Day 1 - Vale to Burns

The road out of Vale for 30 miles had recently been chip sealed but there was no loose gravel so I was relieved. As soon as I hit the canyons the chip seal ended and beautiful new pavement began. I have been through this section many times back and forth to Bend Oregon, but never have I seen these red rock hills so green (from all the late rain we have had). I discovered that it is very difficult (and unsafe) to take pictures while driving, and of course by the time I see something I want to take a picture of its too late or there is no good place to pull over. I have many pictures at home of this section which I will post later, but I only took a few snaps this time. I love interesting rock formation and geology as you can probably tell.

I made it to Juntura and went into the Oasis Cafe for some brunch at 11:45. The sign at the counter said "Hot beer, Cold food, Bad service... Welcome", and below that it said "Today -- Your Cook is: Grumpy. Your Server is: Happy." I knew I was in for a treat. I was really in the mood for breakfast food and wasn't disappointed. The hashbrowns were some of the best I have ever had. I pulled out about 12:30 headed for Burns.

As soon as I hit Drinkwater Pass the wind really picked up. Very gusty. I also started to see more and more yellow wildflowers with some white and purple mixed in for good measure. The land scape changes drastically here back to high desert with some, what I call "scrub" cypress (stunted, twisted and wind worn)  and other conifers. These shots are from the Pass on the other side of Stinking Water Creek in the valley below.

In case you haven't figured it out, its just me out here.

The last 30 miles into burns is flat flat flat marsh lands (again greener than I have ever seen) with lots of wildlife (and cattle of course). The road is straight as an arrow and seems never ending. Kinda boring but very different from the high desert sage brush and rolling hills of southern Idaho.

These birds were pestering me as I was trying to take the picture. I guess I was too close to their nest or something. I saw one with a beak that was at least 10 inches long. Not sure what they are but they are unique.

I will stop in Burns to rest and top off the gas tank before heading out to Jct 395.