More desert time

In Spring Basin Wilderness

It was ONDA annual meeting time again this past weekend.  Always a highlight of the year, I was not sure I would be making it there when I learned that I would be in Phoenix, Arizona for work immediately prior to the event.  I was able to squeeze in an itinerary that had me flying into the Redmond airport, where Maria picked me up and we were at the Hancock Field Station by midnight.  I am glad we made it work, it was a beautiful weekend on the John Day and it allowed me to complete a trifecta; three of North America's deserts in the span of ten days.  Really great stuff!

Oregon Cactus

Arizona Cactus

Palm Springs weekend

Palm Springs mid-century modern

A quick getaway for some sun and exploration in southern California.  Thanks to a non-stop Allegiant flight, sun and 90 degrees is only two hours from Eugene.  We had a great time spending a day at Joshua Tree National Park, then a day exploring around Palm Springs, including the Indian Canyons area as well as taking a tram ride (well worth it!) to 8,500' in the San Jacinto Mtns.  We also enjoyed the architecture of Palm Springs itself.  Four days felt like many more; which is a true measure of a great weekend.

Joshua Tree National Park

More Joshua Tree

Palm Canyon

View from the top of the Palm Springs Tram

Central Oregon weekends

South Sister with cloud cap forming

We have not been in Eugene much at all so far this year and, hence, I have gotten behind in posting things on the blog.  Here are some catch up photos from various trips to Bend. 



Deschutes River sculpture



Riding Horse Butte trail



Entrance to Boyd Cave