Sunstones, Pronghorns and Geological wonders

What better way to start the summer of camping after being in the house due to COVID for most of the year than to go on a road trip of Oregon. We had decided that we must try our luck at searching for the state gemstone, Sunstones after enjoying our trip to Glass Butte in search of obsidian. We also had seen the pronghorn antelopes on a pervious trip through Nevada so decided to combine that with travelling on one of the scenic byways and visiting Fort Rock, Christmas Valley and other sites on the way.

First stop was going to be Hole in the Ground. Got lost while searching but found another couple that were also searching for it and after a couple of dead ends, ultimately we all got there None of the maps we had were good enough. Need better GPS and mapping software for next trip.

 

After that a quick lunch and break at the Christmas Valley Golf Course/Library park and off we went to look for Crack in the Ground. Drove on the dirt road for eternity but never reached the spot. I didn’t air down (mistake) and that jarred every bone and filling. Better maps and preparation for next trip. Fort Rock was very nice and we enjoyed our short hike there.

 

 

We then drove down to Lakeview enjoying the history and the small towns on the way.

 

 

 

 In Summer Lake stopped at the Summer Lake Store and chatted with the gentleman working there about his 1976 280Z and fishing in the area.

 

 

He recommended to drive up Mill Road in Paisley and try the Chewaucan River there, which we did and landed 3 fish in the 10” range and a few long distance releases in half hour of fishing. Nice small river with fish hungry for BWO’s.

 

Next day we took off in search of the BLM Sunstone Collection Area in the Rabbit Hills section of Lake County. I had better maps, but the local signage was sufficient.

 

 

After only an hour of gathering within sight of the camp area (that was full) we had found enough and started our drive towards the Hart Mountain Antelope Refuge (near Plush OR).

 

 

  

Checked out the refuge and put on our list for next time a hike out to the Petroglyph Lake. We were not prepared this time.

Stopped at the Werner Wetlands Wildlife viewing area and saw these amazing weaver birds going in and out of their nests (does anyone know what bird it is?).

Maybe camp at the Refuge CG next time and hike in from the trailhead on way to the Refuge HQ. Twice saw pronghorn bucks but either I was headed in the opposite direction or they disappeared before I could pull over and get the camera out. Except for this mama pronghorn that just stood posing for us and then slowly walked away. In any case junior was able to see them along with many deer and quails. We will have to see about the Hunter Ed' card that he recently received from the state. :-)  

 

 

Returned via Plush back to Lakeview and enjoyed some local ice-cream at the Burger Queen. Our dinner of burgers from the same place the previous night was great. For breakfast we went to Tall Town Cafe and bakery and before leaving grabbed drinks and snacks at the High Desert Coffee.  Both places we enjoyed and met some great people there.

 

Junior commented that the people are so friendly, even the somewhat tipsy gentleman we ran into on our after dinner walk through town even said hello. 😊

Until the next adventure….. Ah yes, work on Salty still continues whenever I can find time, have extra $’s to buy parts and not be the chauffeur for a budding soccer goal keeper!