Magone Lake

Our third night camping we roughed it in cots on a lakeside camp ground. It offered the exact peace and quiet we needed for the 4th of July. In the middle of the night, a deer sniffed Gabbie's sleeping bag. An alerted Elvis spooked her and she ran.

Malheur National Forest - Deer Creek Station

Another excellent Forest Service rental, Deer Creek offered propane with gas lighting wall fixtures, a fire pit, and peace. A place where "wild horses frequent" our short stay made an impression on us. We will be back - next time for a week.

Malheur National Forest - Fall Mountain Lookout

This week Gabbie and I drove south of John Day and stayed in a Forest Service fire lookout station. Equipped with electricity and a 360 degree view of blue mountains, this place was a blast.

Elvis

We have a new little man in our life and his name is Elvis. Three weeks ago we adopted him from the Humane Society and he has been a wonderful addition since. Elvis is a three-year-old terrier mix. He is cuddly, warm, and friendly. I love him.

Texas to Oregon

Gabbie's folks are moving back to Sandy. Being the awesome daughter she is, she flew down to San Antonio, helped her parents pack, and drove with her father to Oregon. Along the way they stopped at various historical sites and museums. I see a cross country road trip in our future!

East of John Day

Last weekend, I met the Melo family in eastern Oregon. Jen rented a cabin nestled in pines and across the road from the Middle Fork John Day River. We cooked most of our meals on an open fire, the kids and I went fishing, and I taught twelve year old Amelia how to drive. My new dog Elvis also enjoyed his stay. Probably for the first time in this shelter dog's life, he got to go swimming and run through grass fields and rocky trails. I really enjoyed myself.