May 2011 Camping Trip

Spring time has arrived in the Northwest, and with it the wildflowers are growing. During this time of the year, Karen and I always enjoy our forest trail walks, because we get to see the smallest of wildflowers coming to life under the forest canopy. This year was no exception, and we were blessed with many different types of flowers in full bloom for us to enjoy. I'll be posting some of our favorites below.

Fisherman's Bend campground is a wonderful place to stay. This time we shared our camping trip with Jim & Linda (and Abby's friend Cirby), as well as Dave & Sandy. Jim and I met a few years ago when I was walking Abby, and he was walking Cirby. Both dogs love playing together in the grass fields, and Jim and I shared common interests (like camping). After Karen and I met up with Jim's wife Linda, we tried unsuccessfully to camp together, but something always came up, and we were never able to connect at the same time. So this was finally a first! :-)

*** Click on pictures to make them larger for viewing ***


Site 13A


Abby always on guard... for running the other way from danger!

Fisherman's Bend is a BLM Park, but many of its sites include full-hookups, which make longer stays more enjoyable. This campground is also within a little over an hours drive away, so it has become one of our favorite places to visit (especially with the increasing fuel prices). With the North Santiam River just a few yards away, and miles of beautiful nature trails and hiking paths (that are well maintained) to explore, there's always something to see or do. I also recommend eating lunch or dinner at "Giovanni Mountain Pizza" located just 2 miles east of the campground (in Mill City, OR), if you want to sample the local fair, and Karen and I found the Mountain Edge Cafe a great place for breakfast as well. Jim & Linda ate at the "Swiss Village" restaurant (a few miles west of Fisherman's Bend) off of Hwy 22, and loved the hamburgers and rubin sandwich.

Karen and Abby on one of the beautiful trails


The forest canopy

Detroit Lake State Park is located about 22 miles farther east on Hwy 22, so we took a ride one day taking in the sites... and of course watering the dog. :-)

Abby enjoying a cold dip in the lake with some geese

Below are just a few of the many beautiful wildflowers and interesting sites to see along the vast trail network.

The White Trillium


The Purple Trillium

Bleeding Hearts


Hooker's Fairybell


Tree Fungus

Some of you may remember my BLOG post from last September when we stayed here at Fisherman's Bend. We ended up seeing a large "Ape Type Beast" being video taped for a Forest Service video, on "how to" teach children to pick up litter on the trails, and how not to run through others campsites (this movie is shown in the campground amphitheater). Since our sighting last year, the campground has now put up a NEW crossing sign. It's best not be be sitting too long around the campfire after dark, as you never know who's warm breath may be breathing down the back of your neck. :-)

Bigfoot Crossing

Hope you enjoyed tagging along with us on this trip. Happy Trails... and don't forget to take the time to look for beauty in the smallest of places. You won't be disappointed in what you find.

Gary & Karen, and Abby Too