Retracing The Tracks Of History

Sometime in March 2013, I met a friend over in The Dalles area, and we went out exploring some off-highway areas. I'd not spent much time out that way at all. At most just passing through as an alternate route, on my way back from Bend/Central Oregon.

There was still some snow on the highways (lesser traveled), and since this area was his stomping ground, we took off in his old beater truck. Fun time! He grew up driving the old dirt roads, and he could really handle the vehicle. We drove around for hours, exploring some various roads, until we came upon the Old Barlow Road. The history behind that particular stretch of dirt path, is that it's considered the last bit of the Oregon Trail. It winds for miles through the Mount Hood National Forest (and Cascade Range). We even passed the Emigrant Springs, which was a natural spring where the settlers used to stop and water their animals. It's actually a neat little bit of history, not too far from the ski resorts on Mount Hood.

After riding with him and sliding around (Dukes of Hazzard style) on a multitude of dirt and gravel roads, for half the day. We decided to swap rigs, and let me drive around and explore a bit. No Dukes driving for this girl. I didn't have my new tires yet! ;)

We got out a few times to go scouting for edible mushrooms, and find a few pieces of interesting wood for me to photograph. Plus, I needed to stretch my legs a bit. You might remember that I'm fascinated by the natural grains, textures and patterns that wood, stumps and rock provide. I tend to make my own "art" out of it. I'll post some of those at another time...but I did snap a few images that I liked.

This stump just caught my attention. Had we not been there in the middle of the day, it would've looked more ominous. Still pretty cool, with all the gnarled and sprawling roots. There were a lot like this, presumably the remnants from logging or past wind storms. 

This is a mountain laurel bush. It has a pretty bloom! The colors were amazing in the bright sun. Yet another reason why I love exploring Oregon in the springtime. Great color! 

This is an altered photo of moss on a rock. The patterning (almost mold-like) of the moss was super cool to me, and when I tweaked the colors, just took on a whole new look to me. It sort of looks like the texture of a starfish, but not as amplified. Pretty cool! 

While we were out exploring, we found a cool camping area next to this river. Great river rocks everywhere...probably decent fishing too! There was evidence (sadly) of a recent group of campers/party-friendly folks, who unfortunately left their trash/cans scattered about. Sad when they do that – leave their trash for others to pickup, or worse yet, for it to become part of the environment. Luckily, we had an extra trash bag to help alleviate some of the mess.

Guess my motto about this has always been: pack it in, pack it out and leave the area as pristine (or better) than you found it. You know, so the next person can enjoy the same beautiful area, instead of seeing your trash! GRRRR.

Of course, I just HAD to take a shot of Bea...while she was waiting for me to wander about with the LM, take photos and pick up other people's trash. :) See? Still had my old KM2s on. At this point, I had very little tread...in fact, a few weeks after this, that right front tire let me down! Literally! :) Luckily, I wasn't driving, had just parked at the beach, came back after walking to find her deflated. Wah-wah-waaah... She's got new kicks now!!

What would a mini road trip be without my favorite partner in crime, LM? He's with me almost everywhere. Poor little guy was tuckered out from a long day of dirt road riding, mushroom hunting (aka squirrel chasing) and walking.

Speaking of tuckered out...think I'll go take a nap! Enjoy the pictures.