Back to Mickey Basin

Oh Mickey you're so fine

A friend and I had stumbled into Mickey Basin several years ago while on the way to Coyote Playa.  We had always intended on returning - and did, this past April. This time we brought reinforcements, a fairly large group of folks from Bend and Eugene.  We set up cam near the northeast corner of the basin and explored.  It was a bit earlier in the year than the time I had previously been there, and a drier year, so the spring mounds were not nearly as lush.  But the overall experience was great and the area begs for continued exploration - perhaps the Sheepshead Mountains next?

Steens Mountain looms above Mickey Basin

Sheepshead Mountains

There were blooming cactus everywhere in the uplands

Mickey Butte 

Mickey Hot Springs - NOT in the basin

ONDA AGM 2018

Looking back down on the Hancock Field Station from high above

The ONDA annual meeting this year was my 12th in a row, and William's 10th.  It is somewhat likely to be the last for a while, as he is heading off to college and April might be a tough time to get away.  We enjoyed great weather, great friends, a really good restoration project, and the beauty that surrounds the field station.  I will be there again in 2019 to continue my run.

Gnarled juniper

Petrified Palm Tree

Lizard along trail

Spring in the John Day country