Oregon's Dry Side

[RidgeRunner]

Exploring East of the Cascade Crest (http://www.amazon.com/Oregons-Dry-Side-Exploring-Cascade/dp/0881928291/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/105-3761873-7494853?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1180970151&sr=8-1), written by Alan St. John and just published.

It's a great book I just finished and wanted to share with anyone interested in hearing about it. The book is very well written and illustrated with most pages showing color photos by the author. He's a lifelong desert rat as well as a naturalist, photographer, a specialist in herpetology and author.

He writes about some really great places in southeast Oregon that are very remote, wild and scenic.

I'd recommend it for those who like to read. I'm going to use it as a field guide.:supercool:

Mick

[alanh]

My copy is on order.

Couldn't resist ordering a couple of others on Northwest geology while I was at it. Now if I can just get around to reading them.

[daner]

Sounds like good reading, I'll order one as well, thanks, Duane

[Old Trailmaster]

I have not read this book yet, but as an Oregon resident, I can certainly attest to the vast and unspoiled outback that exists in southeastern Oregon. I have been through various portions of it on several trips over the years, and believe me, if one seeks extreme solitude, then southeastern Oregon definitely provides it in spades! There is also another book (which I have in my personal library) titled Oregon Byways, written by Art Bernstein, which covers many of the backcountry routes out there (Wilderness Press, Berkeley). It has 75 scenic drives described all over the state, 17 of which are in the southeastern area typcially described as the state's outback region. A serious backcountry enthusiast could spend years or a lifetime out there, often never seeing another individual. Terrain varies from flat desert to the state's highest drivable road on Steens Mountain. Wild mustang herds of horses also roam this magnificent and very remote territory. Volcanic sights are to be found in many locales in the outback too. Oh well, just thought I'd throw in my two cents in case anyone out there is contemplating a trip - just be sure to take plenty of fuel and supplies, because "long walk" doesn't do justice to the distances in the event of a breakdown! See ya' ...

[David A. Wright]

I think I'll order a book just in case I do get transferred to Winnemucca.

[HenryJ]

You are going to put a light on my stomping grounds ;) Funny how the grass is always greener. I want to explore other areas when I have so much yet to discover in my own backyard.

[Old Trailmaster]

Hey Dave,

It's 11:35 in the morning man ... how come you're not at work? Or maybe you just dropped in to the local coffee house or library for some quality backcountry time on the computer? Well, in any event, cruising the forums and living for the next wild trip into the boondocks is far more important than work, right? Glad to see you active (after all, your total online forum posts only amount to a measly 37,479 - so you better start typing old man!). :supercool:

[crawler#976]

Welcome Old Trailmaster!

I hope you enjoy our little community of intrepid wheelin' folks.

Mark

[Old Trailmaster]

Hey Mark,

Thanks for the welcome! Glad you noticed my modest contribution to the cause. I'd like to be involved more in posting information, yet find the time to do so limited. Today, I happened to have some spare minutes, and decided to make the most of them. Take care, my friend ...

[RidgeRunner]

I have not read this book yet, but as an Oregon resident, ...

Welcome, Steve. I'll have to look to see if I already have "Oregon Byways". It sure sounds familiar.

What part of Oregon do you live?

Mick


I think I'll order a book just in case I do get transferred to Winnemucca.

David, be sure and let us know if that happens. You could do more exploring in the northern reaches of the Great Basin.:ok-kewl:

Mick

[Old Trailmaster]

Hi Mick,
Thanks for the welcome! Glad to know there are real people out there behind all this techno interface. I live on the central coast, halfway between Coos Bay and Newport, in a small town called Florence. Been here 13 years now - moved from the Colorado Rockies, and prior to that, soCal for 31 years.

[crawler#976]

Steve, my wife and I went thru Florence this summer - stopped at Seal Caves, and gandered at Heceta Head, then went up to Yachats for the night. Beautiful area! I'm an ex-coasty, so we stopped at USCG Station Suislaw River to see if we could get a quick tour, but they were in the middle of morning drills. Found a couple 47's up on blocks - had to stop and check'm out. Awesome boats!

Mark

[Old Trailmaster]

Howdy Mark,

Yeah, those Coast Guard troops are always on drills of some sort, whether it be a simulated rescue in the Siuslaw River that flows through town, or a helicopter excercise of some sort (which you can hear no matter where you are - loud airborne rig). Heavy snow and blizzard conditions lately in the Cascade Range in central Oregon and Washington. Lots of rain and wind at the coast, although as I gaze out the window now, sun is beginning to stream in through the large rhododendron plants, in semi-green hues, highlighting the water still clinging to the branches and leaves. Not over yet, as dark clouds still loom heavily over the Pacific. Hmm, just about time to head south to Death Valley for some dry warmth ... see ya'

[RidgeRunner]

Nice to meet you, Steve, and I'll have to get back to your website and spend some more time. Very nice and DV is one of my favorite places.

We too were in Florence last summer. Nice place. Do you still get out on any exploring trips?

Mick

[David A. Wright]

Hey Dave,

It's 11:35 in the morning man ... how come you're not at work?
I am at work! Gotta check my email in case my boss wrote .... :wink:

Or maybe you just dropped in to the local coffee house or library for some quality backcountry time on the computer?
Not Wi-Fi capable yet.

Glad to see you active (after all, your total online forum posts only amount to a measly 37,479 - so you better start typing old man!). :supercool:
That was last week ... :lol:

[Old Trailmaster]

Okay, I'm getting creative here (either that or lazy, I don't know which), and will answer quickly two people in the same reply (hope no one feels offended :bowdown:)

Dave: "That was last week." Worth a million laughs on that one, my man! Great comebacks - glad to see you appreciate my dry (or weird) sense of humor!

Mick: Yes sir, I still get out at every chance, although DV is now relegated to one trip per year (or sometimes two), as I just live so far away. But, as I have hinted to David Wright, my eye has never left the Bishop area for setting up housekeeping - would be a hoot to be able to do weekends again in DVNP, like I used to do years ago. A new goal for me is the potential exploration of Oregon's Outback - we'll see how things play out.

To both you guys (and I can't forget Mark): Happy Holidays! See you in 2008 ... take care, and stay WILD!