Burns, Oregon

Here we are, right in the middle of the great State of Oregon.  I’m sure that when many people think of Oregon, they think of Mt. Hood and Portland and Crater Lake.  This part of Oregon gets left out.  And, well, there’s not too much here other than the dry and dusty sprinkled with sage brush.  Oh, and Desert or Sage Rats.  It’s Sage Rat Hunting Season as we speak.  I Googled what they looked like because I’ve never heard of them.  They are adorable…like a prairie dog.   It would be sad to see them killed.  Apparently, they can eat right through an alfalfa field in no time and also, cattle and horses break their legs if they should step into one of their burrows. So, they are pests and the hawk and badger aren’t killing them fast enough for the ranchers and farmers of this area.

 

Another thing I’ve noticed along our journey is that most of the terrain those who traveled the Oregon Trail looked like this:

Or this:

But not so much of this:

 

 

We’ve got our hotel window open.  It’s 84 outside, but there’s a pleasant breeze and there are birds chirping and we’re in the shade.  Feels good to be stretched out on a bed, propped up with pillows. Here’s the view:

 

 

Charming, no?  Beyond the dwelling places is a the Land Of The Sage Rat. Be prepared.

 

The past couple of days have been too tiring for me to “Splog”  (a cross between spewing and blogging.)  So, I’ve not even tried.  Last night we were in Idaho Falls.  The night before, Jackson Hole.  I loved Jackson Hole.  Great energy to go with it’s great beauty.  We drove around Grand Teton National Park with our mouths hanging open.  It’s hard looking for wild life when the scenery is so wild, I’m telling you. Sure wish we could have stayed longer.  And we would have, but we need to get home.  The mosey is nearly done.  In fact, this very well could be the last blog.  Tomorrow, we head for Medford and may or may not check out Crater Lake.  It depends on how badly Mr. Al wants to see it as I’ve been there before and have already been suitably awed.  I did recommend that we go.  If we do, I will do my best to at least Splog a picture.

 

And here are some pictures of the past couple of days for your enjoyment:

I don’t think I’ve mentioned how many beautiful horses we’ve seen on this Mosey.