NMbHbIMhgvm8NNkKS_80CT2DAuipSnS6aWIH4sRD4Lamxgi06TJ2ZM0Y6HWytOuQwJwstrD-9CJRQaJl8kIaaiZjtlS1D7PJ_mUgOIK97zX9n0J9JmdxQsPFZtYWEyl/s1600/Likely-Hart+Mtn-11.jpg" height="243" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-weight: normal;"> We get to the top at HQ, stop to get our bearings and disconnec Mr. Toad. Seems best idea to first dust off the jeep before we disconnect. Another visitor remarks that it seems a lost cause due to the remaing 50 miles of gravel road but we mainly do it to keep it off ourselves.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ptpJigx1pHzaP-lM03RqQEXkrSs7h6F4ZbocjpAz0lesFnFLtA4332OjBRbNblHTM4F2-kkzjzTMva4foIEzx_8zzFklkww96Ew4UdegsTNywKyAwjLvZLYvVYxKjWjps9JmOpm4wrRG/s1600/Likely-Hart+Mtn-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-weight: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ptpJigx1pHzaP-lM03RqQEXkrSs7h6F4ZbocjpAz0lesFnFLtA4332OjBRbNblHTM4F2-kkzjzTMva4foIEzx_8zzFklkww96Ew4UdegsTNywKyAwjLvZLYvVYxKjWjps9JmOpm4wrRG/s1600/Likely-Hart+Mtn-12.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-weight: normal;"> No rangers around to ask questions so we consult the map and drive 4 miles south from HQ over a hill into a lovely little valley lined with Aspens. Sraddha, in the jeep, scouts out possible campsites amongst all available. Very primitive, yet beautiful. We find a camp host site with no camp host and I drive over the little creek through Aspen forest.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjki_qj1ykFgWSBn4Co2-ZzYAqgE8gIpqECJAtJwkBENcNzOjs3tGmoAR92SK9yJPrh9qx6JMYyW0T3I90QF02ifeOaycDrk7C_4SNcUwT47_VTUb28NgQ1b3IrOf5SheyfpLa97Br5n21g/s1600/Likely-Hart+Mtn-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-weight: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjki_qj1ykFgWSBn4Co2-ZzYAqgE8gIpqECJAtJwkBENcNzOjs3tGmoAR92SK9yJPrh9qx6JMYyW0T3I90QF02ifeOaycDrk7C_4SNcUwT47_VTUb28NgQ1b3IrOf5SheyfpLa97Br5n21g/s1600/Likely-Hart+Mtn-13.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-weight: normal;"> We set up camp at the host site. No water or electrical in campground. Just pit toilets but my, oh my, what a lovely spot, except for one thing.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpRTzop6zgtB5m6gqiJManNvzOcafs92UN9CgfA7kK5YSKA-9WptIr4NC5gceySBguzuZYcYqrrjm0tCZtFHBxiy_MjKqsVHDVI_4W6h6FLdKkzTI5qQZ-XjXv8KNVJW_kTUSzeDxdpZxw/s1600/Likely-Hart+Mtn-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-weight: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpRTzop6zgtB5m6gqiJManNvzOcafs92UN9CgfA7kK5YSKA-9WptIr4NC5gceySBguzuZYcYqrrjm0tCZtFHBxiy_MjKqsVHDVI_4W6h6FLdKkzTI5qQZ-XjXv8KNVJW_kTUSzeDxdpZxw/s1600/Likely-Hart+Mtn-14.jpg" height="241" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-weight: normal;"> The one thing turns out to be mosquitoes. We had hoped to sit ouside in the evening but decided not to. Nevertheless we had a wonderful time.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1NzJs-uJU0jHnRQMr5xA3c5y18PhV-0PqVLxyVbLqAcApAFTQy6nBNSt9E_aMAYk7zRfgHRAi8cqW6QLI2vQo4ccicJYKh_oLjALrb5v0SoGFzrZB6WMO4zgbvRPzY2AGb3kmga60SS40/s1600/Hart+Mountain+Campsite.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1NzJs-uJU0jHnRQMr5xA3c5y18PhV-0PqVLxyVbLqAcApAFTQy6nBNSt9E_aMAYk7zRfgHRAi8cqW6QLI2vQo4ccicJYKh_oLjALrb5v0SoGFzrZB6WMO4zgbvRPzY2AGb3kmga60SS40/s1600/Hart+Mountain+Campsite.JPG" height="243" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hot Springs Campsite.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-weight: normal;">One great benefit, other than stunning beauty, was the hot springs. After setting up camp we drove over and jumped in. Visited with some fun young people who told us about the meteor shower Friday night.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ_82nacbOR86T_hMcH4P4ZoxkM0ma3KB6arZADBMortEzAUn6bGYtoe-FMIpWT7nYzzK3kVWyggd3unDCpXnuK7JeP6ZDZ0hyNhuqYAFNnTDjUwDwwHs96rxrYrlW4dDDzBOo7cbqL1d_/s1600/Likely-Hart+Mtn-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-weight: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ_82nacbOR86T_hMcH4P4ZoxkM0ma3KB6arZADBMortEzAUn6bGYtoe-FMIpWT7nYzzK3kVWyggd3unDCpXnuK7JeP6ZDZ0hyNhuqYAFNnTDjUwDwwHs96rxrYrlW4dDDzBOo7cbqL1d_/s1600/Likely-Hart+Mtn-15.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-weight: normal;"> It was refreshing but not too hot. I tried the nearby stream to cool off. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrZEgRSFkyDE0dKjfY7pyG0i0wlg78f5763AH8iDiQfNIUcTL8zX5RZKCNDlMtisBztpClNtyyW-hGFEiQmfzbrBsB_9L8hqogOn_oEq25j-svV4mhHPvk0SpuLaQwXkQaOTPuv4Sbb_lG/s1600/Likely-Hart+Mtn-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-weight: normal; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrZEgRSFkyDE0dKjfY7pyG0i0wlg78f5763AH8iDiQfNIUcTL8zX5RZKCNDlMtisBztpClNtyyW-hGFEiQmfzbrBsB_9L8hqogOn_oEq25j-svV4mhHPvk0SpuLaQwXkQaOTPuv4Sbb_lG/s1600/Likely-Hart+Mtn-16.jpg" height="242" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking out from our campsite.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-weight: normal;"> We were tempted to stay another night and watch the meteor shower, then get to Malheur late but we had made a date with our friends, Turtle and Hawk for Saturday morning birding, so we headed out Friday morning. Glad we did. Turned out the rain and clouds prevented the viewing of the shower. But that is another story......</span><br />
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</div></h4>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11492330893926790541noreply@blogger.com0Oregon, USA43.8041334 -120.5542011999999737.970633899999996 -130.88134969999996 49.6376329 -110.22705269999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696397259354885391.post-57762844543059371952014-05-22T06:30:00.000-07:002014-05-22T06:45:52.832-07:00Day One - Circumnavigation of the USA in 51 Weeks<h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyPDf035Fhl8DLSVeJMfw1ZqtAm-R82-rtoCD-CrD6hMjmXtsFcy1ithnq1fPhyphenhyphen5xbMn2XY3hZPQpUa4ogMongmbqGU9Ot21-SiB21sQXtJyszlOS06OjsxGrfAF6N7Q0ny2AzMaRBAuN_/s1600/Village-Likely+Map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyPDf035Fhl8DLSVeJMfw1ZqtAm-R82-rtoCD-CrD6hMjmXtsFcy1ithnq1fPhyphenhyphen5xbMn2XY3hZPQpUa4ogMongmbqGU9Ot21-SiB21sQXtJyszlOS06OjsxGrfAF6N7Q0ny2AzMaRBAuN_/s1600/Village-Likely+Map.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Today's Route</td></tr>
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Todays Miles - 225<br />Total Miles - 225<br />Departed - Ananda Village, California<br />Arrived - Likely, California</h4>
First off, thank you to everyone with whom we connected at Ananda Village this past week for mentioning you follow our blog and travels. We are blessed with your friendship. And to all of you whom we have met along the way over the past year of our full time RV travels, we hope to meet you again on the road!<br />
<br />
We have finished our first day in our journey to circumnavigate the USA during the next 51 weeks, returning to Ananda Village for the Swami Kriyananda Memorial Mandir dedication weekend of May 15, 16, 17, 2015. In fact we made appointments for teeth cleaning on May 14, 2015 in Nevada City at our long time dental office.<br />
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I will report each day we stop at a new campsite, on the miles driven, total miles, etc for the trip. Occasionally I will report on some additional metrics. Hope you will read along. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge0KwVe0bm3gDPsg6NFGG_8WCnPQ79mMB1XJhy3VqZgkWkq8mpbP2lulBp_XIB4Yz2CRivJ_QlU8gA0pYqaBpH2qUhJ2y1tHdD4IiB5dNU9G5eErY4WTtL63yr9r6WXeo8grnxb3AaUdyw/s1600/Village-Likely-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge0KwVe0bm3gDPsg6NFGG_8WCnPQ79mMB1XJhy3VqZgkWkq8mpbP2lulBp_XIB4Yz2CRivJ_QlU8gA0pYqaBpH2qUhJ2y1tHdD4IiB5dNU9G5eErY4WTtL63yr9r6WXeo8grnxb3AaUdyw/s1600/Village-Likely-1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading east on Hwy 49 through the forests of Sierra Foothills </td></tr>
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We elected to head east on Highway 49 through Downieville, and over Yuba Pass to Sierra Valley where we picked up Hwy 70. Right now we are driving north along highway 395 east of the Sierra's en route to eastern Oregon for a few days before heading to Ananda Laurelwood. We have 4 fixed dates (see bold type below) the rest of this year. We will fill in the blanks. We hope to stay off the freeways as much as possible yet still make good time in certain areas.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVeXKXSVnkthhcPvcW9rjscUqbwWoNUUERp-uAS9e44yq65A394ILTz6rrWLAOc-8D80mNPaQ2dqua665t1H7MMOQSV1tI4ZQNccPGVdio-ymWQ2LA8T7_SLRN_DtbCOjDUnsxxHSDSzYJ/s1600/Village-Likely-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVeXKXSVnkthhcPvcW9rjscUqbwWoNUUERp-uAS9e44yq65A394ILTz6rrWLAOc-8D80mNPaQ2dqua665t1H7MMOQSV1tI4ZQNccPGVdio-ymWQ2LA8T7_SLRN_DtbCOjDUnsxxHSDSzYJ/s1600/Village-Likely-2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Essentially a One Lane Bridge in Downieville</td></tr>
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After the 4th of July weekend we will head up to northern Idaho for a<b> family reunion</b> and also to Puget Sound for a visit and a <b>wedding of two wonderful friends.</b> End of July will see us begin the eastern migration across the U.S. heading towards the Canadian Maritime Provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtM8CYCBiAIGRMKR3ZNw5J9QYaOM0lEiKpAZkxfIddK1ZfgoB1GZnMrcU8a3TOPBINtcYCmLTlmXugKy2OD3UQ7i1FvYq4efowzcezSH_IhL-j8bxmsPJNZ2SD7xEDtgAICbfMFZtw5sHg/s1600/Village-Likely-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtM8CYCBiAIGRMKR3ZNw5J9QYaOM0lEiKpAZkxfIddK1ZfgoB1GZnMrcU8a3TOPBINtcYCmLTlmXugKy2OD3UQ7i1FvYq4efowzcezSH_IhL-j8bxmsPJNZ2SD7xEDtgAICbfMFZtw5sHg/s1600/Village-Likely-3.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sierra Valley</td></tr>
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We will then head down the Maine Coast late September so I can attend a<b><a href="http://www.mainemedia.edu/workshops/photography/return-oz-colors-fall" target="_blank"> Fall Color Photo Workshop</a> </b>with Vincent Versace in Rockport, Maine. Along the way we hope to visit Sraddha's sister in New Hampshire and my "niece" in Lowell Mass, then head to Washington DC to visit Smithsonian, National Gallery, Gettysburg, etc. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiji85G5FFx2b-2lKQVsaYQfBVdCaLQ_rA_KrZWquqGqgoVODkTDTD64qmDd24cevdm-R15L0KGFqgCXkbu3cgS2U9TYjY-oIF5DYiCcFBDOdrBNpHtmvaKVrrf92uyFG9yPaW1YM2S3ndR/s1600/Village-Likely-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiji85G5FFx2b-2lKQVsaYQfBVdCaLQ_rA_KrZWquqGqgoVODkTDTD64qmDd24cevdm-R15L0KGFqgCXkbu3cgS2U9TYjY-oIF5DYiCcFBDOdrBNpHtmvaKVrrf92uyFG9yPaW1YM2S3ndR/s1600/Village-Likely-4.jpg" height="241" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clouds are gathering up Hwy 395</td></tr>
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The weather will dictate a lot of our travel times and directions. Our last fixed date of 2014 will find us in <b>Orlando over the Christmas Holiday near Disneyworld</b>. Mickey already told me he will be happy to see us again!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYK17UcFfa2loU-Uw-SA_Ebf0HZDNlsN8ldGObVq5Tk1MbAVSpFF9ieSnNQchKvwdKbFaNCHs76gGiPCOUnzTdDg36nnkYoRxuvcvV59Ghg7d8RDLzdAO7r6Hx54NIYONr5frKqIJc_xzd/s1600/Kent-Mickey+2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYK17UcFfa2loU-Uw-SA_Ebf0HZDNlsN8ldGObVq5Tk1MbAVSpFF9ieSnNQchKvwdKbFaNCHs76gGiPCOUnzTdDg36nnkYoRxuvcvV59Ghg7d8RDLzdAO7r6Hx54NIYONr5frKqIJc_xzd/s1600/Kent-Mickey+2010.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kent and Mickey January 2011</td></tr>
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Deep winter exploring Florida should be interesting before we begin our westward migration and birding along the gulf coast all the way to Corpus Christi near the Mexico border in south Texas. Might even go clear down. The best birding down along the gulf coast is March-April-May so we will see how it goes. Again need to be back in Nevada City by May 15. Whew.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiW9oRbUkXcN4Ht2mz4s0tfLQmlsiFpgdvEyVof9BxMBJrQ81c6HOlVd23EnHRHArTRaCmsoqsGgQzB9kqSBlxM5sWyjLQ7aP91f_XPQBCdZj4q0jdi6yj70IFysxvWax2c3ezEpjLn3EO/s1600/Village-Likely-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiW9oRbUkXcN4Ht2mz4s0tfLQmlsiFpgdvEyVof9BxMBJrQ81c6HOlVd23EnHRHArTRaCmsoqsGgQzB9kqSBlxM5sWyjLQ7aP91f_XPQBCdZj4q0jdi6yj70IFysxvWax2c3ezEpjLn3EO/s1600/Village-Likely-7.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Storm clouds grow even more northbound on Hwy 395</td></tr>
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Oh yes, let's finish our drive today. We encountered a fun thunderstorm with winds. Initially we thought they weren't as strong as many encountered in New Mexico, then we caught a huge gust broadsides which woke us up. Woah!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuVLb0QU2ya2U3tnT1TFhokX6EjLKFhX6_TIMZ_yR9taxi2oR_SimS2lWcMru5tenTslOa_QaFWG382GykyhtKasi_NoCv_mbqSlmNsntEOFv7FXRPvle6B7Woct2c6Xmc56erDMvni5rr/s1600/Village-Likely-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuVLb0QU2ya2U3tnT1TFhokX6EjLKFhX6_TIMZ_yR9taxi2oR_SimS2lWcMru5tenTslOa_QaFWG382GykyhtKasi_NoCv_mbqSlmNsntEOFv7FXRPvle6B7Woct2c6Xmc56erDMvni5rr/s1600/Village-Likely-5.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">our campsite at Likely Golf and RV resort</td></tr>
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As we approached Likely Golf and RV resort the sun broke out to reveal snow capped peaks to the east. We pulled in and made camp then took a walk around the lake. The golf course looked inviting especially after i had my best round in 3 years, yesterday in Nevada City. Alas, I don't have my clubs yet. Next year....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ3CTcvyQnG1LU_gEq0dfMRt04F_LpVaDtKhw4SgadI-beMfi4Hdt0WvEhb64hwz1roM26a5_YAh19faDeGuhC2AdXBkF3IfW5YomQ2lwb4TNxB3AT6xAV09tWzzskitQtmVZzUnM1XlIw/s1600/Village-Likely-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ3CTcvyQnG1LU_gEq0dfMRt04F_LpVaDtKhw4SgadI-beMfi4Hdt0WvEhb64hwz1roM26a5_YAh19faDeGuhC2AdXBkF3IfW5YomQ2lwb4TNxB3AT6xAV09tWzzskitQtmVZzUnM1XlIw/s1600/Village-Likely-6.jpg" height="243" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">one of the little lakes around the Likely Golf and RV Resort</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11492330893926790541noreply@blogger.com0Likely, CA 96116, USA41.2305556 -120.5041666999999815.708521100000002 -161.81276069999998 66.7525901 -79.195572699999985tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696397259354885391.post-46903097352946863302014-05-21T07:30:00.002-07:002014-05-21T07:33:19.465-07:00Off Like a Herd of TurtlesWe are off to continue our northern migration. Had a wonderful visit at Ananda Village with long time friends of all ages and locations during the weekend's festivities.<br />
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I was asked, last minute to help out with photography of the main event, the Groundbreaking ceremony.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRofbKNkC57Qx29kcJv0gj654_peHHmn2m_Cs8L6rPS1hKWN3f1XopfQpX9es26I138Yq0yGtQVk5ZVBS0-tpSH0fp-r4HFXxRDDETncjkOZUVIlIz2wn_wQluD61XzXLSYNsbDxMWVnHX/s1600/Swami-Peloquin+Kent-Sraddha_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRofbKNkC57Qx29kcJv0gj654_peHHmn2m_Cs8L6rPS1hKWN3f1XopfQpX9es26I138Yq0yGtQVk5ZVBS0-tpSH0fp-r4HFXxRDDETncjkOZUVIlIz2wn_wQluD61XzXLSYNsbDxMWVnHX/s1600/Swami-Peloquin+Kent-Sraddha_.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Veranda of Crystal Hermitage with Palanquin of Swami Kriyananda</td></tr>
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For first time in 20+ years, Sraddha just enjoyed the events without having things to do to help out. We both had many visits with our friends and family.<br />
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I even played golf yesterday in the rain. First time for that. Hadn't played in two years due to shoulder issues and had best round of the day with 3 pars and only one bogey. Woo Hoo. Makes me want to do it again. (sucker is born every minute they say).<br />
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We got our haircut by our favorite cutters, we got our teeth cleaned and inspected with good news. Even made appointment for next May when we return from our USA circumnavigation.<br />
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We will head out later this morning east over Yuba Pass on Hwy 49 to the east side of Sierra Mountains then north on 395. Likely as anything we will camp in Likely. Heh heh. Then up into eastern Oregon for memorial Day weekend to see some new acquaintances who are volunteering at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. <br />
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We expect to land in Ananda Laurelwood the first week of June where we need to register our RV and Jeep, sell the Subaru, and spend some time with our friends there.<br />
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Saddle up!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11492330893926790541noreply@blogger.com014618 Tyler Foote Road, Nevada City, CA 95959, USA39.3667782 -121.048597614.535277699999998 -162.3571916 64.1982787 -79.7400036tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696397259354885391.post-31417301004804223162014-05-14T16:27:00.004-07:002014-05-14T16:29:35.473-07:00Slight Change of Plans Our 3 day journey has turned into a two day journey. We stopped in a small RV park just west of Wells, Nevada after driving 200 miles yesterday.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6z7xbL_WtR4F7yl-KtHkCRkqE16r9AHmmSZtg_wilDKB7gGvDZV_rsLcmQvcZ1lLbOBz0OvAzl8NEfuOv7ZV4BhoG5zdK-QKSKfEfYNjqvuW4sJ0fRtnbpoLf7Fqe5SmHF4uU_IeQeYM8/s1600/IMG_2771.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6z7xbL_WtR4F7yl-KtHkCRkqE16r9AHmmSZtg_wilDKB7gGvDZV_rsLcmQvcZ1lLbOBz0OvAzl8NEfuOv7ZV4BhoG5zdK-QKSKfEfYNjqvuW4sJ0fRtnbpoLf7Fqe5SmHF4uU_IeQeYM8/s1600/IMG_2771.PNG" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our right to Ananda Village</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: start;">We had a wonderful visit helping Tyler and his family move into their home, it was time to head west. The journey is 650 miles of mostly interstate.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiuVlZ2m1sDcC8j_BpJ5M-f4upQWot23slL6xKMKnxP6wE-66cPNPtgu8iW0GOgkoP5sqPSxfuL1V8ZeLwL6g8KJJsVbtzsZE-H1du1QLrLm4BdJGpisuY-l8QiQLONF26H_8gIT8HVcyW/s1600/IMG_2772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiuVlZ2m1sDcC8j_BpJ5M-f4upQWot23slL6xKMKnxP6wE-66cPNPtgu8iW0GOgkoP5sqPSxfuL1V8ZeLwL6g8KJJsVbtzsZE-H1du1QLrLm4BdJGpisuY-l8QiQLONF26H_8gIT8HVcyW/s1600/IMG_2772.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow capped peaks</td></tr>
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Last weekend's storm left some wonderul snow capped peaks all across Utah and Nevada. We try to stay off freeways as much as possible, preferring to go the back roads as we did in Arizona and New Mexico and Colorado.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnKl2DHT5PizgncCnC5eh5yDMD5ug1M8nVeReizBaixOJ-sh76qPOsDM8GLLGGuHgYRxM2XrePId45BeiGQK2n0PvpxWuvbqeRa-UREn8c3b7R6Ew9szwB6iudUdUf3KDxRufSVt9qFQ9e/s1600/IMG_2773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnKl2DHT5PizgncCnC5eh5yDMD5ug1M8nVeReizBaixOJ-sh76qPOsDM8GLLGGuHgYRxM2XrePId45BeiGQK2n0PvpxWuvbqeRa-UREn8c3b7R6Ew9szwB6iudUdUf3KDxRufSVt9qFQ9e/s1600/IMG_2773.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Long way across Nevada</td></tr>
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We stopped in Winnemucca at 9:00 AM for breakfast. Omelet and fresh potatoes. Yum. Regular readers know we had planned to head to a campsite near Carson City then around Tahoe, one of our favorite routes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwshNTO_Xrs4TfWDXp6EWbUJkAEPUIp28c6kiIgQwz3HCaGyzq-3rGrTxScgQqek_nXA2IK18tquLXM3N9-Nb_qjTTZPlEPDnI-Hjjr-IzOt41qRQCyZyvF7wryMELkASHUH2t9gkOS5q/s1600/IMG_2774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwshNTO_Xrs4TfWDXp6EWbUJkAEPUIp28c6kiIgQwz3HCaGyzq-3rGrTxScgQqek_nXA2IK18tquLXM3N9-Nb_qjTTZPlEPDnI-Hjjr-IzOt41qRQCyZyvF7wryMELkASHUH2t9gkOS5q/s1600/IMG_2774.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little congested at the truck stop</td></tr>
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However, we arrived in Fernly, Nevada at 1:15 to refuel, dump and have an RV wash and looked at GPS. Only 3 hours drive to Ananda Village! Let's do it! So we are driving about 450 miles today. Not bad on freeway. So we will arrive a day earlier and drive fewer miles.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ovzgihA2V4Balfa7BDwNtcshBNWL3rrpHYNNk7ltO4F4UgnBdUSJqOnpNI4_q2IFo15MKhFV-_F-esPWxX3YHIq3-GvLtra9DWkSjsxNuN_lQIm8dUroZtFvXtMxxPcZUI0LYJrii3gh/s1600/IMG_2775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ovzgihA2V4Balfa7BDwNtcshBNWL3rrpHYNNk7ltO4F4UgnBdUSJqOnpNI4_q2IFo15MKhFV-_F-esPWxX3YHIq3-GvLtra9DWkSjsxNuN_lQIm8dUroZtFvXtMxxPcZUI0LYJrii3gh/s1600/IMG_2775.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even more busy at Truck Wash</td></tr>
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We gassed up ($3.75 per gallon) both vehicles, and waited in line at the Blue Beacon Truck wash for an hour before getting RV washed and a coat of Rainex put on ($40 for our size RV). CharLi is now a spiffy and clean enough to go into a city. But where to dump waste? Our original plan was at the campsite. However, we have a little app on the iPhone called Sani-Dumps. Sraddha researched local dumpsites and discovered a rest stop 4 miles west of Fernly which has a dump station. FREE was the price so we stopped there. Voila! Empty waste tanks good for another week!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpNF9K9UmI4KlsSSTDGW7rD-2olHy90vqe3m-CmuFc244b4r-MA3BXifnCC4rBBwDlpQ5YpQp16HOT8bLxRjDVlH05kUR72aZ0o8w5kJhl_Xa9XByq5O-q5q3ANbzJaIMcnz4yn0mpenXy/s1600/IMG_2777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpNF9K9UmI4KlsSSTDGW7rD-2olHy90vqe3m-CmuFc244b4r-MA3BXifnCC4rBBwDlpQ5YpQp16HOT8bLxRjDVlH05kUR72aZ0o8w5kJhl_Xa9XByq5O-q5q3ANbzJaIMcnz4yn0mpenXy/s1600/IMG_2777.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Civilization - AKA Trader Joes</td></tr>
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A Google search revealed a Trader Joes on the south end of Reno so we took the 80 bypass around south and pulled into the parking lot not knowing what to expect. Plenty of room. Sraddha headed into buy supplies while I visited with a couple, Toni and John, who stopped me in the parking lot to ask about the RV and full timing. Fun times.</div>
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Now Sraddha is driving us over the Sierra mountains on a beautiful sunny day, the only kind of day you want to be driving over the Sierra's. I am typing and we will be back at Ananda Village, our previous home for past 15 years prior to full-timing. We will be "boondocking" at our good friend's house for next few days and seeing a lot of friends. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11492330893926790541noreply@blogger.com0Reno, NV, USA39.5296329 -119.813802739.1378849 -120.4592497 39.9213809 -119.16835569999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696397259354885391.post-80132296603929445312014-05-13T08:16:00.000-07:002014-05-13T08:16:37.394-07:00Westward Hoh!!The wagons are hitched, horses fed (gassed up). Supplies sufficient. Saddle up and let's head west!<br />
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We spent the past 3 wonderful days helping Sraddha's nephew, Tyler and family, move into their new home. Camping outside on the street or "Burbs-Boondocking" was really fun. We met many neighbors and friends who stopped by to say hello or help.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnlYg3nw_-otqiEUJvpgHQ0apodyV5x0gpGu6V7964tYVjuMYN2kE7Qb1X_NZufLcpl-8FogJRWfwBTC1av_ZpoXO6Rh2v2r6bhwiWSHE2WZwUiPilgNlLHGhMzI8irI1oiM3dZNqd_xCx/s1600/IMG_2765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnlYg3nw_-otqiEUJvpgHQ0apodyV5x0gpGu6V7964tYVjuMYN2kE7Qb1X_NZufLcpl-8FogJRWfwBTC1av_ZpoXO6Rh2v2r6bhwiWSHE2WZwUiPilgNlLHGhMzI8irI1oiM3dZNqd_xCx/s1600/IMG_2765.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burbs Boondocking</td></tr>
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We even went shopping at Ikea for shelving and spent last afternoon and evening assembling and installing shelves and other storage devices in the playroom. I had lots of help from the little ones. Unfortunately, no one thought to take a photo until afterwards. Sigh. Must I do it all?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDHWDGEK7fVRMBXot4DIfIhC36dRXnqauzWEWFP8SisdMeEZuzL7M0yA_g2_NreOYzDeGCNqfGZ1SvLNdrq4ADTmVnXF96IC4EbIEPbesXH66XV1HE7xFgkcdVk7QlowX7jWanFPRYPQpd/s1600/IMG_2766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDHWDGEK7fVRMBXot4DIfIhC36dRXnqauzWEWFP8SisdMeEZuzL7M0yA_g2_NreOYzDeGCNqfGZ1SvLNdrq4ADTmVnXF96IC4EbIEPbesXH66XV1HE7xFgkcdVk7QlowX7jWanFPRYPQpd/s1600/IMG_2766.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helping out in the kitchen</td></tr>
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We will finish up with installing wall photos this morning and I packed up the RV, making it ready to head out. We had lunch with Tyler, then headed west. Tonight's destination unknown but we have some possibilties. It's 650 miles to Ananda Village. Too far for one day. Almost too far for two days although we have done that mileage. The problem is having any energy left upon arrival. So we will spend 2 nights on the road. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6NCLqQPvubDj0MM9Yi-XzDZvSRZkal7z5MtzPT9DCH29dLQ5flX0khdA2huaZueFwMFZGrt54PaLn-5mTBMJ6wDcK49MSs3zJeY49cA-gXZhgpAXQd8vkZIObfOXqSebNkXE6o4gaIBH/s1600/IMG_2769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6NCLqQPvubDj0MM9Yi-XzDZvSRZkal7z5MtzPT9DCH29dLQ5flX0khdA2huaZueFwMFZGrt54PaLn-5mTBMJ6wDcK49MSs3zJeY49cA-gXZhgpAXQd8vkZIObfOXqSebNkXE6o4gaIBH/s1600/IMG_2769.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little playtime when the sun finally came out</td></tr>
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If we can drive 200-250 miles today (5-6 hours) and 250-300 (6-7 hours) miles tomorrow, then we have an easy day Thursday of, say 100-120 miles. We average 50 miles per hour when we are really moving but thursday will be over and down mountain passes which drops the average to 35 miles per hour realistically or 4 hours of driving. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihzWLyBz3vKqfRIxKInrTp-SoNGrX5mfrGScN_hiGjWXc34vUlotXF6qZk4JOuLOH-JW1KaKQdMP4PyjctefbWkSHI8D4l6eaCwjhnHqfllMLrIpHUtNA5yPM98qZ8IzifFPweynf_5nOC/s1600/2014-05-11+18.27.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihzWLyBz3vKqfRIxKInrTp-SoNGrX5mfrGScN_hiGjWXc34vUlotXF6qZk4JOuLOH-JW1KaKQdMP4PyjctefbWkSHI8D4l6eaCwjhnHqfllMLrIpHUtNA5yPM98qZ8IzifFPweynf_5nOC/s1600/2014-05-11+18.27.35.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helping out</td></tr>
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So we will shoot for Wells-Elko area Tuesday hoping to set up camp for a late dinner. Then head over through Fernly, NV for refueling and onto Washoe Lake State Park or Lahontan Lake Recreation area outside of Carson City, might be possibilities for affordable stop. Then we could hit the Carson City Trader Joes store for essential resupply before heading up over Tahoe to Ananda Village.<br />
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We will not make any reservations and just see what comes to us. Should be a fun little trip and looking forward to more "burb-Boondocking at Ananda Village. The price is right.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11492330893926790541noreply@blogger.com0Wells, NV 89835, USA41.1115888 -114.9644900000000141.0637353 -115.04517100000001 41.1594423 -114.88380900000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696397259354885391.post-39064906627022898312014-05-11T11:15:00.002-07:002014-05-11T11:16:17.850-07:00Pods and Horns<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We made it to South Jordan, Utah, out in the Southwest 'burbs of Salt Lake City. As you may recall, we are assisting Sraddha's nephew, Tyler, move into his new home. Tyler is a widower with 4 small girls, his wife Lissel (Sraddha's niece) passed away unexpectedly last December a week before Christmas.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirUHZzxBW8JWkNF9Aa2dCpq4L3xnP0ydQsLH3mH7DXC_spsprepeAsWmgJlr4u1TnsQ06tFPNwSPow5TvEe-8wgGPXtBDGCpJs4EDCe_7DJ8u2OWfS5VWLNPQep0o3xyNzM-weu1kFQjKr/s1600/Pods.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirUHZzxBW8JWkNF9Aa2dCpq4L3xnP0ydQsLH3mH7DXC_spsprepeAsWmgJlr4u1TnsQ06tFPNwSPow5TvEe-8wgGPXtBDGCpJs4EDCe_7DJ8u2OWfS5VWLNPQep0o3xyNzM-weu1kFQjKr/s1600/Pods.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PODS out front of new home</td></tr>
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They had packed up their home in Toelle, Utah, about 1 hour drive west of here, putting everything in "Pods" while they then took a little vacation, then the pods were later delivered to the new home as you can see here. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsb4sHC4tDqqJnK2z7BVCg7I7A44bF2sZiLvwyI3I9G89qZy_fgO6YPsjUJMmMqC3MiVyiuh5pqFfaqLZX-CysfmHhy8sdCNYp2VDEM81IVEdZNyZjNwiUc_Ay6JhF4zgdHdcq4XnLKGzr/s1600/Horns.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsb4sHC4tDqqJnK2z7BVCg7I7A44bF2sZiLvwyI3I9G89qZy_fgO6YPsjUJMmMqC3MiVyiuh5pqFfaqLZX-CysfmHhy8sdCNYp2VDEM81IVEdZNyZjNwiUc_Ay6JhF4zgdHdcq4XnLKGzr/s1600/Horns.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thankfully these horns won't fit on our RV living room wall.</td></tr>
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Thanks to some new and some old neighbors, the family was able to move everthing into the house before the rains. Well mostly. It did shower a little but a big storm moved in overnight. We had set up campsite on the street outside of home. Tyler had received special permission for us to do this for a few days.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLrukagz-r6e0g05xtS2OB606V28zx5bWmZmQxhvL8XofIlrlVgtXcakQdBW6zxTkYxRON_NSPy1sDv19YMLKVA31cqb1hpc3LxXKFhg1Xa0myFSZTEaSGbvSXNHFmBE8ks1OQop7d2LTU/s1600/Campsite.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLrukagz-r6e0g05xtS2OB606V28zx5bWmZmQxhvL8XofIlrlVgtXcakQdBW6zxTkYxRON_NSPy1sDv19YMLKVA31cqb1hpc3LxXKFhg1Xa0myFSZTEaSGbvSXNHFmBE8ks1OQop7d2LTU/s1600/Campsite.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boondocking in the 'Burbs. Notice new snow in mountains.</td></tr>
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We even hooked up power to the house using our big extension cords. I only blew the 20 amp circuit once last night. Found out that I can run either the hot water heater, the microwave, or the space heater along with the electric blankets and fridge and TV, but not 2 of the 3. That's ok. We turned on the propane water heater and I turned off the space heater when I warmed up leftovers in the microwave.</div>
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We managed to get a fair amount of unpacking down yesterday and will do more today. Monday we will do even more, and receive another small trailer load of things which were temporarily stored back in a neighbors garage.</div>
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Thankfully one of Tyler's "boy genius" friends got the internet wifi working so I can write blog without using up our precious bandwidth. I also have been able to download all the latest software updates for our computers and IOS devices. Woo Hoo. Always a bonus for us with limited monthly bandwidth.</div>
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The other bonus is free rent space. Most RV campgrounds cost $30-$35 per night. State parks range from $25-$30. BLM and National Forest Campgrounds are $3-$8 with senior access pass. So we like to find free places occasionally. We like to boondock out in the "boonies". Now we are boondocking in the "burbs"! Average daily rent for 2014 is $14 so far.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11492330893926790541noreply@blogger.com0Salt Lake County, UT, USA40.5705162020914 -112.0106821699218940.474008702091396 -112.17204366992189 40.6670237020914 -111.84932066992189tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696397259354885391.post-72496314453866992762014-05-10T05:55:00.003-07:002014-05-10T05:58:40.971-07:00Welcome to Utah!Driving west on Interstate 70 from Colorado into Utah we pass see high cliffs, mountains, plains desert, redrock, puff clouds, and wide open spaces. Heading to Salt Lake City area to help Sraddha's nephew move into their new home closer to his work so he can reduce his commute by 2 hours per day. This is important because his wife, Sraddha's niece, Lissel, passed away suddenly last December just before Christmas. Leaving behind 4 little girls, oldest 9, it has been challenging for the family. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitIJsLfbaX0csK8hxC5SQCa9B6RZDaBBh-oA1Kavdp6AL7-ziOOy3dvrdiBg3wOwhfthuAuR5YVzqJtXEkvOcMHiB82JpFSwiCJ8xyNWk2wgzUgKAoXJ-MltggxjCRB9n3NMZ5wfh7CJr6/s1600/Provo-NHMU-SP-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitIJsLfbaX0csK8hxC5SQCa9B6RZDaBBh-oA1Kavdp6AL7-ziOOy3dvrdiBg3wOwhfthuAuR5YVzqJtXEkvOcMHiB82JpFSwiCJ8xyNWk2wgzUgKAoXJ-MltggxjCRB9n3NMZ5wfh7CJr6/s1600/Provo-NHMU-SP-2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome to Utah</td></tr>
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When we attended the funeral we volunteered that, if nearby, we would come help them move. That time has arrived. We have really enjoyed the past 7 weeks of meandering around the southwest with no fixed schedule knowing we would end up in South Jordan, Utah on Friday May 9. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQ7irpSr1OfjE3s1MJaZV92U5P7sC1I4IA92JWjT1vw3CiwUNbWz1g0Q5QM-gWgqr3Y6PH141J-R8voP92bjclWL5OFnykWHYHGLcNd2XVq4G0bHwyEKb_S8PaNwG6_R3IU_0TK-d2h4a/s1600/Provo-NHMU-SP-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQ7irpSr1OfjE3s1MJaZV92U5P7sC1I4IA92JWjT1vw3CiwUNbWz1g0Q5QM-gWgqr3Y6PH141J-R8voP92bjclWL5OFnykWHYHGLcNd2XVq4G0bHwyEKb_S8PaNwG6_R3IU_0TK-d2h4a/s1600/Provo-NHMU-SP-3.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wide open spaces</td></tr>
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Meandering, or as friend put it "Roam with Om" has suited our current lifestyle and temperament. For past 45 years I have been on a schedule. It is nice to take a break. Yesterday as we were walking in the campground I remarked that if feels a little strange to have to be somewhere at a specific time. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZDDS0BUNdkT0JHBL2Gf_D1gbP0L5O0fJm3ZMjYh79pl86Xq2797PtPHkNsH4Fb3EiT5izLdqnNhJdwKJlFpgVUsfxbPyoglbWWjg4Dens8zopSspHZ6dlr7kInWig7n5817rNtR7yYPM/s1600/Provo-NHMU-SP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZDDS0BUNdkT0JHBL2Gf_D1gbP0L5O0fJm3ZMjYh79pl86Xq2797PtPHkNsH4Fb3EiT5izLdqnNhJdwKJlFpgVUsfxbPyoglbWWjg4Dens8zopSspHZ6dlr7kInWig7n5817rNtR7yYPM/s1600/Provo-NHMU-SP.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Attention to Detail keeps us mostly out of trouble</td></tr>
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Not that we haven't made appointments here and there, however, this is a little different. We are looking forward to seeing the family and helping out Tyler's mother and father who have moved in with them to help take care of the little ones. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_sLHbBc3y_clV3jK4k2_FaRZvTGoAaBi-XOR4NTwdHzU6UBNxX20J9tspNptkC4B1aWeGdVRXVC35PqWJ5h0O4AQu-5Dcr_-v632tjhtlvaj9DtD-C4gAfQbBa7YZPEd2IkOlmHHo_IeP/s1600/Provo-NHMU-SP-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_sLHbBc3y_clV3jK4k2_FaRZvTGoAaBi-XOR4NTwdHzU6UBNxX20J9tspNptkC4B1aWeGdVRXVC35PqWJ5h0O4AQu-5Dcr_-v632tjhtlvaj9DtD-C4gAfQbBa7YZPEd2IkOlmHHo_IeP/s1600/Provo-NHMU-SP-4.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our campsite amidst the cottonwoods</td></tr>
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We will be here in SLC area for 4-5 days then, since "nearby" drive 650 miles west to California to spend a week at Ananda Village in familiar surroundings, seeing friends, attending to medical and dental minor issues, getting haircut, etc. Then resume meandering on our northern migration to Oregon.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpDfdYFshRYyXtXRJIurDa_jIxSKkxdtmIlcyImLPG5M4n5BezK5imqPtxYIEo7fZK6Zj2Nn7R-MIP_r26A73jwfzKiW06CZ58Q9iy13uyqNcboO0IDCP1mxEfPvmxbPbwHLfYDmrmf5Qk/s1600/Provo-NHMU-SP-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpDfdYFshRYyXtXRJIurDa_jIxSKkxdtmIlcyImLPG5M4n5BezK5imqPtxYIEo7fZK6Zj2Nn7R-MIP_r26A73jwfzKiW06CZ58Q9iy13uyqNcboO0IDCP1mxEfPvmxbPbwHLfYDmrmf5Qk/s1600/Provo-NHMU-SP-8.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh Snow on the Mountains east of Provo.</td></tr>
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Since we arrived early we had 2 nights near Utah Lake. The first night we spent at an RV park where we had stayed 6-7 years ago. Set amongst the big cottonwood trees if offers a wonderful respit from the hot Utah sun. Only problem is the temps were in the 60's with snow in the high mountains. Quite a beautiful alternate to the desolate brown hillsides we have seen the other times we have been in area in summer, fall and winter.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYMqwHEDmNZA3oVDlzEtjRo8iSiURpkqSGH0QYBHPbNZCdG4GY6bqhXT6nF3bCoTWWYAvOf42tNGXqOpa1KbOxwzV6eA0qcQPawV713uqnff-HsZ7oO4LO973bFdiHIZJkDcoyHoG1stNh/s1600/Provo-NHMU-SP-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYMqwHEDmNZA3oVDlzEtjRo8iSiURpkqSGH0QYBHPbNZCdG4GY6bqhXT6nF3bCoTWWYAvOf42tNGXqOpa1KbOxwzV6eA0qcQPawV713uqnff-HsZ7oO4LO973bFdiHIZJkDcoyHoG1stNh/s1600/Provo-NHMU-SP-5.jpg" height="242" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Utah Lake State Park campsite</td></tr>
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The next day we moved to the state park at Utah Lake. Open, big, spread-out campsites, view of the lake, view of the mountains and easier on the budget too. We drove up to NW Salt Lake City area to visit Natural History Museum on University of Utah. Modern building with amazing exhibits on the geology, archeology and cultural history of Utah. Really cool dinosaur exhibit.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwt-vgylC5xPf2cZx_MbpBgGeJNQgF54LDD7PEuDkRJDPMRiJVxJv7ROYJLKycsPktn8maUY5LyufcIje24fYHEPSFf9loMeNVjAg5d1-iPoGdkhW9VmEAWEKI6CQg7ytXL-pbEPXC61bE/s1600/Provo-NHMU-SP-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwt-vgylC5xPf2cZx_MbpBgGeJNQgF54LDD7PEuDkRJDPMRiJVxJv7ROYJLKycsPktn8maUY5LyufcIje24fYHEPSFf9loMeNVjAg5d1-iPoGdkhW9VmEAWEKI6CQg7ytXL-pbEPXC61bE/s1600/Provo-NHMU-SP-7.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new friend. I didn't invite him home</td></tr>
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And an exhibit about Chocolate. Afterwards we went to cafe and drank a cup of Mexican chocolate. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Fa6chMj2rhYd-w5ubVTIpdKQ4WT3vKzvfh2FtcGehINN5H8yYwlF7lAAm4DvBr7gQ1HfxfwL0VEtyYMVlZ7GU8WDzQ3ocj6wVrrHlMBEdA5MmtTJP7Xu4pjma3vSfy8cQyvY5Tvg_GJb/s1600/Provo-NHMU-SP-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Fa6chMj2rhYd-w5ubVTIpdKQ4WT3vKzvfh2FtcGehINN5H8yYwlF7lAAm4DvBr7gQ1HfxfwL0VEtyYMVlZ7GU8WDzQ3ocj6wVrrHlMBEdA5MmtTJP7Xu4pjma3vSfy8cQyvY5Tvg_GJb/s1600/Provo-NHMU-SP-6.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ah, Civilization</td></tr>
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Late in the afternoon we took a different route home. Rather than face the commute during rush hour, we headed east over the first big mountains to Park City, home of the 2002 Winter Olympics. Walked around historic downtown and met an interesting photographer in his studio/shop, who has made some very inspiring photos and a business out of his photography. We chatted a while about traveling as we do. Glad we are unencumbered right now and able to roam as we do.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVbzTn3EabisQUeNQuQkJ40sx_QAjs1LNLfZJktJZs07Bs6b0MtxYuNNnYblisClD5qR4i3C9_Lppyk-T8dSRZSBrGmKEfH6gCeFYNvgwCi18rvobqafEmYyTWYLxwWuhyphenhyphenrObEd5MpSUsL/s1600/Heber+Valley+Engine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVbzTn3EabisQUeNQuQkJ40sx_QAjs1LNLfZJktJZs07Bs6b0MtxYuNNnYblisClD5qR4i3C9_Lppyk-T8dSRZSBrGmKEfH6gCeFYNvgwCi18rvobqafEmYyTWYLxwWuhyphenhyphenrObEd5MpSUsL/s1600/Heber+Valley+Engine.jpg" height="241" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun old engine. I used to have a model of this one on my layout</td></tr>
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Off to help our nephew now, move into his new home for a few days then head west.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11492330893926790541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696397259354885391.post-82106991347560134562014-05-09T06:00:00.000-07:002014-05-09T06:46:22.591-07:00A Big, BIG Boo Boo and The Colorado Monument<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Where the heck is The Colorado National Monument? Well, in Colorado of course. It is near Grand Junction, Colorado off Interstate 70. Fruita, Colorado, specifically.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHD71jT2xooHc59_HLbpXPbRrRy7qi4JMgXiBt6iSDsSegE2IaPMuO6Ntq-jozncKl8WrpKz8mdCFQoDc5jIKD3D1XvbNAX1uhwln1BqDIjyA6zvD86Dk7hhTqjaYKCGova11o6kgMO8q/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHD71jT2xooHc59_HLbpXPbRrRy7qi4JMgXiBt6iSDsSegE2IaPMuO6Ntq-jozncKl8WrpKz8mdCFQoDc5jIKD3D1XvbNAX1uhwln1BqDIjyA6zvD86Dk7hhTqjaYKCGova11o6kgMO8q/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a>Digression time - Departing Black Canyon of the Gunnison, we descended the 5 mile road to the highway without the Jeep attached figuring it would be easier on the RV brakes. I had run our preflight checklist for departure and missed a very important step. When we arrived at the bottom Sraddha noticed something dragging. Our 50 Amp power cord. Destroyed. Oh no! We cannot hook up tonight for power. We had planned to stay in a state park. What to do? Fortunately we have the internet. I googled RV repair in Grand Junction. Found 2 plaees. Reached on service department who scheduled me in for early afternoon. Whew. We arrived Grand Junction around 1:30 and dropped off the RV. We picked out a new one and headed out for for some shopping and to check out the state park. They installed it and we were back out the door by 4 PM off to the new campsite. With $200 less in our pockets. Whew. Another bullet dodged.</div>
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"Sometimes you eat the bear, and sometimes the bear eats you." An old adage I have heard years ago. This time we ate the bear so to speak. Dodged a bullet. Didn't panic. Well a little bit of "oh Rats" but Sraddha bucked me up with her positive attitude. She even drove back to campsite to find the adapter which was fell off. Ok, ok, true confession time. When I drove out of the campsite, I had not disconnected the power cord. Senior moment here? Fortunately no damaged to the power post at the campground that we know of. Drug the cord 5 miles down the highway at 25-35 mph. Must have been a sight.</div>
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Anyway, I digress. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKL3aDuQj12Jx8Uej6RYfhdbtPEFXK2muQHMSMHnQBxQTl-qNBOfSi5AK0vA42DrcM9x5mgISgF3t_tWfqppLkbBRLj2jXZEXo0G76nwe8FDaJtbaFJ2GXkXGf6xmvLb1PMc2d8KRNqxJz/s1600/Colrado+National+Monument.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKL3aDuQj12Jx8Uej6RYfhdbtPEFXK2muQHMSMHnQBxQTl-qNBOfSi5AK0vA42DrcM9x5mgISgF3t_tWfqppLkbBRLj2jXZEXo0G76nwe8FDaJtbaFJ2GXkXGf6xmvLb1PMc2d8KRNqxJz/s1600/Colrado+National+Monument.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colorado National Monument</td></tr>
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Up until 10 days ago we had no idea this place existed until someone we met in a campground told us about it. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Independence Rock</td></tr>
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Only 2 hours from Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, it completes the circuit for us of all the National Parks and Monuments in the greater four corners region encompassing Arizona, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Coke Ovens</td></tr>
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We departed the repair shop in Grand Junction and arrived late afternoon at the State park in Fruita, to overcast, winds and threatening rain, setting up camp at James M Robb, Colorado River State Park. A very tidy campground nestled along the Colorado River.<br />
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We set up camp and headed up to visitor center on the mesa overlooking the Monument. Wow. (Do I keep saying "Wow" a lot?). Sraddha stubbed her big toe tearing part of the toenail off the toe, when opening the door to visitor center and bled all over. (no photos). I ran to get the first aid kit and some paper towels. We cleaned it up, patched her torn up toe.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our view out front Window. Colorado Monument in background</td></tr>
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She was not able to go hiking nor will for several days. So we drove around the rim admiring the sights. The light was really pretty neat, reminding me of the light last year as we toured the rim of Canyon de Chelly.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another angle</td></tr>
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I was able to shoot some nice HDR from the rim. Too bad we couldn't hike down in. Next time. Hopefully without damaging the power cord. Oh yes, I also had to replace the shower hose which wore out. At least we are clean!<br />
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We decided to take a down day </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11492330893926790541noreply@blogger.com0Colorado National Monument, Fruita, CO 8152139.0425 -108.686111138.8451965 -109.0088346 39.239803499999994 -108.36338760000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696397259354885391.post-41013457285101740392014-05-08T05:39:00.000-07:002014-05-08T05:41:54.089-07:00A Very Black Canyon, a 2 Mile Tunnel and a Really Cute Stud Muffin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After three mountain passes, we were ready to camp. So was CharLi and Toad. We don't like making advanced reservations very much anymore so we take our chances. Fortunately we arrive in early May when not very many people are traveling other than full timers such as ourselves and we arrived early in the day.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPo7jwZkQ5O5FEAYFvjHKzg1xcMVinL5XVSJdtzCmW_OXQ2k0apIFX-c5fcl_fHdt5i6z__s1uFVVNl66V5eQJPOo4HSt5eOMZpxcg4ejA4vYOFshkzmwzR4knzMTAWLkkC30i5DI9LjBG/s1600/Black+Canyon+of+the+Gunnison-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPo7jwZkQ5O5FEAYFvjHKzg1xcMVinL5XVSJdtzCmW_OXQ2k0apIFX-c5fcl_fHdt5i6z__s1uFVVNl66V5eQJPOo4HSt5eOMZpxcg4ejA4vYOFshkzmwzR4knzMTAWLkkC30i5DI9LjBG/s1600/Black+Canyon+of+the+Gunnison-14.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Glad we did. We drove through the campground, seeking a level place to unhook Toad, then surveyed the available campsites. We found 3 possibles. The first site we spent 30 minutes trying to get a decent level on the RV.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxZ4hWpjjltiLYZcqAgCOeoc40iuGLQArCIFERpvD0L3SY3w5ATiUpRAThoeAo8Tgn2JlM7HbEh8iyUIfhioWWugsG-pZBfq98Xb2c-gHm4hffY9rRHGUNXu1Y7eQSR6nfkyi6tXSGK1ne/s1600/Black+Canyon+of+the+Gunnison-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxZ4hWpjjltiLYZcqAgCOeoc40iuGLQArCIFERpvD0L3SY3w5ATiUpRAThoeAo8Tgn2JlM7HbEh8iyUIfhioWWugsG-pZBfq98Xb2c-gHm4hffY9rRHGUNXu1Y7eQSR6nfkyi6tXSGK1ne/s1600/Black+Canyon+of+the+Gunnison-11.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch Finally</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVH61EqMS8e1PKcfPbbhqIS4MI3P9wgsPwUtfobZbS2L_n2wwfzv5qWDw3tbg6YlCjxbbrKqMQCIIhHXMeij8t9L-DnVycxoq8uewg-gLopRMWv9NYDQGPJq_Jt_Qu4ofYhe1p8lPOjfQ_/s1600/Black+Canyon+of+the+Gunnison-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVH61EqMS8e1PKcfPbbhqIS4MI3P9wgsPwUtfobZbS2L_n2wwfzv5qWDw3tbg6YlCjxbbrKqMQCIIhHXMeij8t9L-DnVycxoq8uewg-gLopRMWv9NYDQGPJq_Jt_Qu4ofYhe1p8lPOjfQ_/s1600/Black+Canyon+of+the+Gunnison-12.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a>Although I could get it level, after last winter's issues with slide-out I was hesitant to raise up too high so, when I saw the front left wheel completely off the ground and the right wheel still on the ground, I said, let's try another site. We moved just across to a shorter, cozier site and leveled real easy. It's tricky to gauge the level potential of a site sometimes. Most of the time we can do it but are still learning.</div>
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After lunch we head to the visitor center to check out the park. We meet Tom, also a camphost who fills us in on the best places to visit and we make a date to meet him later in afternoon down in Cimarron. This place is so unlike the Sandstone formations we have been encountering along the way in Utah, Arizona and New Mexico.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Kq0Dl_yFweZuwJ3E0Fl1P7aRh-ZcoTUkg2qpqSAT7EoP-zqqsFP4JzYyssehg5fgX4ZnoV_W_A2W-O09LsRdz9JhHemvxTjBy4YbaCFrQSt3DlVCI1J6XTevzN6yu5WlmF_LIK8Yay7j/s1600/Black+Canyon+Morning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Kq0Dl_yFweZuwJ3E0Fl1P7aRh-ZcoTUkg2qpqSAT7EoP-zqqsFP4JzYyssehg5fgX4ZnoV_W_A2W-O09LsRdz9JhHemvxTjBy4YbaCFrQSt3DlVCI1J6XTevzN6yu5WlmF_LIK8Yay7j/s1600/Black+Canyon+Morning.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early morning vista</td></tr>
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We get in the jeep and head out along the canyon rim. The Black Canyon is named because of an uplift of very old hard rock in the area a couple billion years ago here in SW Colorado. Then the fast moving river cut down the hard rock. to form a 2,000 ft deep canyon. Very different from the Grand Canyon which was formed by erosion of soft rock or Yosemite which was gouged by Glaciers.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUYuX92TdtX8svhVgn4M0PacG06OVW1MEyfSBwF2WuSk-64VJzEciBs-P_NiU00iFd3XzPm95k2JiYtWRoIJtlbdyqDVonxBVrxpSi9sS3i0NIKpAfeXcr1EtFJ1Ub0XA4kAfxPJ9nCXUm/s1600/Black+Canyon+Morning-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUYuX92TdtX8svhVgn4M0PacG06OVW1MEyfSBwF2WuSk-64VJzEciBs-P_NiU00iFd3XzPm95k2JiYtWRoIJtlbdyqDVonxBVrxpSi9sS3i0NIKpAfeXcr1EtFJ1Ub0XA4kAfxPJ9nCXUm/s1600/Black+Canyon+Morning-2.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dragon vista. Can you see the two Dragons in the Rock?</td></tr>
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We then headed down to Cimarron, about 25 minute drive up river which meant we go descend out the backside of canyon to main highway, drive east over another mountain pass, then descend down to the Gunnison river's edge where we meet Tom, the camp host of Cimarron Campground. He promised us a personal tour of the railroad museum.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-rNwYTK-kdif2l2cNSmiC6COIzviPe6kYRwbg6PgKGLE_JLTfYXQxESkobNM3BoVK2tgTvKKD7mDWO96E02wxo0zYqXKG3-xtBXS0JTueMyazZeXa6rBiRfi9e2Oh-FxmEbAU-4QQi7Q3/s1600/Black+Canyon+of+the+Gunnison+Later-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-rNwYTK-kdif2l2cNSmiC6COIzviPe6kYRwbg6PgKGLE_JLTfYXQxESkobNM3BoVK2tgTvKKD7mDWO96E02wxo0zYqXKG3-xtBXS0JTueMyazZeXa6rBiRfi9e2Oh-FxmEbAU-4QQi7Q3/s1600/Black+Canyon+of+the+Gunnison+Later-3.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Restored Steam engine (does not run)</td></tr>
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Apparently back in the hey day, the Denver and Rio Grande RR ran a narrow gauge through the upper canyon which connected to the standard gauge mainline in Montrose. Cimarron was a place where helper engines were added to help the trains travel westward up over Cerro Pass. Not much left now except some railroad cars and a restored engine which looks great but doesn't run. Still pretty cool.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYVVG9YnEJo9QMxFMRybe5Go3aiVR46F4yC84_Fkyuh4zBrl6F4cOuXuBGsnfG0sUeLmapzOcZV-dzIUMJwlDxXP4vVutoCuP6_YMhqAX_kZd-Cn9vY4SS7VWJgq4JgSS2ZCrXadZVlOcK/s1600/Gunnison+Crystal+Dam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYVVG9YnEJo9QMxFMRybe5Go3aiVR46F4yC84_Fkyuh4zBrl6F4cOuXuBGsnfG0sUeLmapzOcZV-dzIUMJwlDxXP4vVutoCuP6_YMhqAX_kZd-Cn9vY4SS7VWJgq4JgSS2ZCrXadZVlOcK/s1600/Gunnison+Crystal+Dam.jpg" height="242" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crystal Dam on Gunnison. Upper east end of park</td></tr>
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We drove down this narrow gorge on the old railroad bed to see one of the hydro dams on the river.</div>
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Tom spends summer months here in Colorado then has a "job" volunteering at a state park in the Florida Keys. Really? hmm. Will we have an in down there next winter? Sigh. He said the park is already booked solid all winter 11 months in advance.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghe_f_pD0Up1mZsK1tOVVxxgdvkPh2fU9c7YCn1c06I3M7f5i8sAkHi15b1NgLKtyILs7fKcCnLj0uMUyNrMOh8vAOed6_5xylT-143DyeyrGNjSP3Oxu5UzSnYbBl6Y-bnC8m5zW5spyx/s1600/Black+Canyon+of+the+Gunnison+Later-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghe_f_pD0Up1mZsK1tOVVxxgdvkPh2fU9c7YCn1c06I3M7f5i8sAkHi15b1NgLKtyILs7fKcCnLj0uMUyNrMOh8vAOed6_5xylT-143DyeyrGNjSP3Oxu5UzSnYbBl6Y-bnC8m5zW5spyx/s1600/Black+Canyon+of+the+Gunnison+Later-5.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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It is still merely late in afternoon with Sunset not til after 8 PM so we go back up to the rim of canyon and descend again to the river in the deep canyon. This time its 2200 ft descent in 5 miles. 16% grade. Toad does pretty well. Not a cycling road nor for CharLi.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS2EaoCqVHfBmSe_9sJQ69_6HmqbQVo2Z7LGGs0dbnBh1raFmrO0OFbFZ4jQFggsWOXC2984pRUycIgFSXFFhOsXcxc7BWHkXq3PbB8FfIagGFcgzSnhs-D-WfEnRw61Qr_2fAId80nr62/s1600/Black+Canyon+of+the+Gunnison-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS2EaoCqVHfBmSe_9sJQ69_6HmqbQVo2Z7LGGs0dbnBh1raFmrO0OFbFZ4jQFggsWOXC2984pRUycIgFSXFFhOsXcxc7BWHkXq3PbB8FfIagGFcgzSnhs-D-WfEnRw61Qr_2fAId80nr62/s1600/Black+Canyon+of+the+Gunnison-15.jpg" height="241" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downriver Deep in Canyon</td></tr>
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We enjoy the peace and quiet of the river. Fishermen patrol the banks. The campground has 3 pickup trucks with camper units on back. We walk downriver a half mile. We enjoy the solitude. We then drive upriver a little ways to investigate the Gunnison Tunnel.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1lUOa-bS3aH9Cxoch9pmyCEKeJDr2hRrDxoPhXHN8LUnxLA6Yc76RPUrM87U2KzLfMEvsTKf7KKv75PIZDf_IkAF2AUnbO0ii-Bk5kWZZfFn3p2ZQH4vT4bx882va8k7wCzSgWgTUUkRH/s1600/Black+Canyon+of+the+Gunnison-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1lUOa-bS3aH9Cxoch9pmyCEKeJDr2hRrDxoPhXHN8LUnxLA6Yc76RPUrM87U2KzLfMEvsTKf7KKv75PIZDf_IkAF2AUnbO0ii-Bk5kWZZfFn3p2ZQH4vT4bx882va8k7wCzSgWgTUUkRH/s1600/Black+Canyon+of+the+Gunnison-17.jpg" height="221" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The buildings over the Gunnison Tunnel</td></tr>
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Back in 1909 construction began on a tunnel through the canyon wall to route water from the Gunnison River to the valley above Montrose. Working 24/7 they drilled and carved through hard rock and in 1912 the over 2 mile long tunnel was functioning thereby opening up the west side valley to agriculture. This feat has been hailed as a major engineering achievement of the early 20th century. I could wax on about this but will not bore you, the reader. Hard not to appreciate when you see the actual place.</div>
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Dusk was approaching so we headed back up the 5 miles windy steep grade. I am now driving into the late setting sun. Near the top, Sraddha says "STOP, STOP"!! What? Am I about to hit something? No. She has spotted a bird. Of course.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Female Dusky Grouse (backlit with sunlight)</td></tr>
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We slowly roll down the window. I get out with my new Olympus camera and ultra zoom lens and walk behind the jeep. "What is this bird?" Sraddha asks? It is pretty dark but we finally figure out it is a female Dusky Grouse. New Bird! Woo hoo. Where is her male counterpart. We don't see him. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeOdOn_qu44dvORz8YwuUZDVmFlwKvn4PSu9EEnRTKLAevC1-9Hza6FCIsPgLYBja-uHYyRkys4KmSMbWamYoc_NaXEDwA_pyxkhJ8B2ZDy2VPhfc2ZE4JQiK4Ghn_f5Gb1iKkGBm34xgA/s1600/Black+Canyon+of+the+Gunnison+Later-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeOdOn_qu44dvORz8YwuUZDVmFlwKvn4PSu9EEnRTKLAevC1-9Hza6FCIsPgLYBja-uHYyRkys4KmSMbWamYoc_NaXEDwA_pyxkhJ8B2ZDy2VPhfc2ZE4JQiK4Ghn_f5Gb1iKkGBm34xgA/s1600/Black+Canyon+of+the+Gunnison+Later-8.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Male Dusky Grose.</td></tr>
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We drive a little further and spot him!! He is puffing up and courting.Where is his girlfriend? Will they find each other? We can hear him. He is such a stud muffin! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCfQMNh7vsy5dz6kClIMGWdNZ3uep2iQNfD7rdYLWTbuBc2Drb9rlcA_uYMO_zjk-5aThnoqqEl_ZaBF1aoXWQmbklKmILxnE0UVjR4rHtC59Pw9NTMIxnEc6mnJWTJRYMokRUkUIJr_lH/s1600/Dusky+Grouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCfQMNh7vsy5dz6kClIMGWdNZ3uep2iQNfD7rdYLWTbuBc2Drb9rlcA_uYMO_zjk-5aThnoqqEl_ZaBF1aoXWQmbklKmILxnE0UVjR4rHtC59Pw9NTMIxnEc6mnJWTJRYMokRUkUIJr_lH/s1600/Dusky+Grouse.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a Stud Muffin!</td></tr>
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Nice way to end the day around the Canyon. We do get up next morning to visit more of the rim. Then head out towards Grand Junction.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn9xafQu7qkcLAnTJz0JMK0bxwo1EMuxSu1XNQ91zAQc0HLD9E3Fc2nWglIgF86K-GF-QN_lD-Mf9mdepBhidwXE6sOAWb5HRcc3YZprY5GRH6rP4Vt8-HJi5KvVmqjzjAtp1A1FfZyeR6/s1600/photo+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn9xafQu7qkcLAnTJz0JMK0bxwo1EMuxSu1XNQ91zAQc0HLD9E3Fc2nWglIgF86K-GF-QN_lD-Mf9mdepBhidwXE6sOAWb5HRcc3YZprY5GRH6rP4Vt8-HJi5KvVmqjzjAtp1A1FfZyeR6/s1600/photo+(3).JPG" height="243" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early next morning</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11492330893926790541noreply@blogger.com0Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Montrose, CO, USA38.5753936 -107.7415960999999838.3767646 -108.06431959999998 38.774022599999995 -107.41887259999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696397259354885391.post-79672968840450496192014-05-07T11:15:00.001-07:002014-05-07T11:17:22.325-07:00Rocky Mountain High<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Next morning we decide to drive over the high Rockies. We head out early in the sunshine. Southwest Colorado has some amazing vistas and high mountain peaks. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWA-5kjm6Irp4abWZ6aLoMbFPI7HUoZVteMY_5xhIv4B681SDSBLFKNDwF_JY2Vau9lmtoPdjd7AdqvwbcEd2PqqjdhtD4Pshvvz5-C7D341o5Weo_ZbXwVAM3LerMI0N4R0wbgaak3Zuj/s1600/Black+Canyon+of+the+Gunnison-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWA-5kjm6Irp4abWZ6aLoMbFPI7HUoZVteMY_5xhIv4B681SDSBLFKNDwF_JY2Vau9lmtoPdjd7AdqvwbcEd2PqqjdhtD4Pshvvz5-C7D341o5Weo_ZbXwVAM3LerMI0N4R0wbgaak3Zuj/s1600/Black+Canyon+of+the+Gunnison-7.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRuwsjkptuMI6cptWIpkUr0gn91bQmCyOcdLOtA2nB2Mpnu3f6h4lCSbkxpigkUPRkFV9YocougiQ2ysWb2EHmOYhp8M72Je-NfYHi2JiPy4OdGY8JhWMdcKPlLDWTeCu9v31jf2cMQr_d/s1600/Black+Canyon+of+the+Gunnison-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRuwsjkptuMI6cptWIpkUr0gn91bQmCyOcdLOtA2nB2Mpnu3f6h4lCSbkxpigkUPRkFV9YocougiQ2ysWb2EHmOYhp8M72Je-NfYHi2JiPy4OdGY8JhWMdcKPlLDWTeCu9v31jf2cMQr_d/s1600/Black+Canyon+of+the+Gunnison-2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Well, not the really the highest Rockies. The route I wanted to take was highway 550 from Durango to Montrose thorugh Ouray, Colorado which would put us on 11,000 ft pass. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDZiKPDi5UwK0a5rVQP7Yn-kpD18PKxd7Bjsa4XvlLwhL1Xn5MGgkhSpJ-5bj9zRpFN6e6opuM3fTQ9o82pJ-HkCTZfEoE2xz_PWJWc3Zxhf_9Fa4KxYysE5KBXILprtrQc8UgOCFSryAD/s1600/Black+Canyon+of+the+Gunnison-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDZiKPDi5UwK0a5rVQP7Yn-kpD18PKxd7Bjsa4XvlLwhL1Xn5MGgkhSpJ-5bj9zRpFN6e6opuM3fTQ9o82pJ-HkCTZfEoE2xz_PWJWc3Zxhf_9Fa4KxYysE5KBXILprtrQc8UgOCFSryAD/s1600/Black+Canyon+of+the+Gunnison-3.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
We were advised by locals that it is a very windy road so we decided to take the "shortcut" up through Telluride to catch 550 at Ridgeway.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBsqFxT9uXNxpOt6sH2QouwvcsjNp41NVkRDhbV-WBx62AR7it7xWxNg_c9lSrR-uOJ80MCNrwvfI61M-jRsWd1Xp0kM0VdUsV96Qbww-P6oJUSbzlAo3OPzbMOSoVaSrXtbGG6qSWYWlm/s1600/Black+Canyon+of+the+Gunnison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBsqFxT9uXNxpOt6sH2QouwvcsjNp41NVkRDhbV-WBx62AR7it7xWxNg_c9lSrR-uOJ80MCNrwvfI61M-jRsWd1Xp0kM0VdUsV96Qbww-P6oJUSbzlAo3OPzbMOSoVaSrXtbGG6qSWYWlm/s1600/Black+Canyon+of+the+Gunnison.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
We pass numerous farms along the river valley<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyPs7JnSg4Ipn482PXJpDQvXu5iBazBarMC7iUJhQOIExSiFH_DN7nMSJaT6GlPwiNyQTqqL5OQFP9XfhUrejygpi2yws6pUCadGr_L2Am0ZXxCry3eZi8t3qNBroa-seabQIdHZsVpj4m/s1600/Black+Canyon+of+the+Gunnison-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyPs7JnSg4Ipn482PXJpDQvXu5iBazBarMC7iUJhQOIExSiFH_DN7nMSJaT6GlPwiNyQTqqL5OQFP9XfhUrejygpi2yws6pUCadGr_L2Am0ZXxCry3eZi8t3qNBroa-seabQIdHZsVpj4m/s1600/Black+Canyon+of+the+Gunnison-4.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocky Mountain High!</td></tr>
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So up we go highway 145 along the Delores River to Telluride.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPxc7MVpUZ5AqD8iFttrVZEOwBf6fmSuttp4vOBkjOItlzkQWdPbS4nSK-ZHGdOSsLmKM-NNH7M88pbFjGmtZka3ZZ374MqkBrYvZuJ8V0iHDhDc7Rb_oZyTyuLAks5FWI4cSF7gOs8C4H/s1600/Black+Canyon+of+the+Gunnison-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPxc7MVpUZ5AqD8iFttrVZEOwBf6fmSuttp4vOBkjOItlzkQWdPbS4nSK-ZHGdOSsLmKM-NNH7M88pbFjGmtZka3ZZ374MqkBrYvZuJ8V0iHDhDc7Rb_oZyTyuLAks5FWI4cSF7gOs8C4H/s1600/Black+Canyon+of+the+Gunnison-5.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lizard Pass</td></tr>
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We rise up to Lizard Pass at 10,237 ft. We see incredible high mountain vistas. I am shooting all these photos out the window with iPhone while driving. Shhhush. Don't tell anyone.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgwCeR7b4OTcz0TccnEUXG0O60QX3F2naaEkPZKDvT4XcfBh0wW1gQ2n0RkK-px4qpAkCDit3kFOwrROSDlJF4X53LlPI63W88PsX2-aCIxLsRqzvcVVklmLBtvdaVrPS2Z4Fv4yR8X4IG/s1600/Black+Canyon+of+the+Gunnison-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgwCeR7b4OTcz0TccnEUXG0O60QX3F2naaEkPZKDvT4XcfBh0wW1gQ2n0RkK-px4qpAkCDit3kFOwrROSDlJF4X53LlPI63W88PsX2-aCIxLsRqzvcVVklmLBtvdaVrPS2Z4Fv4yR8X4IG/s1600/Black+Canyon+of+the+Gunnison-6.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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Had it been the fall, we would have been treated to incredible colors of Aspen. Still the trees were amazing despite not having yet bloomed out. Past Telluride, into Rideway. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPlEzPxGQ1ciCa8GNOJWoDslErmU0aZHkXzkt5QsEP738ZY3r_80jdqZO5Cb80EE90kqwDF25dqG6_M0pkDVd_6kxegPczVbSbrI5Aq_O3FOBrLEhZ4SpL8iaPQ5nHon4ODjqEbpJs3Fob/s1600/Black+Canyon+of+the+Gunnison-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPlEzPxGQ1ciCa8GNOJWoDslErmU0aZHkXzkt5QsEP738ZY3r_80jdqZO5Cb80EE90kqwDF25dqG6_M0pkDVd_6kxegPczVbSbrI5Aq_O3FOBrLEhZ4SpL8iaPQ5nHon4ODjqEbpJs3Fob/s1600/Black+Canyon+of+the+Gunnison-8.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Stop for some phone calls and check email roadside then keep heading downhill to Montrose.<br />
Before Montrose, we head up another pass to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbDbpQJVyAdXlR0I2t2K5ODPL6um2VlAREdnIZ8hD0g2aGNj3MCmPuLaiGz2SMx-31Cg6uoW6z-3WjzqmmWmENUeSyDsF7i2XvebsyXOiaYQ1FqF8OHJqbEHs1KeZdIgNHRt-sjQBezhYm/s1600/Black+Canyon+of+the+Gunnison-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbDbpQJVyAdXlR0I2t2K5ODPL6um2VlAREdnIZ8hD0g2aGNj3MCmPuLaiGz2SMx-31Cg6uoW6z-3WjzqmmWmENUeSyDsF7i2XvebsyXOiaYQ1FqF8OHJqbEHs1KeZdIgNHRt-sjQBezhYm/s1600/Black+Canyon+of+the+Gunnison-10.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking out our window east at Black Canyon Campground</td></tr>
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We arrive before lunch. Nice days drive.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11492330893926790541noreply@blogger.com0Telluride, CO, USA37.9374939 -107.8122852000000237.8874039 -107.89296620000002 37.9875839 -107.73160420000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696397259354885391.post-24665710569652304652014-05-05T06:42:00.001-07:002014-05-05T06:42:53.458-07:00Down Town Chaco<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Some additional photos from our Chaco Canyon experience.</div>
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As we hiked along the bluff above downtown chaco, we saw cactus blooming everywhere. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTlAXou6apeVKK0QPctsfiiqmwTmQKmdOkxEp631pAHDahaUqfwmQQbbQ6JxHPL9y51EQvXHTeXopKPFRGb_2Qrpl02PfcsTQflam8vDcaamLjRNYdEADyZxoyAo0bFrpmWIqr0eRCwpJL/s1600/Pueblo+Bonito-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTlAXou6apeVKK0QPctsfiiqmwTmQKmdOkxEp631pAHDahaUqfwmQQbbQ6JxHPL9y51EQvXHTeXopKPFRGb_2Qrpl02PfcsTQflam8vDcaamLjRNYdEADyZxoyAo0bFrpmWIqr0eRCwpJL/s1600/Pueblo+Bonito-2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cactus flowers in bloom</td></tr>
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Sraddha could squeeze through this crack. I had to wedge my feet on either side to get up this crevice.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Dp3SrkIzKGDeAlgA73sk8NFm2h6iJ9nE9Rz2mzecFMGkGpNUMB7J5IvSkv-m6NS8egu6ijdbFgMd-iKX4tHlyLb9hwmyPrxzHH6TCL0V7wS7EAurzXFtERH11lTCIoK9gxJfwCJ-FbIL/s1600/Pueblo+Bonito-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Dp3SrkIzKGDeAlgA73sk8NFm2h6iJ9nE9Rz2mzecFMGkGpNUMB7J5IvSkv-m6NS8egu6ijdbFgMd-iKX4tHlyLb9hwmyPrxzHH6TCL0V7wS7EAurzXFtERH11lTCIoK9gxJfwCJ-FbIL/s1600/Pueblo+Bonito-3.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another day, another hike, another crevice to crawl up</td></tr>
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Amazing how the Ancients pecked out these stairs to access the mesa from below<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2V8Jy2JApbnkbffpfJ-BRswCjR6n0iRxLiIU5Y9K2d7EmuoPBo9YJgfsUIhXAhFGZ1b0DphfN02DE1btqUpdBzmPzDfrs1Ad7oHoBsOS26QcRHjm9psgdOWe2ujLPhyatC-lRnJw9tMUT/s1600/Pueblo+Bonito-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2V8Jy2JApbnkbffpfJ-BRswCjR6n0iRxLiIU5Y9K2d7EmuoPBo9YJgfsUIhXAhFGZ1b0DphfN02DE1btqUpdBzmPzDfrs1Ad7oHoBsOS26QcRHjm9psgdOWe2ujLPhyatC-lRnJw9tMUT/s1600/Pueblo+Bonito-4.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We didn't walk up or down these stairs. The Ancients did tho.</td></tr>
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They built these buildings with no metal tools, no wheels, no 4 legged animals to haul their heavy stones and logs. They dragged large tree timbers, sometimes over 2 feet in diameter, 50 miles from the Chuska mountains. How did they do that?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPI5u1WJKtXcZxy2kAdjaZg-cKwsHaQh39U2ZLY6-RzKXCSZ2IOFgIe4lBrgYFs56RJvLTdc90Tfm1u8sz17O6d2aLbU5b8mnCawx2ycueTj5Vg-d9dYlyD1jKf0GpPzFY9roggI5gUf9P/s1600/Pueblo+Bonito-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPI5u1WJKtXcZxy2kAdjaZg-cKwsHaQh39U2ZLY6-RzKXCSZ2IOFgIe4lBrgYFs56RJvLTdc90Tfm1u8sz17O6d2aLbU5b8mnCawx2ycueTj5Vg-d9dYlyD1jKf0GpPzFY9roggI5gUf9P/s1600/Pueblo+Bonito-5.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Ruins photo</td></tr>
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The ancients, on average were smaller than Sraddha. She could fit through the doors. I had to stoop very very low.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVamD1t-f9YD-ak5csNo-rBL6rqaREWgfk9RgL6UnuwZg5Hw3-e5GDLfCax4tw1gDp8Fawm5OV6_7ldP3sC7XBpGCoaarlU1sRh6J6jG7fw_Q4dt62YM4oA-lkFcxK06YtEakK1k0DMi3g/s1600/Pueblo+Bonito-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVamD1t-f9YD-ak5csNo-rBL6rqaREWgfk9RgL6UnuwZg5Hw3-e5GDLfCax4tw1gDp8Fawm5OV6_7ldP3sC7XBpGCoaarlU1sRh6J6jG7fw_Q4dt62YM4oA-lkFcxK06YtEakK1k0DMi3g/s1600/Pueblo+Bonito-6.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Admiring the masonry</td></tr>
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Amazing place. Why did they settle here and flourish for 300 years? No one really knows. The energy is something perhaps? We may never know.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN0ThACWZy14yz5pesprlexJp4z5FNGtFySK0VYhihLW8Fif-wSydcyXpTeLyzg8y7lfnZge6dkZ53elkNx73aAPQgKV2SISeOKuetNsipYrG0WqDBp8UDLhM83nwc3d9rt0v_MVWJqYDm/s1600/Pueblo+Bonito-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN0ThACWZy14yz5pesprlexJp4z5FNGtFySK0VYhihLW8Fif-wSydcyXpTeLyzg8y7lfnZge6dkZ53elkNx73aAPQgKV2SISeOKuetNsipYrG0WqDBp8UDLhM83nwc3d9rt0v_MVWJqYDm/s1600/Pueblo+Bonito-7.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">late afternoon amidst the ruins</td></tr>
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800 rooms in just this one 3 acre structure. How many people did it take to build? Again a mystery.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doorways to mystery</td></tr>
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Obviously someone knew how to design. And build. and haul, and where did they get sufficient water for all the masonry?<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg13UdGarey34Bx2j5b3K3XuqMF7gHIIrsyJo_0S5dc0rsjjNMWRppMhPtb0m0Pg8vpseTB7bYWMmbxGp-hiIXwOThtkdwfONACQC9CDxdzhPN_7kbHsz6n0igmXw6PSoFqZuog0gKr61f/s1600/Pueblo+Bonito.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg13UdGarey34Bx2j5b3K3XuqMF7gHIIrsyJo_0S5dc0rsjjNMWRppMhPtb0m0Pg8vpseTB7bYWMmbxGp-hiIXwOThtkdwfONACQC9CDxdzhPN_7kbHsz6n0igmXw6PSoFqZuog0gKr61f/s1600/Pueblo+Bonito.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Down town Chaco</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11492330893926790541noreply@blogger.com0Chaco Culture National Historical Park, 1808 County Rd 7950, Nageezi, NM 87037, USA36.0607365 -107.9615168000000335.6490285 -108.60696380000003 36.472444499999995 -107.31606980000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3696397259354885391.post-20735889568898129362014-05-04T11:09:00.006-07:002014-05-04T11:09:58.234-07:00Chaco Canyon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Been off the grid for past 4 days whilst in Chaco Canyon. Longer post here</div>
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120 miles west from Abiquiu and Ghost Ranch we enter into Chaco Canyon or <a href="http://www.nps.gov/chcu/index.htm" target="_blank">Chaco Cultural Historical Park</a> as it is known today. The first 100 miles were all blacktop good road through Jemez mountains and then high plateau. The last 21 miles were dirt and gravel roads. We expected these roads to be rough. In fact, they used to be but most was pretty good gravel where we managed 30 mph. the last 4 miles were soft sand washboard roads at 10-12 mph. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">South East Entrance with Zajada Butte. Campsite behind butte</td></tr>
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We enter from the north side. The road turns blacktop again as it is in the whole park (all 12 miles of road. Good thing we refueled the jeep in Cuba, New Mexico. We had thought we would bike around but the first two days were windy.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCK-IovzOP3jrEXHmFFZiJDMnHkoA8KbTh04FrJordSmdUWwv9yYbt0r_A9yPlpFfxfS5XRPjwWtRBRQvQZ62jfkQldoqmGwhzYNic3zPQDx0xcPsFcsJKeTHO_JJNGpndG-rlu-dLxQPA/s1600/Chaco+Canyon-00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCK-IovzOP3jrEXHmFFZiJDMnHkoA8KbTh04FrJordSmdUWwv9yYbt0r_A9yPlpFfxfS5XRPjwWtRBRQvQZ62jfkQldoqmGwhzYNic3zPQDx0xcPsFcsJKeTHO_JJNGpndG-rlu-dLxQPA/s1600/Chaco+Canyon-00.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artsy shot of Zajada Bluff</td></tr>
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On the second evening I drove out to southeast entrance to photograph Zajada Butte at sunset. Saw some elk grazing in the field. Apparently, there are a number seep springs at which the elk get water to drink. Didn't know we would see elk out here but there were at least two signs warning of them.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our campsite at Gallo Campground. </td></tr>
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When we decided to drive into Chaco we were concerned that we get in there and find the campground full. Heretofore reservations could not be made. We called ahead to the visitor center and were told to call back in a while when they had checked the campsite. So we trusted our intuition and drove ahead to Cuba. Now halfway to Chaco and really out in the middle of nowhere west of Jemez Mountains, we called again. There were 4-5 sites available. Hmm. Any fit us? We will see. We drove into Chaco and, sure enough, we found 2 open spots in which we could fit. Whew. eaney, meaney, miney mo. we selected one and enjoyed it. Despite being in the middle and facing the cliffs, the other campsites were mostly occupied by tent campers so the view was unobstructed. </div>
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We toured the grounds and stopped at the visitors center and a couple minor ruins that first day. Very windy and we felt beaten up by both the drive and the wind. We hunkered down back in the RV for dinner, reading and early bed.</div>
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The next day, our first big hike was to the Mesa overlooking downtown Chaco. Called the Pueblo Alto loop it featured a dramatic climb up through a narrow rock split to the top of the mesa then a loop along the mesa then back across the mesa to the Pueblo Alto Ruins.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rV3LeW7mFMlHNppdyPQ0Vlthyqwa__LEzZM7QWaSpMuP-NEfMLcRwt1Zx-5e__ivmeLvMnhdyY8nL3Jt4HQvG6YVxjwYSC_Ik3XRYFg2J3jFZT5VKeaN8-g6HChHkQw8uWcMA5JIhYt6/s1600/Pueblo+Bonito+HIke-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rV3LeW7mFMlHNppdyPQ0Vlthyqwa__LEzZM7QWaSpMuP-NEfMLcRwt1Zx-5e__ivmeLvMnhdyY8nL3Jt4HQvG6YVxjwYSC_Ik3XRYFg2J3jFZT5VKeaN8-g6HChHkQw8uWcMA5JIhYt6/s1600/Pueblo+Bonito+HIke-2.jpg" height="320" width="243" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking up through this narrow split rock trail</td></tr>
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As you can see it is quite narrow and steep. The Chacoans used this route to access the north roads out of canyon and built a big pueblo on top.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing through this canyon</td></tr>
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We climbed up about 250 feet through narrow split rock canyon. I almost had to turn sideways. Imagined the Chacoans climbing up here. They were, on average, smaller than Sraddha. Easey Peasey for them.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJtR3JK9F_CDb4bOuV2dZgsd-Rn7TBXOpC6e6OotrTujf9hlxp5xbm-loMK1jpAqrFdF3h6M25tWOFIHWUafD_85GOK3qndRHo13LRJmXk3dC3wu0uiVyOcNuXvquwLfeZ38_Bc55PemK0/s1600/Pueblo+Bonito+HIke-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJtR3JK9F_CDb4bOuV2dZgsd-Rn7TBXOpC6e6OotrTujf9hlxp5xbm-loMK1jpAqrFdF3h6M25tWOFIHWUafD_85GOK3qndRHo13LRJmXk3dC3wu0uiVyOcNuXvquwLfeZ38_Bc55PemK0/s1600/Pueblo+Bonito+HIke-5.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the top. See out Jeep down below?</td></tr>
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Once on top the views were stunning in all directions. We could see the 60-70 miles distant. Jemez Mountains in east, Chuska Mountains (Arizona border) in west, snow capped San Juan Mountains in Colorado in North.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2uu2BVBqW893JH6ZGbJxYU9yku4X5ye4mOBqpKwLMqu0doo_3IvUwhlyI7Q-qRG2UeTzMUYjxZ3GaH63XWaXs6vqMxgBkDFo8dUiPNfXBkgs3HIqvBzps-zuhgmwWlopSST46UYM_lX6/s1600/Pueblo+Bonito+HIke-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2uu2BVBqW893JH6ZGbJxYU9yku4X5ye4mOBqpKwLMqu0doo_3IvUwhlyI7Q-qRG2UeTzMUYjxZ3GaH63XWaXs6vqMxgBkDFo8dUiPNfXBkgs3HIqvBzps-zuhgmwWlopSST46UYM_lX6/s1600/Pueblo+Bonito+HIke-6.jpg" height="224" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sandstone Mesa</td></tr>
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The mesa is all sandstone with lots of shrimp and oyster fossils from a bygone age. This area used to be an ancient seashore.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio9p8YJqvK6JJnJnsR6cneSJtQnFD1pYMZVDikZmrZ5U0c7RB5sR5_P6sbZBBk0Pfsa6I1-c1uYyS_lDsgJFfC5B7yTO46NO1XEt7v41whoDT9AC7R0wfPg-kT2Q-rdXfr-Gmni7PnLY__/s1600/Pueblo+Bonito+HIke-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio9p8YJqvK6JJnJnsR6cneSJtQnFD1pYMZVDikZmrZ5U0c7RB5sR5_P6sbZBBk0Pfsa6I1-c1uYyS_lDsgJFfC5B7yTO46NO1XEt7v41whoDT9AC7R0wfPg-kT2Q-rdXfr-Gmni7PnLY__/s1600/Pueblo+Bonito+HIke-8.jpg" height="241" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ancient burrowing shrimp fossils in sandstone</td></tr>
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The mesa also offers an overview of downtown Chaco. Pueblo Bonito had over 800 rooms. At the height of a festival season, there might be several thousand visitors at one time. Permanent residents might have been a few hundred.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMLslEoZxUcQBRUNddMxGNwqTrT-aAlGC0n9Rd3xpc1Ph7tHSMOIBFtxv_jrZnn6hCJc2fi5XsIVT92FxUmAIOOuu5TUVDjQ6-53oZOj1_8s5SuQlE4TwhMMRLaUuHk7oI4O__5e3Ba89h/s1600/Pueblo+Bonito+HIke-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMLslEoZxUcQBRUNddMxGNwqTrT-aAlGC0n9Rd3xpc1Ph7tHSMOIBFtxv_jrZnn6hCJc2fi5XsIVT92FxUmAIOOuu5TUVDjQ6-53oZOj1_8s5SuQlE4TwhMMRLaUuHk7oI4O__5e3Ba89h/s1600/Pueblo+Bonito+HIke-7.jpg" height="243" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overlooking Pueblo Bonito 3 acres of rooms</td></tr>
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The ruins were pretty amazing. I am not a big "let's go see ancient ruins" guy but this was really a site to behold. We had fun imagining what it must have been like 1,000 years ago when Chaco Canyon was the spiritual and cultural center of the ancient Pueblans.</div>
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We continued our hike around the mesa. Saw this little "garden" as Sraddha said. All kinds of coloeed algae and plants. Lots of flowers. Even got buzzed by a broad tailed hummingbird who thought we were encroaching on his flower field. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCUrWYRdpMYjHqiTaA2yXxBviB0TL2OtCinbq-zRBD2wfgfgSUV3HTZ198xsIeEmmT2gx__9EhSQXkd_t2W4_95Tb4CCoL15SAEksdQPxYb9UraZyqz6cG6GCrNghLglR-st_GQWkeWB5/s1600/Pueblo+Bonito+HIke-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCUrWYRdpMYjHqiTaA2yXxBviB0TL2OtCinbq-zRBD2wfgfgSUV3HTZ198xsIeEmmT2gx__9EhSQXkd_t2W4_95Tb4CCoL15SAEksdQPxYb9UraZyqz6cG6GCrNghLglR-st_GQWkeWB5/s1600/Pueblo+Bonito+HIke-10.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sandstone "garden"</td></tr>
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We spent 3 nights in Chaco Canyon. Wonderful sunsets, cold mornings, windy and warm days, sore feet. We hiked 80% of the trails. Now we have departed with a better sense of perspective on an ancient culture. We learned a lot about the what's, a little about the how's (more next post), and almost nothing about the why of the origins of this culture and it's fate. Clues have been unearthed by archeologists but nothing definite. Chaco remains an amazing place and a mystery which may never be solved. But worth visiting.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11492330893926790541noreply@blogger.com0Chaco Culture National Historical Park, 1808 County Rd 7950, Nageezi, NM 87037, USA36.0607365 -107.9615168000000335.6490285 -108.60696380000003 36.472444499999995 -107.31606980000002