Lava Land in Oregon

Well, I had a really full day of sight seeing and tourism!

I started off at Peterson Rock Garden and Museum, near Redmond, Oregon. A unique find of someone who has the passion for the rocks they've collected, and who has transformed them into works of art. There were some petrified pieces of wood that were so unbelievable, and amazing, and no doubt extremely valuable, in colors that I have never seen. The history would include:
Petersen Rock Garden is the folk art vision of one man, and a tourist attraction that has survived far longer than its creator. Born in Denmark, Rasmus Petersen (1883-1952) built his rock garden in the last 17 years of his life, in tribute to his adopted new country. He collected rocks, petrified wood, glass, and shells and began building replica structures at the age of 52. His creative Dementia Concretia eventually yielded a scaled-down Statue of Liberty, a U.S. Capitol building, and an impressive Independence Hall -- the first thing that visitors encounter when walking in from the parking lot. Monuments line landscaped paths, and three Tower Bridges cross ponds on Petersen's four acres of property.

As an artist, and a craft person, I really, and sincerely appreciate the effort put into this involved project. There were also 25 beautiful peacocks on the property, and I was told that could collect their feathers, so of course I did, and I added them to the Sylver Gypsy. What a fun place!

I visited the High Desert Museum, a living museum and historical document of this region. Though I've been to many other similar museums, it was nice to get the taste and essence of this area. This was a small historical museum, along with a zoo, and live pioneer actors, depicting activities of the time such as sawing lumber, washing laundry, and tending to the gardens. My favorite animal was the porcupine. It had such an adorable face.

I continued on to the Newberry Volcanic National Monument. I was pleasantly surprised that they allowed dogs on the shuttle bus to the top of the cinder cone. How awesome!  I took the 1/4 mile hike around the cinder cone, with daunting views, and death defying vertical cliff drops. I saw the sister's mountain range. It was a hot lava walk, as you could really see the path of this volcanic eruption.

As I drove about, to find forest land for my overnight stay, I landed at Benham Falls Trailhead. So, I took a mile hike, round trip to the falls and back before finding my nighttime spot. Jo Jo ran out of steam, so I had to pick him up for the rest of the hike. I was tired too.

Nearby, I headed off, onto a dirt road in the Deschutes National Forest, in hopes of finding a spot. I did, and I also cleared a space removing scratchy shrubs for future campers, as it will give me room for a turn around tomorrow morning. I love my Tata's hatchet, that he made, and that I used to pioneer clear cut this dry camping spot. It felt good yielding this tool, to set up my camp. Pops would be proud.











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