Skydiving Firefighters, Newborn Dragonflys and What Not to Touch While Camping.

Just when you think it's safe to go back into the woods...
I mentioned a few posts back how important it is to check for fire dangers in the area that you are planning on camping in, but what happens if the fire starts while you are actually camping? If you're me, apparently you wait for the evacuation orders to come in (not always the recommended course of action and BivWak encourages you to contact the Forest Service to see if you are in any danger). The first night camping we witnessed quite a few thunderstorms all around us that started more than a few small blazes. The nearest one looked to be about an acre in size and about three miles from our campsite. Thanks to the incredibly wet spring here and the quick reaction time by the Forest Service, the fire was quickly smothered. We just happened to be camped about 15 miles from a lookout, so the next day we made our way to the top of the mountain. When we got to the top we could see exactly what the storm from the night before had done. Small spot fires were starting to pop up in the mid-day heat and they were not as accessible as the one next to our camp. Just then a plane circled around one of the small smoking spot fires and drops off a smokejumper, then another, and another... four jumpers to be exact. It was pretty amazing to see. I worked as a wildland firefighter for three years and never got to witness what I saw that day.





We also got to witness a birth before the day was out... well, kind of a birth anyway. The dragonflys were just beginning to hatch from their larval skin (which looks surprisingly similar to the aliens from the movie Alien). While it wasn't the most beautiful display that you can witness in nature, it was pretty amazing to watch it dry it's wings and take flight for the first time. Just one more thing to take the time to witness, if you are given the chance.





Just a note for everyone this summer, something that puts out a lot of light is usually really hot. So when your gas lantern needs a few more pumps towards the end of the night, make sure not to steady it by putting your finger on the top. It makes for a funny looking blister on the tip of "pointy". Don't worry though, he's recovering fine and has regained almost all feeling.

There's Elk in Them There Hills...

I would love to tell you that we hiked all day and spent a lot of time sneaking around to get pictures of large herds of elk. The truth is, we saw this herd of about 50 within a quarter of a mile from the road making their way to an alfalfa field. We sat and watched them for about 10 minutes before leaving them to their buffet. The following night we watched them again, this time joined by a rafter of wild turkeys feeding with them (I didn't have my camera with me that time). There were a few small bulls scattered within the cows but what really blew me away was the amount of calves. It actually looked as though there was a calf for every elk.

Week Long Camping Trip Part 1: Snakes in a Creek!

For the 4th we decided to take a week long camping trip. Since taking that long of a trip anywhere with a one year old is a little risky we decided to venture into the Eastern Oregon forests near where I grew up and where my parents currently live (free daycare is a wonderful thing). We managed to find the perfect camping spot, close to water but far enough away so the bugs were very minimal. We arrived later in the afternoon and began setting up camp, which took a little over an hour. After traveling and setting up, it was time to relax a bit down by the creek. Within just a few minutes of being there something caught my eye. It was a small water snake crossing the creek but he was swimming very erratically. When I walked over to see what was wrong with him I noticed that he had a death grip on a Bullhead. I'm not sure how long this battle had been going on but the fish was pretty much just allowing the snake to manhandle him. After watching for about 15 minutes the snake managed to wrestle the fish into a small bush where I couldn't see them. I'm sure it was a struggle but that snake is probably sunning himself right now still trying to digest that fish. It was a great way to start the vacation.




Water snake with a mouth full of bullhead.










This was only the first day of our epic journey. More blog posts soon to follow as I am sifting through all the photos that I took. Come back soon to see what follows.