Thursday, July 23, 2009







The big news is the big bad wolf we had in camp Monday Night and Tuesday Morning of this. We were above a place called Bergdorf which is a large primitive developed hot springs north of Mc Call, ID. We had heard the wolves all night on the ridges on both sides of the valley but nothing had come into the camp area. Got up and about just after sun up and having coffee and watching the morning working it's way down the mountain to the valley floor when my eye caught motion back in the woods. At first he was hard to see because it was still dark in there and he is jet black. He got braver as the light came up and began doing false charges into the clearing the rushing back, circling and charging out again. He got within about 30 feet and peed on a tree that close to camp. I am sorry I forgot about the camera and grabed the .45 and loaded up Mr. Burg. I drove him back into the wood with the boat horn but he continued to circle about 40 yards out. I reported his behavior to the Forest Service here in McCall but, it will take someo ne getting hurt to have them do anything about it. He is about 120 to 140 pounds and very well put together. The word is they are getting greater in number all through Idaho and the deer, elk and moose populations are taking a real beating. I have never seen so many hooved critters feeding in the middle of meadows in the middle of the day light.

Hell's Canyon is the deepest canyon on the continent and it is really something to see. I will include several pictures here and try to set up a web photo site for those who want to see more of my pictures.

I stood on Sheep Rock on the Idaho side and looked straight down on the Hell's Canyon Dam (you can not see the Dam just slack water to your left and roaring water to the right) where it is over 6,000 feet from where you stand down to the surface of the water.

On the Oregon side I took some great hikes and caught some decent fish. At Hat Point I watched over 25 Mountain Goats; 2 Billys and many Nannys and Kids with one out of three Nanny's having two kids.

I am going to take a different method of writing this ... I will do notes daily and then compile them when I get to a place to send them up on line. I see so much everyday that my mind runs over and only the big chunks are left to share and many of you will be interested in the little stuff.

Now headed for Stanley, ID




Sunday, July 12, 2009

Third night out with about 4 inches of snow in the morning back where we parked. We had traveled from Olympia over White Pass spending two nights in that area then over the Columbia and into the Blue Mountains of Oregon where this was taken. That morning JazDog rounded up about 15 head of cattle and wanted to bring them with us.

We spent several days bouncing along above the John Day River system and enjoying the country but it was cold and windy the entire time.

















This is the grave overlooking the Grand Rounde River Valley at La Grand Oregon. It is a wonderful sight and an interesting place. I am working on learning how to past the photos separate and keep this more text...this is looking just to the left of the grave site.

We took this road on the way from La Grand to Troy, Oregon. A three day trip with now towns in between and all on gravel road. It is just east of here where JazDog saw her first bear and wanted to get out and chase it. Two nights later when one visited us in camp she crawled under my legs and very quietly growled.

This is Gunnery Sargent Chavez who is a returned and retired wounded Vet living in Troy and participating in the 4th of July Parade. I spent a very enjoyable morning with he and his lady the last day in Troy. I was an honor to meet him and spend the time. Thank You for your service Gunny.

The fishing was great, the parade, BBQ, and Street Dance were fun and the pie and cake sale was eye opening...top price for pie was $420.00 and a beautiful pie it was. The band at the dance was outstanding and the woman singing has a stunning country blues voice.
















One of the residents of the Grand Rounde River canyon who Jaz wanted to get to know much better. She felt she could handle him better than a 300 pound bear. This is the place I made my sunday calls from until a huge thunderstorm blew in.

I have been through the Hells Canyon country and have just finished a R&R here in La Grande and will head out this afternoon for Idaho. I do not know what route I will be taking but look at he GPS Reporter and follow me. I am going to have more frequent posts...I hope.