Wildfires and Supermoons

It's been a busy summer throughout the John Day Valley.  Conditions have provided the 'perfect storm' for wildfires with tinder dry forests, lightning strikes and shifting winds.  Throughout the state, wildfires have ravaged lands on both the west and east side of Oregon.  One of the larger fires in our area erupted about 20 miles southwest of John Day on state, federal and private lands.  Close to the town of Dayville, this particular wildfire has been burning for most of August up to this date. A level 1 evacuation alert is still in place for some who live near the fire area, which means be ready for possible evacuation. As I write this post on Sunday night, the containment is listed at 60% with nearly 65,000 acres burned. I took these photos to illustrate the seriousness of this particular fire that has consumed so much land.  Thankfully, cooler temperatures have moved into our region with some rain but more threats of lightning storms are ahead.

Fire view near Mt. Vernon

Fire views south and east of Dayville

(Click on photos for enlargement)

What a pity it is to view the ensuing damage done to the land after the fire has had its way in its assault on the pristine countryside. That was evident in a recent wildfire in the Ochoco Mountain range.  A portion of Highway 26 had to be closed because flames had jumped the highway. It has since been contained and the highway re-opened for travel back and forth between Eastern and Central Oregon.  Traveling to Bend the other day, it was sad to see chard hillsides and twisted stick remains of  once lovely Ponderosa Pine and Juniper trees.  We are grateful to all the firefighters who risk their lives in the face of such an awesome force as fire.

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On an entirely different subject, as most of you are aware, this is the year of three supermoons to grace our skies.  The first was on July 12, the second on August 10 and the next will be on September 9th.  A supermoon is defined as a lunar phenomenon where the moon reaches a point in its orbit closest to the Earth, where it appears bigger and brighter.  There have been many spectacular photos on the internet of various places across the world showing a specific setting of the supermoon.  Here are a few that I took from my back yard.  The first two were shot on August 9, taking advantage of a clear sky.  You never know what to expect on a given evening, where cloud cover and/or smoke can obscure the moon in viewing.  That is what happened on August 10, where the clouds covered the moon and stars in our area.   I kept hoping for the haziness to scatter and slowly, by 11:00 at night, there was enough visible supermoon to take a few photos before the clouds moved in again.  It makes for an interesting effect as you can tell in the third photo below.

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Next month, there will be a show of the Perseid meteor showers alongside the supermoon that will provide some amazing celestial pictures.  In 2015, there will be an occurrence of six supermoons, which will make photographers happy all over the world.

I discovered this quote which I like very much:  "The moon is a loyal companion.  It never leaves.  It's always there, watching, steadfast, knowing us in our light and dark moments, changing forever just as we do.  Every day it's a different version of itself.  Sometimes weak and wan, sometimes strong and full of light.  The moon understands what it means to be human.  Uncertain.  Alone.  Cratered by imperfections." - Tahereh Mafi, Shatter Me

I'd like to use this same quote and tweak it a little bit.... "The Presence of God is a loyal Companion.  The Presence never leaves.  The Presence is always there, watching, steadfast, knowing us in our light and dark moments - The Changeless One, overseeing our changing ways.  Every day we are versions of weakness and strength, the ebbing and flowing of light.  The Presence in Jesus, understands what it means to be human.  The Presence is The Certainty when we are uncertain.  The Presence is The Friend who is with us when we think we are alone.  The Presence is The Embrace which holds us in our imperfections."


You are invited to visit The-Turn Up Patch for my next posting on Monday, September 1.  See you then!
    
* Update on Derek, Daniel and Josiah....  My previous post was about these three young men cycling across the United States.  They are currently on Day 43 of their journey and presently in Kansas after traveling through Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Colorado.  They were set back a few days because of a mishap that Josiah had.  However, he bravely presses on with a cast on his arm as the trio continues their biking adventure.  Be sure to catch up on their blog:
http://transamerica2014.squarespace.com/         Stay safe guys!

Life is Good - Go Big or Go Home!

Last month, as I traveled along Highway 26 in Eastern Oregon, I encountered three young cyclists carrying the American flag on their bikes.  One cyclist in particular, had a huge flag fastened onto the back of his bicycle that flowed proudly in the breeze as he energetically rode down the road.  My curiosity peaked and I stopped to find out what they were all about and asked if I could take their photos.  They gladly obliged... 

Derek

Derek explained that they were taking the flag across the United States to make a statement for "FamilyLife", which is a nonprofit organization focusing on the importance of the family unit.  They are biking across the country this summer to raise money and awareness promoting Christ-centered marriages and families.  A quote from Daniel, "I believe if you want to change the world, you start with family first by living a Christ-centered life." 
You can check out the website at this link: http://townlively.com/ride-for-the-family/

As I talked with Derek, he mentioned that it was his first time out west from Pennsylvania and was impressed with the diversity of Oregon scenery.  I wondered to myself, if this is the first time west, why are they traveling east??  The mystery was solved when I started reading their blog and discovered that the trio flew from Pennsylvania to Portland, Oregon and began their trek across the United States from Astoria.  Their destination, after a 4,000 mile journey, is Yorktown, Virginia.    When I met them, it was on Day 11 of their journey and their goal was to reach John Day to spend the night.  I mentioned to them to stop at the Silver Spur Restaurant in Mt. Vernon and was pleasantly surprised that they took my advice.  In reading their post entry for that day, I noticed that Josiah wrote about enjoying root beer and milkshakes at the Spur.  Way to go guys!!

Derek, Daniel and Josiah

I watched them as they traveled down the road impressed with these young men who bike with purpose and intention to accomplish their 'miles with a message'.   By the time you read this post, they have completed about half of their route, gearing up towards the last stage of their journey.   I encourage you to check out their blog, TransAmerica 2014, and read the daily entries complete with photos.  The link is:  http://transamerica2014.squarespace.com/

Currently, the trio are on Day 29 and have biked through Oregon, Idaho, Montana and presently in Wyoming.  Catch up with their travels and join them in their adventure - Josiah does a great job of logging in their days on the trail in words and photography.  You can also read about the 'who, what and why' of these three young men cycling for a cause.  Enjoy their Facebook Page as well, which is - TransAmerica Bike Trip.  

My encounter was short with Derek, Daniel and Josiah but I felt richer in my spirit for meeting up with their inspiring energy.  I like the slogan that their daily posts end with...."Life is good.  Go Big or Go Home!"   Prayers from Eastern Oregon continue to go with you for safe travels.  God Bless!

At the time I met up with these three young men, Central and Eastern Oregon were plagued by wildfires ignited by lightning strikes.  Two weeks later, much has been contained and new ones have been set off due to these on-going storms.  The smoke has caused an eery cast to our skies but we have had some wondrous sunrises and sunsets as a result of these atmospheric conditions.  I took this photo the other evening as the sun was descending in the west, melting into the hillside....

August Sunset in Eastern Oregon

Join me in two weeks at The Turn-Up Patch on Monday, August 18 for whatever "turns up" in my next post.   See you then!

Dayville - Celebration in Small Town America

We return to Dayville where they continued to celebrate their 100th Birthday Celebration as a city over the July 4th weekend.    I wrote an article about Dayville back in October with their centennial  kickoff  last October...
Link: http://www.turn-uppatch.blogspot.com/2013_10_01_archive.html
Many facts are presented about Dayville that are written in the above post, so you can catch up on the  historical aspect of this great little town as well as their unique scarecrow display fitting for the Fall event last October.

By the time this is posted, July 4th is now a memory for this year.  However, I wanted to bring to you, my readers, the festive events held in celebration of  Dayville's 100th birthday and a tribute to Independence Day as only small town America can do.  The parade is a highlight every year on this day and I include a few photos which show the community and national spirit generated by July 4th...

(click on photos to enlarge for viewing)

Bringing the wild west to life, Rudio Riders Revenge Play was a spoof featuring a store robbery at a mock western town located at the local mercantile store.  The play came complete with the good guys/gals and the bad guys/gals.  A regular shoot-em-up horse riding entertainment complete with a red hatted sheriff, salon gal, preacher, bride and groom, just to name a few...

Dayville hosted a community breakfast, barbeque and hamburger stands, dance, live music - just to name a few of the weekend events available for the public to enjoy.  Of course, there was the traditional fireworks on Saturday evening to mesmerize the gathered crowd.  

In my last post, I wrote about celebrating July 4th in Ireland at an ancient castle.  Today's post covers a July 4th spent in Dayville, which is the Eastern Gateway to the John Day Fossil Beds.  Before castles were built, fossils existed and there is quite a history telling the story of ancient Oregon right in our own back yard. 

Join me on Monday, August 4 for the next post on The Turn-Up Patch.  Until then, here is a freedom reminder for you... "Freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refresh - else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die." - Dwight D. Eisenhower

 

Ireland - A Village, A Castle Home & 4th of July

Continuing with more of my Ireland travels, I'd like to introduce you to a quaint town where our tour group stopped for an overnight stay.   Ballyvaughn is a fishing and farming village located in County Clare on the south shores of Galway Bay.  According to the 2011 census, the population of Ballyvaughn is 258.  Considering such a small population, the below photo shows many varied and colorful direction signs on the town street.  The village was clean, colorful and typically Irish in cottage design.  The last photo shows the view from the Bed & Breakfast we stayed in.  Flower planters were stationed at most windows, adding floral beauty that says 'welcome'.

What a GPS signpost - no excuse to get lost!

Ballyvaughn street

Window view

The village is within driving distance to archaeologist treasures of medieval origin that is rich in history in ancient Ireland.  Among these is Gleningh Castle built in the late 1500's for the O'Loughlin family.  They disposed of it in the mid 1600's but later regained ownership and were its last inhabitants when it was abandoned around 1840.  This well preserved tower house looks down from a hillside across the wide expanse of Galway Bay.  It has a distinctive L-shaped plan comprising an oblong tower of four stories with a projected turret containing a spiral stair.

Overlooking Galway Bay

Once a castle home

It was at Gleningh Castle that our tour guides Phil and Carolyn, surprised us all with a July 4th Celebration with champagne and apple turnovers.  The group were all Americans... some from South Carolina, California, Ohio and of course, Oregon.  It was a most wonderful surprise and a July 4th that I will never forget.  Imagine celebrating USA Independence Day by a medieval castle.  Such a young country in comparison to ancient Ireland.

  July 4th Remembrance

To reach the castle from the parked tour bus, we walked down a country path and enjoyed viewing the surrounding countryside.  An Irish cow just happened to be curious enough to take a look over the hedge and gaze at all the two-legged critters walking by.....

Until my next post at The Turn-Up Patch, here is a beautiful Irish blessing that I leave with you:

                                                     May flowers always line your path

                                                     and sunshine light your day,

                                                     May songbirds serenade you

                                                     every step along your way,

                                                     May a rainbow run beside you

                                                     and may the skies be always blue,

                                                     And may happiness fill your heart

                                                     each day your whole life through.

See you on Monday, July 21!

Although July 4th has come and gone, you are welcome to check out my post written in 2013 entitled "Identity of the American Flag", a tribute to the flag of the United States of America in honor of the Declaration of Independence...
Link:  http://www.turn-uppatch.blogspot.com/2013/07/identity-of-american-flag.html

The Horse & Idioms

There have been posts scattered throughout my blog with horse photos taken of these amazing animals.  Some folks object to the horse being referred to as an animal as many have formed an intuitive friendship that goes beyond the boundary of human experience with the noble horse.  I know some of these people who trust a four legged equine over a two legged humankind in the experience of friendship.  I love to take pictures of the horse but I am not a rider.  I appreciate their beauty from afar. I realized long ago that my trust factor was broken when I first got on a horse and immediately found myself laying in the dirt trying to catch my breath.  It not only knocked out my breath but any desire in perseverance to try to become a horse rider.  You either have it or you don't and a horse is smart enough to tell the difference.  

I thought about all the references to a horse through the use of idioms. The definition of an idiom are words, phrases or expressions that cannot be taken literally.  In other words, when used in everyday language, each has a meaning other than the basic one you would find in the dictionary.  There are many idioms mentioning the horse -  here are just a few examples, both in word and in photos....

- You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink.  How true this is!  In other words, you can give someone the opportunity to do something but you cannot force him or her to do it if they do not want to.  This phrase dates from the 12th century and was in John Heywood's proverb collection of 1546. 

... depends on the thirst

- Straight from the horses' mouth.  Something heard directly from the person who said it and is regarded as trustworthy.  It is derived from the 1920's meaning in getting information directly from a person or place, direct from the source or origin.

... I'm telling you the way it is

- Horse sense.  Common sense, practical thinking to everyday problems in life situations.  People with horse sense are smart and practical and can be counted on to make good decisions.   It is a familiar phrase from the late 1800's and still often used today.

... I can help you with some advice

 - Lock the barn door after the horse is gone. Trying to prevent something that has already happened.  Precautions to do the right thing after it is too late.  This popular proverb was first used by the French in the 1100's and later appeared in English.

... you'll have to catch me first

- Horsing around.  Just playing and being active in a silly way.  This kind of play tends to be improvised and spontaneous and may be engaged in by people of all ages, from young children to mischievous adults.  The term "horseplay" was first used in the late 1500's and linked to the concept of young horses at play.

... I can jump higher than you

- Don't look a gift horse in the mouth.  (Even if he does have icicle whiskers!)  To complain if a gift is not perfect.  It means that you should appreciate the thought and feeling behind it - don't judge a gift by the value of the item or the money put into it.  It is the thought that counts!  This idiom dates back to at least the 16th Century.

...I'm thinking of spring

These are just a few of the idioms regarding the horse.  I looked for a corresponding phrase that would fit the below photograph, but could not find a suitable idiom.  However, the essence of this picture speaks of peace, harmony and love - or a group hug as only horses can do!  I had to conclude today's post with this picture that reflects God's attitude on love, which brings about satisfaction and contentment.

... to know is to be

I wrote a post in April of 2013 entitled "Horse Magic, a Camera & Ray Hunt".  It has more information about horses and those who love them....
Link: http://www.turn-uppatch.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-magic-of-horse-camera-ray-hunt.html


You are invited to come back and visit The Turn-Up Patch on Monday, July 7th.  See you then!

 

 

Mount Vernon - Part 2

Mt. Vernon is a town of many signs, it doesn't matter which side of the street you are on.  Yes, you are now at the intersection of Highways 26 and 395 that carries the distinction of having three megaloads make a turn at this particular crossroad.  I wrote a post in January entitled "The Megaload", including photos of this epic corner maneuver.
Link: http://www.turn-uppatch.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-megaload.html

 

This particular intersection is a great showcase to introduce you to several unique  establishments. Mount Vernon is home to a great little restaurant 
called "The Silver Spur".  You not only get good meals but lively camaraderie is dished out as well!  If you remember the popular sit-com of the '80s and early '90s, Cheers, it has that familiar atmosphere of good humor and playful conversation exhibited in Cheers...only in a restaurant and not in a bar.  Dale Finley is owner and operator of this western style diner and she and her staff can serve up a tasty meal from a delicious hamburger to a steak and lobster cuisine delight.  Since word travels about where to go to for a good restaurant meal, The Silver Spur is on the list of motorcycle and bicycle enthusiasts, with tourists and locals alike who stop by and enjoy.

Mount Vernon also features David Hamilton Winery, an establishment specializing in fruit wine.  The winery is located near this same intersection on Oregon Scenic Byway, "Journey Through Time" on Highway 26.  David makes and bottles the wine on site and has a variety of flavors to choose from.  You can purchase fruit wines such as Cranberry, Huckleberry, Gravenstein Apple, Wild Plum, Kiwi, Elderberry, Pomegrante - to name a few.  My favorite is called "Rugosa Rose".   It is made from rose petals and tastes similar to an ice wine liqueur, simply exquisite!  
For a complete list of wines, check out his website at: http://davidhamiltonwinery.com/
The wine that David makes is processed from organic fruits and contain no sulfites.  The fruits are either hand-picked or obtained at organic fruit farms.  David told me that he began being tutored by his grandfather in the fine art of making fruit wine when he was 9 years old. 

Also at the intersection is a quilt shop, motel and post office.  The post office was established in 1877 and has undergone several renovations since that time.  Of course it is another gathering place for visiting... note the bench in front of the building to accommodate such socializing.  Mt. Vernon City Hall is located along Main Street on Highway 26, complete with the black stallion motif on the building.  
Because space is limited in today's post,  I can't feature all that Mount Vernon and surrounding area offers, but for a little town, you have all the amenities and then some.

 

About a mile east of Mount Vernon on Highway 26 is a lovely recreational site, called "Clyde Holliday State Park". Set up for campgrounds, it is excellent for Recreational Vehicles in beautiful tree-shaded scenery with barbeque pits.  What is unique are several tee-pees that can be reserved for a camp out.  The park has designated picnic areas, restrooms and a paved path close to the John Day River where you may take a walk and enjoy country solitude.

I hope you have enjoyed the 'tour' of Mount Vernon in Parts 1 and 2.  There is much more history to explore and more local talent to share but that will be at a future time.  

Join me in two weeks on Monday, June 23 for another adventure at The Turn-Up Patch.  Until then may your days be sweet and your burdens light.  Here is another great Irish Blessing, which I pass on to you....  

"May God in His Wisdom and infinite Love

Look down on you always from Heaven above.

May He send you good fortune, contentment and peace,

And may all your blessings forever increase."