It was off to Oregon this morning skipping back and forth over the Oregon Trail before heading north. Three days of chatting easily in Garry's car spoiled us and we were quickly back to starting every answer with "What?". Tillie definitely believes in keeping her motor loudly purring to give us time to ponder our own thoughts.
Bob & Elinor had suggested we head slightly north from Boise toward John Day, Oregon, as that was a prettier route to Crater Lake than going straight west across the desert. They were absolutely right. Who would ever believe the Fossil National Monument which covers about 20 square miles could be so beautiful? The visitor center has a wonderful exhibit and you can watch the researchers chipping away at rocks to uncover the fossils. If you ever come to Oregon it's a not to be missed sight.
We only had time to visit the John Day Center named after, you guessed it, John Day. They say on the posted info that "John Day was of no importance". Now really, we think they could have phrased that a bit better. The river is named for him and thus the area, but he was only at the beginning of the river 100 miles away and never came this far south. He was just a regular "joe", not a Lewis & Clarke type.
Tonight we're camping just north of Crater Lake. Broke out the mesquito tent to put over the picnic table as the mesquitos seem to be quite taken by Tillie. We agree, she is charming (especially when she runs!).
