And More Oregon...

Eastern Oregon is like another planet. It's like a desert in the mountains. I guess that's why they call it the high desert. Papercup Mixmaster says that the landscape of Eastern Oregon made even Bob Seeger sound profound. Against the wind. Yes. Against the wind indeed.

For one stretch the map indicated wiggly black line, normally an ascent or descent. But here between Burns and Ontario in Eastern Oregon, the highway snaked through a deep rocky canyon, following a small river. By the time we found a place safe enough to pull over and take a picture, the rockiness had given way to a more pastoral scene.



Entering Idaho on an interstate highway, our first since departing Ashland, driving was easier, smoother. The distant horizon was painted in stripes of color from ground to sky. We were entering pastures and fields, exiting the range. Our time on the interstate is interrupted by a side trip north on a state route, looking for a nice place to stay and prepare for Craters of the Moon National Monument tomorrow.

We are now in Hailey, ID, apparently a secret retreat for very wealthy skiing enthusiasts. The nearby airport, the innkeeper says, is no longer big enough to handle the traffic during the season. "It's all private jets," she adds. There is a lot of new construction. The place we're in is new as well, and the large indoor pool has a grand view of a grass-covered mountain peak, very ski-worthy. Later, the moon appeared.

Wuggy Norple says the James Taylor song "Our Town" reminds him of times with LouJones and Guy. Also, Wuggy Norple is now very tired at the hotel.

Dog really likes it in this hotel.

Exploding Poptart is a little worried about Plant.

Wuggy Norple says he wants you to know he is very tired in this hotel.

Total miles traveled: 1058