The huckleberries are thick this year. I find it so relaxing simply focused on the berries with nothing else to interrupt my thinking–other than Leif slurping up some berries! (And the Indian paintbrush are gorgeous as well)
Rarely does one see a sunset rainbow–the timing of late evening sun, clouds, rain, and color all have to come together for a very brief time. Last night, it all happened!
My hiking partner, Bob, and I camped off the road the travels around the backside of Anthony Lake. The view looked over Chicken Hill and the source. of the. Grande Ronde River. The location was tranquil.
I pitched my tent toward the northwest, where I had hoped to photographed it lighted up with the neowise comet above it. Unfortunately, the moon was too bright for the comet to show up well, although it was visible through my binoculars.
However, the placement was absolutely perfect for the sunset. The colors developed first along the horizon. Then beautiful pink clouds formed to the northeast. And, finally, the moon was perfect for this time of evening. This sunset was one of the best I have ever enjoyed.
The Comet NEOWISE has certainly lifted our eyes and our spirits. I have been out twice so far to see it. I am profoundly stirred as I think of how it moves in our solar system, amidst the vast dimensions and silence of space, known only–and filled–by Creator God.
(PS I took this image with my iPhone 11Pro, half firmly against the roof of my car for four second, looking towards Mt Emily in the Grande Ronde Valley.)
Comet NEOWISE watching at Morgan Lake Oregon. I took the sunset pictures. Son Michael, who is a better photographer but not as prolific, took the very cool comet pictures. Be sure your screen is at maximum brightness for the Comet NEOWISE images.
The Mt Emily Summit Road, as I have indicated before, offers some of the most spectacular canyon views you could hope to find anywhere. It is only about a half hour drive from home. it travels through the Umatilla National Fores, USFS 31, off of Interstate 84. The road also provides excellent views of both Meacham Canyon and the Grande Ronde Valley.
Grande Ronde Valley, Mt Emily Summit Road
Spring in the Mt Emily Recreation Area, MERA, is always beautiful. These were taken on the “Doing Time” trail
Mt Emily, Grande Ronde Valley, mustard
I went out into the Grande Ronde Valley just after sunrise and enjoyed finding some beautiful places to photograph.
Mt Harris, Cathering Creek, swallows, Grande Ronde Valley
“Peace is the pervasive sense of contentment that comes from being rooted in God while being fully aware of one’s own nothingness. It is a state the endures beyond the ups and downs of life, beyond the emotions of joy and sorrow. At the deepest level one knows that all is well, that everything is all right despite all appearances to the contrary.” Fr. Thomas Keating
