Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Eastbound USA Cross-Country Adventure *Part 1*


Star Bunny Studio 2013

All Good Thing Must Come To An End.
Eastbound USA Cross-Country Adventure *Part 1*


After spending an extra day in Eugene, and a night at fall creek,
it was time to pack up the car and begin our trip back East.

We decided to take a scenic route out of the state. 





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It was a warm summer day, and the idea of leaving was hard to face.





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We had days of travel ahead of us. 
However, we could not stay in the car for long.




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We decided to stop and take in a few last sights.




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At 286 feet Salt Creek Falls is the second largest waterfall in Oregon.
This area holds a special place in my heart.



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The view from the top of the falls is dominated by tall evergreens.




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In the rocks little succulents bloomed in the warm sun.




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In the forest large rhododendrons took in the sun preparing to open in full bloom.




 

After a quick walk we had to continue on the road.




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 We made our next pit stop at the view point for Diamond Peak and Mount Yoran.




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Diamond Peak is around 8,744 feet in elevation.




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Mount Yoran is located to the right of Diamond Peak.
The elevation of Mount Yoran is about 7,100 feet.




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Back in the car we continue to cruise through the Cascades.



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The first views of the Three Sisters Mountain Range started to peek over the timbers.




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The mountains here exceed over 10,000 feet in elevation.




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As we crossed over the Cascade range our view went form green and lush...




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To dry and desert like.




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We had arrived in the high desert of Eastern Oregon.




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This area is a semi-arid plateau with an elevation of around 4,000 feet.




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The red color of the rocks is due to the iron rich minerals found in the soil.




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 basalt columns like those seen here, are a result of volcanic activity in the area 
millions of years ago.





As the sun began to set we crossed the Snake River, arriving in Idaho.

The cross-country adventure continues!
Follow along as we make our way East.