Hiking down Toppin Canyon

I recently returned from five days in the Owyhee River Canyonlands of Southeastern Oregon.  Fabulous country.  A friend and I set our sites on exploring a remote and seldom visited side canyon of the Little West Owyhee River; Toppin Creek Canyon.  It did not disappoint.  For three days we saw little sign that anyone had been there before us.  We also managed a night on the rim of the Main Owyhee River canyon, staring off into Idaho.  Great trip.  Where do we go next year on this annual spring adventure?!

Looking into the West Little Owyhee River Canyon

West Little Owyhee Canyon

Standing on the rim of the Main Fork Owyhee River Canyon

Spokane

Spokane downtown

I spent a few days last week at a conference in Spokane.  I had not been back there in 15 years.  May is a great time there, the Spokane River is raging over the falls and the lilacs are in bloom.  It is a great town to spend a few days, a wealth of great walking opportunities.

Lower Spokane Falls

Depoe Bay

Oregon Coast

William and I took off for the coast for a night two weekends ago.  We stayed in Depoe Bay, which was my favorite place on the Oregon coast when I was his age.  It really has not changed much at all.  We have had an amazing string of weather this spring.  It hit 86 at the beach, which sent us scurrying for shade. 

Fishing boat leaving Depoe Bay

Depoe Bay sunset