Wallowa Lake, OR
August 4-10, 2011
I left Plymouth Campground in WA and headed south into Oregon. As I got to Pendleton, I saw just off the exit a sculpure garden of a cattle drive, it was really spectacular and considering it was at an intersection near the Interstate, I had to stop and find a place to park and take pictures. It looked so realistic, and they were actual life size sculptures in the correct colors, there was even a dog to the left side of the photo as a sculpure.
Photos of Pendleton Mills, cattle drive sculptures, Wallowa Lake
Cattle drive sculptures
I stopped at the Pendleton Wool Factory in Pendleton to see if I could watch them make the wonderful wool blankets that I love. It turns out the factory is closed for vacation this week of all weeks. A short tour of the factory was given, but the machines were not operational. I saw the wool spools, the machines, the finished woven blankets that are sent to a different factory to be finished, brushed, have the bindings sewn on, etc. I would have liked to see them being made, but the tour guide said it’s REALLY noisy when all the machines are in operation. 
I left Pendleton and headed to Wallowa Lake State Park, it was a long drive through the Oregon mountains, but it was really scenic. I drove along Hell’s Canyon Scenic Byway. Upon arriving at the state park, they did not have any campsites available, which really was probably for the best since there were LOTS of families with LOTS of kids. Definitely not peaceful and quiet, even though the lake was really beautiful. Click here for some photos.
I headed back towards the towns I drove through Joseph, named for Nez Pierce Chief Joseph, and I saw the grave and graveyard where Old Chief Joseph was buried.
I drove through Enterprise which was another nice little community with shops sort of like Joseph. Joseph looked like a typical small ski town with lots of shops lining the main road on the way into the state park. I saw in a field a doe with 3 fawns, and later on another one with 2 fawns.
Old Chief Joseph Gravestone
I drove to a smaller town called Wallowa and found a Lions Club campground under some pine trees with no electric or water, cost was a donation. So I stayed there for the night since it was 7:30 p.m. and I had been driving and exploring all day.
I left there on Tuesday morning and found Minar State Park in Oregon, it was 2 miles down a rough gravel road and it was along the Minar River. No hookups once again, but it was quiet and peaceful and $9 to camp for the night. I found a nice spot along a fence near the river where I could hear the water and I sat in a chair and read a book, cooked dinner, and walked a path along the river for a while.
camped near river
I met a nice couple from Oregon that gave me some additional places to go in Oregon, so after I explore Historic Baker City on Wednesday, I will head towards Oxbow Canyon, and other places they suggested, it will alter my route by a few days, but it’s okay. I will get to see some more of Oregon.
I left the campground this morning and drove up the dusty rough gravel road again, seems I have been on lots of those the last few days. I did wash the camper twice this week, and I think I will wait until I think no more gravel roads. I don’t know how, but it seems the dust from the gravel roads gets into my camper. My fridge door which is black has lots of dust as does other parts inside including dishes in my cabinets. Guess it is part of the camping experience.
I arrived in Hot Lake Springs, OR about 10:30 a.m. A man I met in Plymouth Campground that was the campground host told me about a sculptor named David Manuel who is famous for Native American bronze sculptures and artifacts. He used to have a studio in Joseph, but he and his family bought an the old Hot Lake Springs Hotel and turned it into a hotel, studio, etc. and since the campground host knew I liked Native American culture told me that I need to detour and visit this place. It was amazing!!! The details sculpted into the bronze pieces was so fine and detailed, unlike anything I have ever seen. Some of the Native American Indian sculptures were done in color and the beadwork on their clothes was so tiny and in color detail for the designs. Talk about using patience to create masterpieces.
I walked through the garden around the spring lake, saw lots of sculptures in the giftshop, walked the 3 floors in the renovated hotel which used to be a hot spring hotel, doctors office, hospital, etc. Today, the renovated hotel once again hosts guests. The rooms are decorated in the same type of decor from the original period, each room is different and has a private bathroom. I saw in the corner of one of the bedrooms there was a freestanding shower. The bathrooms in the hallways are either men, women, or a unisex bathroom and shower.
Bronze Eagle and Salmon
I even got to meet David and his wife Lee. I was walking through the historical exhibits which included lots of authentic pioneer and Native American items, clothing, guns, beaded items, old military uniforms for several wars, pioneer artifacts and toys, a huge arrowhead display, and so much more. I was in awe of the collection. There was also a few authentic eagle feather war bonnets from a chief, the bonnets were over 100 years old and the feathers were still in great condition, as were all the other items in the collections.
Since the old building was also a sanitorium and doctors office they had an old xray machine, wheel chair, examining table, etc. Glad technology and medical equipment has progressed! Pictures in the photo gallery for Hot Lake Springs. I think the website to learn more about this site is www.hotlakesprings.com, check it out when you get a chance, it’s worth the reading. I posted my pictures in an album.
Wheelchair at Hot Lake Springs
After I left there I headed to Baker City, which was founded in 1874. Many of the original buildings are the shops of today. I went into City Hall since it is also a historic site and I got to meet the City Manager and his secretary. They showed me around and when I saw their records vault it remined me of several I was in charge of during my years of working with cities. We shared thoughts, and I was able to provide some suggestions on how they can store their records in a different way to protect them. They were very grateful and I also saw their commission chambers which was really impressive with the large glass windows looking out over the street.
Baker City Commission Chambers
After eating some Mexican food at a local restaurant, I saw a farmer’s market that was only on Wednesdays from 4-7 p.m. I stopped and bought some local grown boysenberries and peaches, and some brownies… they were all good of course.
I then found a McDonalds so stopped to update my blog and photo pages. I will have to upload the photo gallery page probably tomorrow, if I don’t have time today. Click here for Baker City photos.
