week four - May 3 to May 10
West Linn, Oregon to Sheridan, Wyoming
Arrived Wednesday afternoon at Brent, Sarah, Amelia and Zachary’s home. Thursday was R&R and visit with son, Brent and his family.
Friday, Brent, Bailey and I hiked in the Milo McIver State Park and visited the Clackamas Fish Hatchery located in the park. The Clackamas enters the Willamette River which joins the Columbia just north of Portland.
The beautiful Clackamas River runs through the Park. The Clackamas headwaters are near Mount Hood and fed by snowmelt from the Mount Hood watershed area.
Milo McIver State Park – Clackamas River overlook
Brent and Heath
On Saturday, Brent and I visited cousin Heath at Highgrove Estate where he and Koral are managers of this gorgeous and unique farm.
Ed & Heath at the Highgrove Estate Conservatory. Information from Highgrove Estate property description: The 2,888 sq. ft. conservatory was touted by the former owner as the largest private conservatory west of the Mississippi. It features a central octagonal gallery with fountain and north and south wings.
Heath, Koral and their 3 month old daughter, Sealiah visted Brent’s home and we all enjoyed a wine tasting at Twill Cellars, directly across the street from Brent’s home. Koral is member, front woman and composer for the Rocky Mountain reggae band, Niceness.
Amelia, Zachary, Sarah and Brent
Zach and Bailey
Pepper, Lola and Bailey
My cousin Howard and his wife Martha live in upstate NY and were on their way to visit their son Paul and his family in British Columbia. As they were travelling West and I was travelling East, we crossed paths in Missoula, Montana. We got together and visited the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
Howard, Martha and Bailey at Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
One of the many life size displalys at the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
I arrived in Bozeman, Montana, that afternoon and had a very nice visit with Arlene and Bill, who moved from Vermont to Bozeman about 2 years ago. Bozeman is surounded by mountains; close to two ski areas and Yellowstone; some of the best rivers for fishing; and is a very desirable location for those who enjoy the outdoors. Bozeman’s population is around 55,000 and growing rapidly.
Arlene and Bill with their dog Sully, Bailey and neighbor’s dog Artie. The Gallatin Range in the foreground and the snow covered Spanish Peaks are in the background.
Big Timber, Montana. Population 1,700. A great town and location to withdraw from society’s current problems and enjoy the great outdoors.
The Big Timber Library. A very nice facility.
I was told that when in northeastern Wyoming, Devil’s Tower should not be missed. Unfortunately, I missed seeing the top half as it was in the clouds.
On to Week 5 and the journey from South Dakota to home.