Hiking in the Jordan Valley, Oregon
Journey Begins
I was on a journey, hauling a load from Jurupa Valley, California, all the way to Hermiston, Oregon. After miles on the road, I decided to take a well-deserved break at a pull-up picnic table in the picturesque Jordan Valley, Utah, right off US 95. It was bedtime for this road warrior, as I had clocked enough hours driving the big truck for one day. But, as fate would have it, my adventurous spirit kicked in.
Adventurous Photography
As I set off on my mini-expedition up a gravel road leading to a towering cellular monolith, I couldn’t resist flexing my inner shutterbug. With each cautious step, I pointed my trusty camera at every tree and scraggly shrub in my path, snapping shots like a paparazzo on a caffeine binge. These courageous little bits of greenery—defying the desert’s wrath—deserved some spotlight time, if only to give my blog readers a healthy dose of “flora in the wild.”
Exploring the Foothills
Next, I moseyed my way over to the foothills, curious and ready for whatever wonders might pop up—and boy, did I stumble upon a relic from the past. There, nestled among the shrubbery, was a stone structure that looked like it once housed a bounty of supplies or perhaps served as some secret lair. Only now, it seemed more like Mother Nature’s broom closet, bursting with brush and leaves. I thought about digging deeper into its mysteries, but then the image of a rattlesnake surprise party crossed my mind—hard pass on that one! Still, it was pretty neat, so naturally, I immortalized it with a few snapshots for my collection. After all, who doesn’t love a good ancient stone whats-it in their travel diary?
Antique Machinery Discovery
Next, I delved further into the cliffs, camera in hand, capturing what I will modestly call some truly spectacular pictures. As I explored, I stumbled across old, busted-up pallets that seemed like they’d been lounging there since the groovy days of 1970. Meanwhile, my inner explorer hit pay dirt when I discovered what appeared to be some antique stone-cutting machinery. Obviously, I had to snap a zillion pictures of it! I’m not exactly the machinery-whisperer, so if you can identify this mysterious contraption, please drop a comment—I’d appreciate it. The thing sported some impressively massive saw blades and looked like it once had a diesel engine purring away. You could still trace the path of its past exploits etched into the cliffside, a ghostly trail of its bustling former life.
Scaling Rugged Cliffs
After my botanical photo shoot, my attention shifted to the rugged cliffs ahead. I scaled the terrain, camera ready, capturing their majestic forms as if auditioning them for a nature documentary. Finally, standing triumphantly at the base of the communication tower, I snapped a picture of its gleaming height, making it the star of my impromptu adventure. This mechanical giant overlooked the vast landscape below, a testament to mankind’s tenacious urge to be heard, even in the wilds of the wilderness.
Unexpected Discoveries
On my journey, I walked through lush, thick grass toward a grove of poplars visible in the distance. Along the way, I noticed some construction work—a drainage pipeline being laid. It turned out the pipeline was for drainage and had an unpleasant sewage odor. Still, not every hike can be perfect.
Capturing Scenic Views
Continuing my journey, I naturally began snapping more pictures of the cliffs and the breathtaking surroundings from higher elevations. And yes, I couldn’t resist taking a selfie featuring my shiny bald head—what can I say, it’s part of the scenery now! As I meandered, armed with my trusty iPhone 14 Pro Max, I found myself shooting the cliffs when, out of nowhere, a Great Horned Owl appeared. Luck was on my side; the owl graciously stuck around long enough for me to capture a couple of pictures. It’s not every day you spot such a majestic bird, especially in broad daylight. On my way back to the truck, I trekked through a large field, rich with what I believe to be intermediate barley—at least that’s what Google told me. Naturally, I took pictures because why not? If I’ve gone off the mark on the grain ID, please leave a comment and enlighten this well-meaning but often clueless adventurer!
Conclusion of the Adventure
And so, after a day filled with unexpected discoveries, napping bulldozers, and surprise owl encounters, I trudged back to my trusted truck, a satisfied grin plastered across my face. Armed with a camera roll loaded with memories—from peculiar machinery to majestic birds—and barely a clue about a barley field, I felt like a modern-day adventurer in the wilds of everyday life. Remember, folks, while I may not know a diesel engine from a grain of barley, there’s always the internet—and you—to lend a helping hand. Until the next escapade, keep your eyes open for the wonders lurking in the ordinary. Catch ya on the flip side!
