Fossils, and Rivers, and Rocks, Oh My!

From our campground just east of Mt. Vernon, Oregon, we mapped out a circle tour of about 115 miles.


Going east on Hwy 26, first stop was this bridge over troubled waters…or maybe that’s the troubled bridge over the water…
 

The sign says “No Trespassing”…somehow I don’t think they need to worry about that!  This is the shed that goes with the bridge.
 
Our main goal was to explore some of the area of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.  First stop was the Mascall Formation Overlook.  As it says on the sign, time in this area is measured in millions of years.  Strange geographical formations dot the landscapes and within those rocks are hidden a plethora of strange and wonderful fossils. 


A moderately steep two lane road ascends to this overlook which provides a wide view over a small part of the fossil area.  The road is not as steep as it seems in the beginning and provides access and parking for all but the largest of motor homes.  We were in the Fit but Therapy could have made the climb as well.  There are restroom facilities at the overlook.


We came, we saw, we froze!!  Be sure and take a jacket as the wind can be bitingly cold.  Russ stayed to take some photos as Poppy and I headed back to the car – a very short walk.  Poppy was pleased the designers had thoughtfully placed a doggy sidewalk along the gravel path.  She was so grateful she did not have to walk on the gravel on her tender Princess Poppy pads.


We traveled north on Hwy 19 to the Sheep Unit of the John Day National Monument.  This is where the Condon Visitor's Center is located.  Again, plenty of room for RV parking and turn-around.

The visitor’s center has myriad fossil displays, all housed in diorama type settings.  This is also a working research center and a large display window allows visitors to watch the preparation of fossils that have been found in the area.  There are also some trails for the more adventurous.  We stuck with the visitor's center  and outside viewing areas.





Just a couple of the hundreds of fossils that are on display. 

There are actually several areas that are part of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.  Continuing north on Hwy 19, just a couple of miles from the visitor’s center, is the James Cant Ranch.  It sits in the shadow of sheep rock and was an important part of the history of the area.  Unfortunately, the ranch house is not open on weekends and we were there on a Saturday.  The outside is open every day and there are miles of trails to explore as well as picnic areas on the wide expanse of lawn.   This is a perfect spot to stop and enjoy a picnic lunch under the shade of one of the many apple trees.




Sheep rock is the dominating feature of this landscape.  Here it peeks out from behind the wheel of one of the old pieces of farming equipment on display.  Sorry about the blown-out sky on so many of my pictures.  I really need to be using the big camera with a polarizing filter…too late now.


Before heading east on Hwy. 402 we stopped at one more overlook.  Just one photo as we came around the bend…this is Cathedral Rock (no, not the one in Sedona!!)  The rest of the photos are in a slide show you can see by clicking here.



At the little town of Monument, we took a rest stop at a local river front park.  As luck would have it, the caretaker was there mowing and he stopped to talk to us.  He told us how just a year ago in May, the river had flooded and the park was under three feet of water. 

This fella takes real pride in his work and has labored faithfully to clear the debris and get the park back into pristine condition.  He was retired but so loved this park that he took on the job of caretaker.  All this work he does is with his ever present oxygen tank, tubes feeding the air into his lungs as he works.  He said to us he is so happy when he is working and he will be happy if he dies sitting right there on his John Deere.

If only we could all be so content.
More adventures awaited as we headed back toward Hwy 395, but that will keep for tomorrow.   For now…
(don’t make me say it)