Oregon Badlands Wilderness

Juniper

Just "released" from our two week quarantine, we headed for Oregon Badlands Wilderness for some social distancing.  The north end of the wilderness is decidedly less crowded than the trailheads off of Hwy 20 so that is where we found some solitude.  Very quiet and low stress - just what the doctor ordered.

Quarantined trip to the Metolius

Walk-in sites are pretty nice, actually

Most of the way through our two week self-isolation post Madrid, Maria and I were itching to get outside.  We figured a van trip nearby would be just the ticket, but unfortunately the van did not cooperate.  It would not start.  We threw everything in the Subaru, added a tent and a few car camping supplies, and twenty minutes later we were out the door.  Allen Springs CG offers some really nice walk in sites which, as a van camper, we had not used in the past.  It was really nice, warm and sunny and we had a huge area to ourselves.  Most relaxed I have been in a long while.  A nice break for the pandemic if only for a night.

The Metolius is always beautiful 

View from camp

Our three night trip to Madrid

Madrid's Retiro Park

Back in July of last year Maria and I planned a two week vacation in Spain.  Coronavirus had other plans for us.  We flew into Madrid, arriving Wednesday afternoon and flew out on Saturday morning.  In between we walked the city, crowds thin to begin with and dissipating with each passing day.  It was stressful, for sure, but also beautiful.  I sincerely hope the Spanish people can avoid what Italy is currently facing, but it does not look good at the moment. 

Near our hotel

Maria in a plaza

Beautiful food in the Mercado de San Miguel 

Plaza Major

Museums were closed so all we could do was look at the exteriors 

Reflecting on our trip

Retiro Park scene 

More Retiro Park scenes

And more Retiro

It felt good to be outside - warm enough for rosé!

Near the Prado

Madrid is filled with beautiful spaces