Saturday, June 15 Our drive today was a 170-miles west into Oregon on State Route 26: newly-paved road, irrigated fields, free-range cattle, old ghost-ranch settlements . . . and very empty of services! Another time changed made up for the later than usual start this morning. As the elevation climbed we entered an area of National Forests and State Parks with tall Yellow Pine trees. The temperature went up and down with the elevation as we climbed several mountain passes ranging between 5,000-6,000 feet. We stopped at the beautiful Sumpter Valley Railway Hiking trail and followed along the well-marked historical walkway. . . 62 degrees and crisp, pine-scented air. From the early 1800’s stage coaches and freight wagons climbed Sumpter pass. From 1890-1947 the railroad laid tracks and logged the pine trees and later brought in tourists. Part of the trail led through a recent controlled burn area and there were very mature trees that were not visibly touched, younger trees that were charred but still standing, and lush new growth at the forest level. By 1:00 we reached the little town of Dayville and our Fish Inn and RV park. Both very small . . . but big on charm. The Fish Inn has no more than 6 RV sites and several little cottages nestled into his grassy out-back that is filled with shade trees. The bathroom/showers are private suites, and he provides the towels. From our site we can sit and view the downtown main drag, the mercantile, the local restaurant, and a few other little local stores. We enjoyed sitting in our campsite for a while, and then headed out to John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. There are several locations and today we visited the Sheep Rock Unit. The visitor center showcases 40 million years of Oregon’s ancient history: fossilized plants and animals, ecological changes, and violent volcanic activity. It is reported to be one of the biggest fossil locations anywhere. Dogs were allowed on the trails, but with the temperature reaching in the high 80s we thought they were better off in the Silvermine with the AC. Smart move, because there was no shade on the trail! We chose the Island in Time Trail that followed a canyon floor through incredible blue-green badlands called the Blue Basin. There was a trickle of water in the little canyon stream, and it was also a beautiful shade of sage-green. The trail had more than a dozen metal bridges with rough tread plates -- another reason it was good we didn't bring the dogs. It was hot, but there was a breeze and very little humidity. . . a beautiful hike. After the hike there was just a short drive up to the Foree location to finish off the park. This part was all driving tour and with the temperature registering 90 degrees, the AC in the truck was appreciated. Our truck also has ventilated seats with fans that suck the hot air away from your . . . underside! The dogs were fine when we returned to the Silvermine at 4:30, and we promised them that we had scoped out a hike for them in the cool of the morning! All we had left to do was hang around the campsite, walk across the green lawn to the Mercantile, cook supper (Lamb chops!) and relax for the evening.
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October 2021
We don’t go camping any more . . . we go ‘streamin’ ! The “SIlvermine and His” is our 2018 25' Airstream Serenity with Salsa interior and front twin beds., and ‘streamin’ is the name we use to describe our adventures. Stream along as we document everything from weekend trips to longer summer excursions and full-blown vacations. You know what they say: if you’re not in an Airstream – you’re just camping!
Tom & Ella Brown |