Tagged: oregon
Out And About In Oregon (2)
We took a few days to explore the backwoods of Oregon this winter and headed for Lakes Billy Chinook and Simtustus near Madras. We packed a Canon Rebel and a GL2 and spent many happy hours filming and photographing the glorious surroundings. I hope to get some film footage up shortly but meanwhile you can find some of our pictures on this page and more here Lake Billy Chinook Gallery
A Canon Rebel is not the best of cameras and the light was not good but we hope our shots have done the area some justice. Anyone wanting to visit will find a google map at the bottom of the page and here are some details about the lake and its history from the Wikipedia:-
Lake Billy Chinook is a reservoir in Jefferson County in the U.S. state of Oregon. Created by the Round Butte Dam in 1964, Lake Billy Chinook lies in a canyon at the confluence of the Crooked, Deschutes, and Metolius rivers near Culver and Madras. It was named for Billy Chinook, a Native American of the Wasco tribe who traveled alongside American explorers John C. Frémont and Kit Carson in their expeditions of 1843 and 1844."
One of the fascinating and easily missed sights in the area is the Crooked River Petraglyph. It can be found at the roadside as you pass the 'Island', a peninsula situated between the Crooked River and Deschutes branches of the reservoir. The 'Island', closed to public access since 1997 is home to one of the last nearly pristine ecosystems of its type in the United States. The petraglyph is a stunning relic of a bygone era and more can be learned from the series of interpretive panels which accompany it (quoted below and pictured here )
In 1961, three years before Lake Billy Chinook was created, University of Oregon archaeologist Luther S. Cressman surveyed the three river canyons in this area. Of notable interest was this massive, engraved basalt boulder along the west bank of the Crooked River. Because of its perceived historical value, the Crooked River Petroglyph was extracted in the winter of 1963 and placed at this site, approximately one mile from its original location, as a reminder of the area's cultural history.
Similar ancient images and designs found worldwide are collectively known as "rock panels" by scientists. In this region, the appearance of these often-stylistic images varies among cultural groups, but the true meaning of the images is known only to those who originally made them.
Lake Simtustus (pictured below) is an infrequently visited jewel. It is entirely flanked along one shore by the Warm Springs Indian Reservation and apart from a small boating resort there is no human activity for many miles around.
And here's where it's at if you're planning to visit 
7:00 - 8:30 pm, Dec 19, 2015
Saint David of Wales Episcopal Church, 2800 SE Harrison St, Portland, Oregon 97124
The Welsh Society of Oregon (WSOR - formerly the Welsh Society of Portland) is again sponsoring a concert event to celebrate Christmas with a Welsh flavor, bringing together Welsh and Celtic music and a reading of a classic Welsh Christmas tale. Admission is free, and donations are welcome.
The concert will begin with the WSOR Festival Chorus presenting traditional Welsh carols and Christmas songs, sung in both Welsh and English. Then, continuing a longstanding Portland tradition, Jonathan Nicholas will give a reading of Dylan Thomas’ much-loved tale “A Child’s Christmas in Wales.” In addition, the concert will feature two musical special guests: Celtic harpist Noah Brenner will captivate with his unique approach to the instrument, and Celtic Fusion Band Beltaine will take the stage for a set of their lively tunes. The Festival Chorus will end the concert with some seasonal songs and sing-alongs (including “Deck the Hall” like you’ve never heard it before!). The evening program closes with an invitation to everyone to enjoy a Welsh “Tea” - with Welsh cakes and other delicious treats.
The Festival Chorus draws on the rich traditions of choral singing in Wales, long known as “the land of song.” Originally founded to perform at the annual hymn-singing festival (or Gymanfa Ganu as it’s known in Welsh) held at Bryn Seion Welsh Church every year, the Chorus now performs at events year ‘round. They are led by Dr. Jamie Lynn Webster, who also directs the Chautauqua Community Chorus and the Portland Revels’ ViVoce Women’s Ensemble.
Noah Brenner is a Eugene-based celtic harpist known for his engaging performances and storytelling.
Beltaine is the Northwest's premier Celtic Fusion band featuring hammered dulcimer, guitar, accordion, and marimbula. They offer a unique blend of musical styles inspired from Celtic, folk, rock, classical, jazz, and blues sources.
Jonathan Nicholas is an author, journalist and avid storyteller. He wrote a column for The Oregonian for 25 years.
The Welsh Society of Oregon celebrates and perpetuates Welsh heritage, culture and music in Oregon and the Northwest. The WSOR is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
Out And About In Oregon (1)
OK so this is a little off topic but I thought I'd post an album of photographs taken during a visit to The Painted Hills a few years ago. It is a singular tribute to my prowess with a camera that I am able to take fairly ordinary photographs of even the most "visually stunning" subject matter
Painted Hills, Oregon, Gallery
I want to make these photos available to friends and family back in Wales (and elsewhere) and this is the first of an occasional series of travel blogs which will appear on my Out And About In Oregon page.
Here is some more info about the area from the Wikipedia:- "Painted Hills is one of the three units of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, located in Wheeler County, Oregon. It totals 3,132 acres (1,267 ha) and is located 9 miles (14 km) northwest of Mitchell, Oregon. The Painted Hills are listed as one of the Seven Wonders of Oregon." More here:- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Painted_Hills
