Biking to the Horn of the Metolius

Fall colors at the Horn

 

I have wanted to get to the Horn of the Metolius for decades.  In fact, when I was in high school I told myself that it would be the first place I would go when I got a capable four wheel drive vehicle.  The Horn of the Metolius is the point where the river shifts eastward from its northern route on its way to Lake Billy Chinook.  Well, I didn't drive there - you can't, at least not along the river - but I rode there this weekend.  It was a cool, showery day and I saw not a soul.  Lovely fall colors, Kokanee massing in the river for their upstream run, and an interesting route along road and then trail.  It was well worth the wait.

I did not expect to see this...

The Hardtail and the Metolius

Sugar Pines!  Sunglasses for scale - and to look cool

The California Delta

Miner Slough - one of countless waterways in the Delta

Last weekend I got the opportunity to explore a part of the country I do not know at all: the California Delta.  Maria had a yoga retreat near Walnut Grove, to I tagged along with my bike.  It was great riding the (vey flat) levee top roads and seeing something new.  Fascinating history here and it is impossible not to imagine what this was like as a massive wetlands complex prior to draining and diverting the incoming freshwater (50% of California's total runoff) from the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers.  Still, a new geography is always a thrill for me and I was thoroughly entertained during our brief visit.

J Mack Ferry Crossing to Ryer Island

Surprising number of vineyards here

 

Return to Long Lake

Petroglyphs at Long Lake, note campsite in distance

I first visited Long Lake in June of 2016.  I had always wanted to return, and this year I did.  It was a warm, sunny October weekend and a friend and I drove my new truck and camper up to the lake bed for two nights.  Dead quiet except for evening coyotes, we saw nobody the entire time.  This is a special place that deserves protection.  The Hart Mountain Wildlife Refuge should be expanded to encompass this, and surrounding high elevation playas.  

Long Lake Rimrock; Two Miles of Rock Art

Shelter Site; note petroglyph on back wall

Rock Art and Rabbitbrush

Wide Open Country

Rock Art Critters