Traveling through Eastern Oregon on the way to Silver Falls is always a fascinating part of our trip. This year we decided to stop long enough to explore the hillsides in search of rock specimens. McDermitt, NV/OR sits right on the state line and is a favorite spot for many rock hounds. We now include ourselves in that group.
The ground around our truck is literally covered with orange and cream agates, a stone that polishes to a smooth glassy finish. The dirt road ahead led to a similar spot with purple agates and a remote camping spot with fantastic views. We will return to these hills on Disaster Peak Road.
This year at Silver Falls is very different for us. For the 4 previous years we have had a core group of the same 10 volunteers. We all had become very close friends, but this year only 2 have returned. We only have campfires a few nights a week now, but we are enjoying working with new folks. When we arrived the flower fields nearby were in full bloom. Look at these poppies!
We celebrated our 35th Anniversary on August 2 at a fantastic Lodge in our favorite coast town, Yachats. It is set in a beautiful garden by the sea. We slept each night with the ocean breeze and the sound of waves crashing on the rocks below. Absolutely wonderful! Breakfast was delivered to our room.
As much as we love all of Oregon and especially our friends in the Parks, we have decided that this our 10th year of volunteering will be our last. We were on our 'see the National Parks retirement trip" when we got our first volunteer job at our first national park visit, Great Basin. We think the time has come to get back to that 'retirement trip' and the joy of seeing more of our beautiful country. It will be a sad and happy change for us. Stay tuned.
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