Bryce Canyon, Utah

Longest driving day of the entire summer. Boise, Idaho to Provo, Utah which was something like 350 miles. That's usually just too tiring to go that far without stopping but we were determined. It was hot outside, so not anxious to stop to see anything, pretty much all interstate hiway--we aren't normally big fans of freeway driving--so easy driving, and always interesting to watch the changing landscape pass by. (High desert, agriculture, mountains, green valleys, busy urban areas. . .) And gave me a chance to drive. I really should drive more often so I am comfortable if I really had to. Will prefers to drive himself and I usually prefer to let him, but I can help out to give him a break.

Just a quick one night near Provo and then cruised into Bryce Canyon National Park today. We have only been here a few hours and I have already taken tons of pictures. 

Boise

Landed in Boise for a couple of days. Really, we are staying in Caldwell which is out of the city a ways but close enough to check out Idaho's capitol city.

We followed the Snake River and happened upon this novel museum. It's at the site of a historic river landing and ferry crossing but now is a quirky little "road side" attraction that was just fun to stop to see. 

Somebody made a lot of really detailed birdhouses.

We also "found" a Water Lantern Festival going on in a downtown Boise park. Sorta reminiscent of Lantern Festivals we remember from China and Taiwan but this one was more festival, with food trucks, live music, and gobs of people. We each got a lantern with our ticket which we could decorate with art work or concerns  or anything meaningful. Then at appointed time we each lit the lantern and then launched it in the lake and solemnly watched it float away amidst hundreds of others.  It was actually quite a moving experience.

This morning we biked Boise's "Green Belt" a 25 mile multi-use path along the Boise River. We didn't go anywhere near the full distance but was a very nice path, connecting city parks, river front, and landscaped common area. I am getting more and more comfortable with my e-bike.

Biked by the Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial. Interesting to find such an elaborate monument to human rights her in Idaho. Water feature, carved stone panels of words from signifant people including Anne Frank about human dignity.

And brunch was as good as it looks!

Straight across central Oregon.

Once one gets over the Cascades and down into Bend, Oregon you are in the "rain shadow" of the mountain range and suddenly central Oregon is a high desert.  We are headed for Idaho so we traveled East on hiway 20 (The same US hiway 20 that cuts across  northern Iowa) straight across the state. Actually "straight" across-- the road IS straight as far as you can see. Until near the border where you find some hills and irrigated farm lands. 

Staying in little town of Vale, Oregon where apparently the Oregon Trail went right through what is now Main Street.

Bend, Oregon

Time to go. What an appropriate name for a Scenic Byway! Left the coast at sea level and over the Cascade range to the dryer,  and high desert of Central Oregon.  Through the picturesque mountain community of Sisters and down to Bend, Oregon

Mt Bachelor dominates the landscape here. I take lots of pictures of mountains. About as awe-inspiring as water and ocean waves!

The area around here is full of ancient volcanic activity. We went down into a mile long Lava Tube. The stairs and boardwalk soon ended and we found ourselves in a pitch black environment. We had flashlights but they got lost in the vast darkness almost immediately. But we rented a big battery lanterns that worked well. Still not a comfortable environment and no way did we go all the way to the end. It was interesting and I am glad we went but caves are not for me! This was formed some 800,000 years ago which is unfathomable in the first place.

Also stopped to see ancient Obsidian flow. I kinda like rocks and geology so this was right up my alley. Obsidian is formed when particular lava cools rapidly and doesn't have time to form crystals and becomes this perfect smooth black glass. I really wanted to take a big chunk with me but I obeyed the signs and left it lay and took only pictures. (Somehow a tiny pebble did end up in my pocket.). What is most amazing is that this "pile of rock looks like it was recently pushed up here but has been like this for thousands of years.

Caught a Sandhill Crane in a meadow. There was a chick, too but seems I missed him on picture

Trees to Seas

Oregon has covered bridges also. Little adventure to find it. It's kind of the bridge to nowhere as the road stops just across the bridge. But it's fully functional!

Bottom of 600 year old Sitka Spruce. . .and the top. . .

Hiked to see this famed tree at Cape Perpetua.

Waldport

Went down the coast a bit, now back up again to what I would call the middle. People say this is most scenic.  It's all grand, I have taken so many pictures of the rugged coastline, and crashing waves, sunsets, cloud  shadows, trails in the woods, sea lions and harbor seals, gigantic trees, flora and fauna abound.

   We have noticed the many historic bridges as we travel the coast. They all have Art Deco architecture and seemed to be designed by a few distinctive designers. The name McCullough keeps coming up in fact. Even the newer ones that have been replaced have kept that vintage look.

Lots of sea rocks and sea mounts off shore. Lots are bird sanctuaries for nesting sea birds

But birding has been somewhat disappointing. Sea birds have fledged and long gone out to sea again. But I did see a flock of Black Turnstones which I surely couldn't see anywhere else.

And Sea Lions and Harbor seals have become a favorite to watch.

Walked to a local restaurant on the bay here at Waldport and had the best breakfast. Bargain of the week, actually. Two full breakfasts, coffee and juice included for $10. And LOTS of local ambiance. Heard all about how to bait and set crab traps. You can actually rent them and go "crabing" here in the Alsea Bay.

Hiked up to Heceta Head Lighthouse.

Alsea Bay morning at hi tide