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On top of Steens Mt
Click on thumbnails to enlarge photos
July 2000 Camping Trip with Wetwesties:
Finally after spending more time than expected on preparations,
we got a late start on Thursday evening at 6:30 pm.
From Washington, drove down I-5, then took Hwy 20,
and by 11 pm,
we were too exhausted to continue.
Cascadia St. Park was near, so that's where we camped for the night.
Next morning after breakfast in the westy, we drive on, and cross
Santiam Pass and a little later, stop for a swim in Suttle Lake.
Beautiful natural mountain lake, with clean and not too cold water.
Then on to Sisters, a good place to procrastinate some more
at the local bakery.
Once we leave Bend behind on Hwy 20, the scenery totally
changes, and we are in serious desert country. The road
goes straight for as far as one can see, and the terrain reminds
us of Arizona. At this point we are grateful that the air conditioner
in our westy is working, and we have lots of water onboard.
We haven't been in a hot place like this for awhile, and at first,
the heat is kind of scary, and takes some getting used to.
But on we go, till finally we reach the town of Burns,
where we fill up, wipe the bugs off the window, and on
it goes.
9 pm Friday evening, and there out of the desert, emerges
the vast and shallow Lake Malheur.
Luckily we get there just at sunset, and pull over to spend
some time, watching the colors change from deep orange to red
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Lake Malheur
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Sunset over Lake Malheur
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and finally purple, as the sun's last rays are reflected on this vast
lake. Flocks of white pelicans and other birds rise to head
for their evening roost. It feels as if one has been dropped off
in the middle of an ancient ocean, in a time long past.
Once the spectacle has passed, we drive on until finally
at 10:30 pm, we reach the small town of Frenchglen.
Coming out of the dark desert, we are a little taken aback
by the brightly lit store and cafe, bustling with birdwatchers
and other tourists, congregating at the elegant bar.
At 11:30 pm we make it to the campground and knock out.
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Wetwestie potluck |
Saturday morning after reserving some sites for the
others, whom
we're hoping will arrive later, Larry and Grace drive up with
their well-traveled syncro westy. They've already camped on
Steens Mt. for some time, and tell us where to find the best milkshakes
and hot springs.
We spend the day touring the Alvord Desert, and
stopping at the little, but busy cafe in Fields, and, of course, get
some delicious milkshakes. Driving through the lower Alvord,
we get a good view of the Steens Mt. range rising out of the desert,
and become aware of its immensity.
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washboard road through lower Alvord Desert |
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loosening stuck brake drum |
By the time we make it back to camp, Cris, and Jim and Lisa
have arrived, and shortly after, Larry, Grace, Nick, and Kaysy
return from their daytrip.
Susan is still missing, and everyone is worried that her bus
might have broken down. We wait with dinner, but still no Susan.
We assume she probably decided to stay home, because of the
long drive. So everyone sits down for the potluck.
Sunday morning, our group of 4 VW bus and vanagons drive
up the steep and dusty trail to the 9773 ft. top of
Steens Mountain.
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Glacier carved canyon
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View from the top
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WW club members gathering
at viewpoint |
No problem for our volkswagens. The view from the top is stunning.
Far below one can see the Alvord Desert and glacier-carved
valleys, and it's just indescribable.
We really enjoyed this campout, which was actually more
of
an adventure. Thanks to all the participants for coming, and
Jim and Lisa for organizing this.
Click for more Trip reports
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