Fun Days at Flora

It was a time for celebration.  School was finally out.  I spent the last day checking in with kids, cleaning my office, teaching last minute health lessons, and in one hour, painted at least 50 faces during our "Ultimate Recess" last day activity.  Whew!  I can't believe it's really over until the end of August.

Jeff finally came home from his travels in the East and stopped by work to show me some of his souveniers.  One in particular caught my eye (wink-wink).  We met later for lunch and traded stories of the last 3 weeks.  Our reunion was brief though.  At 4 pm, I headed for home and Max and I loaded the car with supplies, clothes, fishing pole, half of the armory and ammunition and got on I-5 going north.  Destination:  the far northeastern corner of Oregon and Jon and Sharon's ranch at Flora.

Max had never been to the ranch, and I have tried to make it a tradition to visit during "Flora School Days" a celebration of the almost ghost town near their property.  It's the perfect getaway after the insanity of the last days of school. With Emily house-sitting, Max agreed to go since he really couldn't think of a reason not to.  It is about a 10 hour trip from door to door and I usually stop for the night in Pendleton.  We got through Portland and headed up the Columbia River Gorge, one of nature's most amazing sights.  The sun was setting behind us as we drove up I-84.  I really didn't get dark until almost 10 and we both enjoyed the sight of the mighty Columbia and all the scenery on the way.  We pulled into the Motel 6 at 11:30, hauled our gear up the stairs and hit the sack.  The next morning, after a stop at the Shari's next door, we continued to La Grande, turned north on hwy 82 and followed the Wallowa River to Enterprise.  A stop at the Safeway filled the cooler and 45 minute later we pulled into the driveway of the ranch.

Most of you either have seen pictures of the ranch or have been there.  But it is especially lovely in June.  The big balsam flowers were just beginning to bloom along with a host of other flowers that rivaled my backyard garden.  And everything is so green at that time of year.  It was a lovely sunny day with big fluffy clouds.

The windmill charges the batteries.

Dual outhouses.....his and hers.

The warm and comfortable living room

After unpacking, we drove over to the town of Flora to check out the celebration.  I was really looking forward to the pie social.  Local citizens are trying to preserve the old schoolhouse and had it open for inspection.  Flora was once home to 2000 people during the early 1900's and the schoolhouse had a graduating class of 25 in the 20's.  But now there are only about 20 people living there full time and many of the historic buildings are falling into disrepair.  I am glad they are trying to preserve the school.

Sharon Max and Jon in front of the church

Max gets his Apple Pie

The Flora School

After enjoying pie and conversation, we went back to the ranch.  I took a nap while Jon and Max went "Red Digger" shooting.  Red diggers are squirrels and Jon knew where to find them.  Max honed his marksmanship skills.  Then, a delicious dinner, nice warm fire, toasted marshmallows and a long long long evening as we approach the solstice.  It was great to catch up on all the news of the past 6 months.  I am blessed to have such wonderful people in my life as my brother and "sis". 

The next day, we asked Jon to take us fly fishing.  The water of our usual destination, the Imnaha,  was too high and fast so we thought we'd try the Wenaha instead.  This river joins the Grand Ronde at the village of Troy and that was our destination.  The road to Troy drops 2000 ft from Flora and the views are stunning.  On a plateau across the valley, we saw a field of Canola glowing yellow in the sunlight.  The clouds cast moving shadows on the scene. 

Troy farmers market

Max in downtown Troy

We soon found the trailhead and walked about a mile ascending and descending the side of a steep hill and through meadows full of wildflowers. After bushwacking to the river, we found a little camp with access.  Jon helped us put on our flies and he gave Max his first lesson.  I have to hand it to Max.....he practiced and practiced.  Standing in the cold water was hard, but he really started to get the hang of it.  But the only fish we saw was one that Jon caught on his spinning reel on a lure.  The beauty of the little valley made up for the lack of fishing action.

The lovely Wenaha River

Max gets the hang of it

Sweet Orange

Now I remembered why I love this

Jon on the trail

We hiked back in the hot sun and eagerly ate up our sandwiches at a rest stop on the Grande Ronde.  The only thing that would top the perfect day was one of those ice cold milkshakes from Boggans Oasis.  I had pineapple and it was perfect.  Then it was home for a nap, dinner, and a quiet evening including a glorious sunset.

In the morning, we packed up and said our goodbyes and then drove south to Enterprise, Joseph and finally Wallowa Lake.  I had to show Max the Wallowa Mountains.  But it was raining and except for a brief view, the Wallowas were hidden.  After another stop at Safeway for ice and snacks we went down the Columbia again, stopping only to view the windsurfers and take the bridge over to Maryhill to see the mansion/museum from the outside.  

Wallowa Co. Courthouse in Enterprise

Wallowa Lake and Mts. through the raindrops

The windy Columbia

Maryhill Museum

The view from Maryhill looking West

It was wonderful to take this trip with Max.  I know that soon he will be leaving for Chicago to go to law school and our time together will be scarce.  We are so lucky to have this time, and the rest of this summer, together.