Eagle Creek to Prineville, OR

I woke up bright and early at Eagle Creek Campground on Wednesday to explore the local hiking route. I had discovered this area a few weeks ago while perusing the internet and saw some pictures which enticed me to make this part of the route. I hiked in 2.2 miles to Punchbowl Falls. Here's the falls:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uYjk4Xnzvg 

 

I would have liked to have gone further, but I felt apprehensive with the "bear encounter advice" signs at the trailhead…and not knowing if there was anyone ahead of me on the trail, swayed me to stay near people instead of venturing out further on my own. It was a pleasant hike but after a few hours, the dogs (feet) were hurting so I headed back to camp to pack up.

Southward to see Uncle Brian, Aunt Sandie and Cousin Curtie in Prineville, OR! The drive followed the gorge to the east, which changes dramatically to hot, dry and desert-like. There are currently wildfires near Mt. Hood and as I started to drive south, I could smell the smoke. This landscape reminds me of what Texas, New Mexico or Arizona may look like – it was hard to believe I was still in Oregon. Hot, dry, sage brush; I even saw my first dust devil! I drove to see the John Day Fossil Beds, however, once I made it to one of the towns, I realized I picked the wrong one (one of the locations w/o a visitor center). Sooo, it was just looking around at the scenery, which was pretty neat. There was no doubt I was in the sticks when I saw a warning sign for feral pigs. I didn’t stay long and drove back to the main road. I also passed this town, Shaniko, which looked as though i'd been created as a movie set, since it was deserted. I pulled over and mailed a letter at the post office. It is now considered an official "ghost town."

I reached Prineville by early evening to see my relatives I hadn’t seen in about six years. They welcomed me with pizza, a hot shower, a bed and tons of travel suggestion - luxury!

Eagle Creek trail to Punchbowl - it was a complete drop off there

Lower Punchbowl Falls - it's bigger than it looks

The ghost town - Shaniko - hope that wasn't a fake post office since I mailed a letter!

John Day Fossil Bed area