Travel

Photo op Robert’s Bookshop: Monday Mural

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While visiting Lincoln City, Oregon last week, I saw this photo op Robert’s Bookshop sight. A small mural of a comfortable room full of bookshelves adorned the wall next to something odd–an airplane nose! Apparently, this 1967 Boeing 727-100 found a nice spot for its final landing place.

photo op Robert's Bookshop

In 2015, the owner of the bookstore, Bob Portwood, bought the nose section at a state surplus auction. He attached it to the building and opened the interior wall to make a small office space in the cockpit.

The store has 1.64 miles of shelves full of books. They sell used and antiquarian books, including books related to aviation.

If you’re on the Oregon coast looking for roadside attractions, consider stopping to view the photo op Robert’s Bookshop in Lincoln City.

Monday Mural

Near the ocean’s shore: LAPC & WS

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Near the ocean’s shore, wind and water create ephemeral works of art

near the ocean's shore
Arcs in the sand at Fogarty Creek State Recreation Area, Oregon

Ebbs and flows peel away the earth’s surface to reveal its hidden brilliance

coastal cliffs
Cliffs at Fogarty Creek State Recreation Area, Oregon

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Painted Hills trail Rispetto poem: JMW

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A rough Painted Hills trail meanders ahead
Curving towards colorful hills of mystery
Cutting through foliage, shriveled and dead
Through an ancient landscape filled with history
Covered with ash spewed by Cascade volcanoes
Compacted, sculpted into hillside rainbows
Layered with varied stripes of red, green, and gold
Reminders of climates, hot, humid, and cold

Painted Hills trail

Jo’s Monday Walk (JMW)

Brews & views, Ferment Brewing Company: OLWG, FOWC, WOTD

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Ferment Brewing Company, in Hood River, Oregon, is a nice warm place for brews & views. I made it appear even warmer by using a warming filter in the photo below. The big tanks below are actually silver but I thought they looked great in gold! 😀

Ferment Brewing Company

Ferment opened here in 2018. They fuse traditional farmhouse brewing techniques with a modern touch. The brewmaster, Dan Peterson, has a degree in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics and uses his scientific knowledge to create unique brews.

The fermenting theme is also featured in some of their food offerings. If you browse the menu, you’ll find fermented foods such as sauerkraut and kimchi, but fermentation is also in more unexpected offerings, like kombucha ketchup.

Their tasting room is decorated in a modern, industrial style, with lots of symmetry. It’s a comfortable spot to share a meal and a drink.

views & brews

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Metropolis of Thermopolis: LAPC & RDP

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What’s so special about the metropolis of Thermopolis? It’s a great place to stay to see several amazing attractions nearby.

Thermopolis is a small city located in central Wyoming. In 2020, its population was 2,725. Its name means “hot city” in Greek. Here’s a view of it in the distance from Hot Springs State Park. Though I didn’t take pictures of the downtown, the sights within and near the city are very photogenic.

metropolis of Thermopolis

As you can see in the photo below, they proudly advertise their hot springs. “World’s Largest Mineral Hot Spring” is spelled out in big white lettering. Visitors can pay to soak in two commercial hot springs or soak for free in the state-owned State Bath House.

Hillside hotspring sign


We stayed in our campervan for much of our recent multi-state trip, but our driver needed a break, so we stayed in a Thermopolis hotel for a couple of nights.

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Guinness advertisements: Word of the Day

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In celebration of St Patrick’s Day, I’m sharing Guinness beer advertisements I saw at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin. We were there in March of 2020.

The first one is a giant tortoise carrying a beer. It looks pretty happy!

Guinness advertisements

The second one shows a display cabinet full of toucans and other items. The toucan was a favorite, used in many of their ads.

Toucans ads

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Garden of Surging Waves: LAPC

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The Garden of Surging Waves is located in Astoria, Oregon. The city was founded in 1811 and this garden was a gift to celebrate the city’s 200th anniversary. The Chinese were an important part of Astoria’s history. At one time, 22% of the city’s population was Chinese. In the Pacific Northwest, Chinese were instrumental in the cannery, logging, mining, and railroad construction industries.

I’m starting with a circular mosaic of three sturgeon. It was my favorite artwork there.

sturgeon mosaic

This is part of the Pavilion of Transition, pictured below. The fish theme is repeated in the circular lantern hanging above the mosaic. Nine salmon swim around its perimeter.

The pavilion has eight columns with dragons carved into each. The squares, circles, and even and odd numbers in this garden represent elements of Yin and Yang.

Garden of Surging Waves

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A Badlands bench: Pull Up a Seat

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The view from a Badlands bench in Badlands National Park, South Dakota.

Badlands bench

Why are they called the Badlands? The Lakota name for this place is mako sica, which translates to “bad lands.” Later, when early French fur trappers moved through this land, they called it les mauvaises terres a traveser, which means “bad lands to travel across.”

Hot, dry summers and cold, windy winters, combined with few sources of water, make this an inhospitable environment. During times of heavy rainfall, the soil becomes slick and sticky. The jagged mountains and canyons are hard to navigate through. Though evidence of Indigenous people hunting in this area has been found, it was used seasonally, not year-round.

We were at this Badlands bench scenic viewpoint in the beginning of June, early in the morning. Temperatures were already in the low 90s. It must get really hot in the middle of summer. The layered mountains are photogenic, probably even more so after a good rain.

Pull Up a Seat Photo Challenge

Allosaurus moving at breakneck speed: WW

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Allosaurus

Allosaurus moving at breakneck speed at Dinosaur National Monument, Utah

Wordless Wednesday (WW)

Garden art in Silverton, OR: LAPC

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Garden art may be realistic and small

garden art

Or tall and abstract, casting striking shadows

Abstract sculptures

You may hear garden art bark from the shadows cast by trees

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Sounds of wild creatures: LAPC

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Sounds of wild creatures, the large and the small,
Pulling our attention, leaving us enthralled

Small Black-throated Sparrows pause and perch high
Singing unforgettable melodies to deep azure skies

Black-throated Sparrow song

sounds of wild creatures
Black-throated Sparrow at Arches National Park, UT

Large Wild Turkeys graze and promenade
Chortling calls rise, then fall in cascades

Wild Turkey call

wild turkeys
Wild Turkeys at Capitol Reef National Park, UT
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Chomp Chomp in Bend: Dining Out

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We try to support local businesses by dining out at least once week. We recently visited Chomp Chomp in downtown Bend, Oregon.

Their website describes what they serve as follows:

Gently expand your culinary horizons while enjoying our broad curation of Japanese, local and global whiskies, seasonal cocktails, and draft beer

The first dish I’m showing is Kara’agé. Tasty bits of fried dark chicken meat rest on a bed of rice with cucumber slices, pickled ginger, a slice of lemon, and house-made dipping sauce.

Chicken Kara’agé
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Osprey & fish sculpture: Sculpture Saturday

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This osprey & fish sculpture is at the north end of the Old Mill District shopping mall in Bend. When I walked by it recently, ice covering most of the pond made it stand out.

Osprey & fish sculpture

Here’s a more distant view that includes the two flag bridges. They change the color of the flags on these bridges to celebrate holidays and events.

Ice-covered pond

There’s an osprey nest just north of here, right next to the Bend Whitewater Park. I bet the local birds would love to catch two fish at once, as portrayed in this sculpture.

Sculpture Saturday

The Future Starts Now mural: Monday Murals

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This dramatic mural, The Future Starts Now, is located on The Palace building in Burns, Oregon.

The Future Starts Now

The artist, Matthew Miles Gutierrez, goes by the nickname of Matteo Miles. Miles has done graphic design, canvas paintings, tattoos, sculptures, and sewing projects. His personal interest in pop culture and vintage ads shows in this mural.

Miles was invited to paint murals in Burns by Forrest and Jen Keady. The Keadys were impressed by the work he’d done in Greenville, South Carolina, where he lives. They wanted murals in Burns “that would spread a positive message, bring life and energy to the spaces they occupy, and give people yet another reason to stop in our small town.”

The Keadys requested that this mural be more edgy. The woman portrayed is part 1950s pinup/ part cowgirl. Her tattoo-covered arms bring her forward to more modern times.

I visited Burns on a chilly day in April 2023 and The Future Starts Now radiated a warm feeling. It delivered exactly what the Keadys hoped it would.

Monday Murals

Lewis & Clark’s Fort Clatsop: RDP

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On a recent trip to the Oregon Coast, we made a short stop at Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, near Astoria. We were there early in the morning time, before the Fort Clatsop Visitor Center and Bookstore opened.

We walked the short trail to see the replica of Fort Clatsop.

After the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, Thomas Jefferson commissioned an expedition to explore the new territory and lands farther west. At that time, little was known of the natural resources along the route. Jefferson hoped to find a water route across the U.S. and establish good relations with Indigenous residents.

Lewis & Clark

In November of 1805, the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery arrived in a storm-wracked location north of the Columbia River in what is now Washington State. They voted on whether they should stay there, move upriver, or establish a camp south of the river, as the local tribes suggested. They overwhelmingly voted to move to the Fort Clatsop site, south of the river.

The group started construction on the original fort in December of 1805. Construction went slowly because of the stormy weather conditions.

Fort Clatsop
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Finding drama in Oregon: LAPC

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Finding drama in branches haphazardly woven together

Finding drama
Willow fence at headquarters, Malheur NWR, Oregon

Or planted in concise rows bearing intoxicating fruit

Vineyard and waterslide
Vineyard in front of airplane waterpark, Evergreen Air & Space Museum, McMinnville, Oregon

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Bony seat and view: Pull Up a Seat

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A bony seat and view at Dinosaur National Monument in Utah.

Bony seat

This bench fit right in next to the enormous wall full of dinosaur bones.

Dinosaur fossils

It’s a wonderful place to visit for those who love dinosaurs and fossils.

Pull up a Seat

Wheelbarrow planter: Wordless Wednesday

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Wheelbarrow planter

Wheelbarrow planter and garden shed at Oregon Garden, Silverton, Oregon

Wordless Wednesday

Egg River Cafe mural: Monday Mural

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This colorful mural is at the Egg River Cafe in Hood River, Oregon. The rooster crows proudly from a fence post in front of a happy little farm. Orchards cover rolling foothills and Mount Hood peeks out in the distance. Chicken-themed decorations can be found throughout the restaurant.

Egg River Cafe mural

This is a great place to stop for breakfast or lunch while visiting Hood River.

Monday Mural

2023 favorites: LAPC

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Here are some of my 2023 favorites. Enjoy!

2023 favorites of scenic roads & trails

Quiet places to sit and ponder the wonders of nature

2023 favorites Malheur view

Bridges swaying over stormy seas, with thundering waves below

Carrick-a-Rede Bridge

Landscapes uplifted over eons to reveal the colors of earth’s core

2023 favorites Driving into geology
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Fire on the Mountain Buffalo Wings: RDP

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We recently visited the new Fire on the Mountain Buffalo Wings restaurant in Bend, Oregon.

The wings were good, but I immediately noticed the quirky interior design. “Rays” of beams painted orange, red, and yellow radiated out from the middle of the room on the ceiling.

Fire on the Mountain

A painting of Jimi Hendrix covered a wall near the entrance. The wall behind the bar was covered with a colorful mosaic of a sunrise. A video of a fireplace crackled from a TV hung over the bar.

We visited during the lunchtime rush. I noticed one other quirky thing that day. Fire on the Mountain Buffalo Wings was filling up fast with customers–30 guys plus me. Funny! :D

Ragtag Daily Prompt (RDP) – Quirky

Sage grouse head dress: Wordless Wednesday

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Sage grouse head dress

Sage grouse head dress at Museum of the American West, Lander, Wyoming

Wordless Wednesday

Oregon/California Trail mural: Monday Mural

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This large mural is inside the National Oregon/California Trail Center in Montpelier, Idaho. The mural is by artist Gary Stone. While researching the painting, Stone traveled parts of the pioneer trail crossing Idaho and nearby states.

Oregon/California Trail mural

Gary Stone read emigrant journals and diaries and depicted what travelers experienced along the trail. You can tell he put his heart into getting the scenes shown right.

Here’s a closer view of the details on the mural.

pioneer mural

Monday Mural

Moments of Magic in Oregon: LAPC, WWP

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Remembering moments of magic in Oregon

Rambling past remnants of history with curious children in tow

Moments of magic
Wreck of the Peter Iredale, Fort Stevens State Park, Oregon

Watching bird broods on windswept islands stretch their wings to flutter and fly

Seabird colony
Seabird colony, Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, Oregon
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Hot Springs State Park: LAPC

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You’ll see unique sights if you visit Hot Springs State Park in central Wyoming. Unlike other state parks in Wyoming, entrance to this park, located in the city of Thermopolis, is free. I’ve included a map of this day-use park at the end of this post.

Springs in Thermopolis


History of the park

In 1897, Big Horn Hot Springs State Reserve became Wyoming’s first state park. The park, now called Hot Springs State Park, has always been famous for its therapeutic mineral hot springs.

On the iconic Monument Hill, you’ll see the words “World’s Largest Mineral Hot Springs” in large white letters.

Thermopolis sign
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Painted turtles drawing & photos: First Friday Art

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Today I’m sharing a pen and ink drawing I did of a painted turtle. I have fond memories of them as a child, when I kept painted turtles as pets.

Painted turtle

I’m also sharing a couple photos of them I took in Custer State Park in South Dakota. When we made a quick stop to walk the dogs, I was surprised to see this “island” near the road.

Turtles in the sun

When I took a closer look, I discovered the island was covered with painted turtles, taking a break in the warm sun. Cool! 🙂

Turtles

Do you have artwork you would like to share? Be sure to include the First Friday Art tag.

First Friday Art (FFA)

Emptiness around memorable sights: LAPC

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On our road trip last June, we saw several memorable sights that were notable for the emptiness around them.

We drove past miles and miles of vast landscapes with few occupants. Near Carter, Wyoming, we spotted hundreds of sheep grazing by the road.

Sheep grazing

A little bit farther down the road, we were fortunate to see sheepherders and their five dogs at work guiding this herd.

emptiness on the range

On our way to South Dakota, we took a side trip to see a unique attraction near Sundance, Wyoming.

Emptiness on the road
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South Falls Loop hike in Oregon: RDP

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In July, I hiked the 2.6-mile South Falls Loop trail through the wilderness of Silver Falls State Park, Oregon. This route, past South Falls and Lower South Falls, is part of the Trail of Ten Falls. See the map of the trails at the end of this post.

I parked in the lot near South Falls, hiking north along the Canyon Trail and then heading south along Maple Ridge Trail. Though I’ve visited the park before, I had my dogs, and they are only allowed on a few trails. This time I was going solo.

I took the short trail to the South Falls overlook from the parking area. You get great views from above of the 177-foot-tall waterfall.

If you have limited time, take the ¼-mile trail to the South Falls overlook. If you have more time, walk the 1-mile loop trail behind the falls.

Loop trail – clockwise route

After a brief stop at the overlook, I walked to the lower trail that goes behind the falls. Cool (literally)!

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If birds can glide… : Wordless Wednesday

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if birds can glide

If birds can glide for long periods of time, then… why can’t I?

Orville Wright

Wright Flyer replica, Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum, McMinnville, Oregon

Almost Wordless Wednesday

A fall view: Pull Up a Seat

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A fall view by the Bend Whitewater Park in Bend, Oregon. The path leads to two benches surrounded by fall leaves. You can also see a few realistic-looking Canada Geese sculptures in the foreground.

A fall view

Pull Up a Seat Photo Challenge

Beer bike rack in Bend: Sculpture Saturday

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I saw this creative beer bike rack in Bend at On Tap. This is one of seven “pods” where food trucks can park. Customers can enjoy a wide variety of food from the trucks and beer and other beverages on tap inside the main building.

Beer bike rack

I LOVE the Rush’s Squares pizza food truck here! My favorite is the Pesto Margherita pizza.

Rush's Squares Pesto Margherita

Sculpture Saturday

Unique Roadside Signs: LAPC

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After recently covering indoor signs on my post about the National Neon Sign Museum, I thought I’d feature some unique roadside signs today.

A giant jackalope?

The first picture is of a unique animal of the Wild West. It’s a jackalope, part jackrabbit, part antelope. Maybe you’ve heard of them. Are they real or another legend of the West? Chainsaw carver Jarrett Dahl paid tribute to these animals in an impressive 40-foot sculpture near the iconic Wall Drug Store in Wall, South Dakota.

Giant jackalope

Completed in 2022, the jackalope is holding a sign that says, “Believe.” Though it looks like it’s just a big carving, it’s hollow inside with a stairway leading to a balcony. Inside, you’ll find carved jackalopes, murals, and 71 wood spirits, hidden within its cracks and crevices.

Devil’s Tower stories

The next sign is at the cafe and gift store by Devil’s Tower in Wyoming. You can see a bear next to the tower on the sign and the real tower in the background. In the oral stories of Native Americans, the tower formed in different ways. In several versions, a bear tries to claw its way to the peak, thereby creating its distinctive appearance.

unique roadside signs
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Differences in nature: LAPC

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There are many differences in nature.

Skies…

May be foggy and humid near ocean beaches,

differences in nature
Indian Beach, Ecola State Park, Oregon

Or sprinkled with clouds over an arid land.

Steens Mountain
Steens Mountain summit, Oregon

Water…

May pound down mountainsides in narrow waterfalls,

Tumalo Falls
Tumalo Falls, Oregon
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Sinclair Oil: Monday Mural

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I saw this Sinclair Oil advertisement on the side of a building in Hudson, Wyoming. Though it has faded over the years, it’s still a great ad. I made it look even older by using a vignette effect and showing it in a frame that looks like a piece of film.

Sinclair oil ad

Monday Mural

Wyoming Dinosaur Center: LAPC

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If you’re travelling to Wyoming and like dinosaurs, consider stopping at the Wyoming Dinosaur Center (WDC) in Thermopolis. In 1993, dinosaur fossils were discovered near here at the Warm Springs Ranch. Fossils discovered here and elsewhere are on display at WDC. Visitors will see fifty-eight articulated dinosaur skeletons and a wide variety of fossils.

Wyoming Dinosaur Center


You’ll see dinosaur skeletons large and small in the display hall. Some are real, others are recreated from casts of fossils.

Remember the Velociraptors in “Jurassic Park?” Here’s one, blending into the background.

Velociraptor

I especially liked this one because it shows a Tyrannosaurus dinosaur attacking a Stegosaurus.

Tyrannosaurus vs Stegosaurus
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