National Forest Badassery

We spent some time hiking in Deschutes National Forest near Sisters, OR. JG and Joulie found the Pacific Crest Trail trailhead from Highway 20.

JG hiked what he described as “a good workout,” which means the scenery was boring, to Square Lake.  He intended to write a blog post but got distracted watching TV with me instead. The Hearing on the insurrection of January 6 on CBS was absorbing. JG: “I felt glad that the hearing was presented so compellingly but worried that it will change few people’s minds.” As for me, I want to press charges. Mark Milley should at least get canned. 
So as to soothe any dyspepsia from politics, I offer a photo of pasture pets, alpacas grazing across the street from our hotel in Sisters.

The next day we headed back to one of our favorite rivers, the Metolius. The headwaters spring from a fault between lava cliffs. We chatted with two sporty mountain bikers — iron thighs in black Spandex — planning to bike from the Metolius headwaters to Round Lake, about a three hour round trip. JN: “That’s bad ass!“ Mountain Biker: “No, dumb ass!” I decided to count them as a Wildlife Sighting.
We hiked from Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery to Lower Canyon Creek Campground, then returned for a picnic, all in light to medium rain.  I saw a river bird, which I later identified as an ouzel. Abundant riverbank shrubs included mountain cherry, hazelnut, willow, strawberry, and vine maple. We about had the trail to ourselves, save for a badass muddy trail runner and his fearless badass leashed Goldendoodle. In 2018 we were here with Marco.  When lapping up a drink, he slipped and fell into the river. I hauled him out by the harness.  Also, I remembered taking his picture with JG in front of these springs feeding the Metolius. 
In 2022 we thought fondly of him, our companion on many hikes. Also different in 2022: Joulie, not the rig. Also different: almost no guidebooks, only Apps and internet. 

The next day we moved on to the Mount Hood National Forest. It is a temperate rain forest, not the dry pines and high desert of the Deschutes NF. We hiked the Tamanawas Falls Trail in medium to heavy rain with temperatures about 46 degrees. We had lots of young people for company. Our rocky, muddy path along Polallie Creek was bordered by mountain hemlock, vine maple, yew, cedar, fir, hazelnut, huckleberry, fern, and many kinds of wildflowers. This trail sees heavy use but still seemed wild and serene. “Strong medicine,” say the natives.