Schreiner's Iris Gardens.

Hello Everyone

I must be getting old.  I really enjoyed this afternoon.  As irises are my favourite flowers, Sue took me to Salem to see these gardens on the 24th May Australian time.  Not being a gardener and certainly not knowing much about irises, I was blown away by these gardens.  Apparently Schreiners export all over the world and their land holdings are enormous.  They develop and test new varieties of irises and their gardens are open to the public for about a month a year.  It had hailed the day before and we were ducking in and out of showers of rain but, as you can see, it was still an amazing place.  I took so many photos of different irises that I can't even choose which ones were my favourites so I'll chooses a few at random.  The rain wasn't really a problem because there was a wine tasting tent to keep us entertained during the showers.  Sue bought a bunch of twelve different Irises for my birthday and they're still going strong with more blooms coming out each day.  They are just amazing.  I hope you enjoy looking at them too.  We went home and drank champagne and then the next day we went out to dinner to celebrate my birthday in the US.  So I got to celebrate for two days.  How lucky is that!  We went to a cute little Italian restaurant in Beaverton and had lovely food and an enjoyable night.

Lotsaluv

Carmel

Oh Yellowstone.

Our last field trip was a lot more geology and less wildlife. We also saw quite a few different birds. However we still saw the ubiquitous bison.  In fact when we were on our way home at the end of the trip, we came across a traffic jam and couldn't make out what it was.  After a little while, it became obvious that it was a large herd of bison ambling down the road escorted by a ranger.  He was there to ensure that no tourists did anything silly like trying to get close to the bison and to ensure that bison got right of way.  And so they ambled on down the road.  It took about ten minutes for about 2/3 of the herd to pass and for us to be on our way again.

                      

We visited and walked around more thermal mud pools and fumeroles.  I never get sick of them.  I find them fascinating (to view and learn about but not to smell!).  And just for a contrast, it was another cold day in the mountains.

Our lunchtime stop was at Old Faithful and, of course, he didn't let us down.  Sue and I sat out on the front deck of the Inn and got a good view,  It's quite magnificent especially in the context of all the volcanic activity in the area.  After that, I went for a really interesting walk around the area to view more mud and hot water and learn some more about it all.  It was sunny but cold.  In the distance you can see the Old Faithful Inn.  It is a magnificent old building and so cosy inside.

It was a long enough drive back to the motel for both Sue and I to feel quite sad that our time in Yellowstone was nearly over,  Sue vows to return to see it in a different season.  I'm not sure if I will get back.  We had one more session with Gene the next morning about the bears and then we were on our way back to the plane at Bozeman.  But ........  not before one last reminder about who rules .......

the bridges!    Goodbye Yellowstone.


You may like to check out the photo gallery on this website:


http://www.nps.gov/yell/photosmultimedia/index.htm

Oo Yellowstone!

Went out to dinner at a Peruvian restaurant in Portland last night.  The people we went with were friends of the owners and we were showered with all sorts of Peruvian specialties.  Tried another yummy cocktail.  Don't ask me the name because I wouldn't have a clue about any of the names on the menu but it had ginger and wasabi in it and I wouldn't mind another one.  The place was extremely busy and literally packed to the rafters and I can see why.  The food was well priced, authentic (I'm told), healthy and tasty.  It was starting to empty out a little when we left at about 10pm.  Seems like a lots of people go there after work on Friday night.  Yesterday was wet and freezing here.  I had to go to get a hair cut and wasn't prepared for the weather.  Someone said it was like a November day.  The longer I stay here the more I think the weather is very unpredictable.

Anyway, back to Yellowstone.   I forgot to mention one small detail - Yellowstone and the surrounding buffer National Forrest is an amazing 18 million acres.  It's bigger than huge.  It's the only place in the US with the same range of animals as when white man first arrived and that is only because of the careful management that has taken place.  Bison were on the verge of extinction and carefully nurtured back to where there are about 3000 in the park now.  Wolves were reintroduced in 1995 and there are about 100 in the park now.  Moose are becoming rarer, they think, because the area is becoming too warm for them and are migrating further north.  There are only about 20 cougars left and they live mainly in the north side of the park.

On our first field trip we went across the road on the north side and it was an afternoon/evening trip because that is the best time for viewing.  We did the same for our second field trip but we went south along the western side and then down the middle and to higher altitudes.  We were looking more at the geology of Yellowstone and hopefully seeing more wildlife.  MBE & MBB (more bloody elk and bison) and lots of birds but not so many of the bigger animals.  Apparently they were still lower down and would go to higher altitudes as the weather warms up.  We did see a muskrat busily tending his nest in the middle of a freezing lake.   He would swim to the side of the lake collect something and then swim back to his nest and again and again.  Guess it's the only way to keep warm!   We also had a closer viewing of a grizzly.  Love those grizzlies!  Just to show off my spectacular photography skills, I'll include a photo of a Mountain Bluebird.  Spot the Bluebird.  I'll give you a hint - click on the photo first.

We also saw a Hairy Woodpecker busily making a hole in a tree.  I wonder if they get terrible headaches and bad necks doing what they have to do?

However, the day belonged to geology and the weather.  It was extremely cold for li'l ole me but it was fantastic.  Not much sunshine but some snow.  Often the mountains looked dark and threatening and the rivers were full of melting snow.  This is   a Thompson Falls and it is famous because a painting of it first drew attention to the beauty of the Yellowstone area.  The photos of thermal activity are of Mammoth Springs and the Norris Geyser basis.  The little Whitetail Jackrabbit was enjoying the warmth of Mammoth Springs.

Gene told us a little about the geological history of the area.  It was formed over about 17 million years by a series of volcanic explosions, the latest being about 640 00 years ago.   If you look on some maps, you will see an area marked called the caldera.  That is the crater for the volcano.  My rough estimate is that it is more than 1/3 of the area of Yellowstone.  There is volcanic activity everywhere.  In some places it looks like a little steam rising out of the ground in the middle of nowhere.  In other places it is permanent mud pools or boiling water fumaroles and on a grand scale.  Smells disgusting but is stunning to see.  I wasn't too comfortable using pit toilets in these areas!

I had a surreal experience.  I was standing looking at one formation called the Dragon's Cave, so called because every 30 seconds or so the boiling water and steam explode out and make a rumbling noise, and it started to snow.  I was so excited - all that thermal activity and snow at the same time.  Just loved it. We drove all the way down to Yellowstone Lodge (and it's painted a very yucky yellow colour!) and Y. Lake.  The lake was still frozen but, apparently, there are areas of thermal activity under it so it's not advisable to try to go across it.  It was over too soon so back to the motel for a sleep and to get ready for our last field trip around Yellowstone.  Arriving home at 9.30 pm in daylight does wonders for my body clock.  Bloody fereigners!

Ah! Yellowstone.

We arrived In Bozeman where we met our Elderhostel group.  When we stood on the tarmac at the airport we could see snow capped mountains at every point of the compass (which is still upside down, by the way).  Inside the terminal is a life size sculpture of a grizzly bear and I figured that was the only time I was likely to be up close and personal with one of these creatures so I thought a holiday snap would show the size.  I was fascinated by it.  Generally, it's just a leaning post for the people awaiting arrivals but I couldn't take my eyes of it.  Apparently, in Yellowstone, they grow to about 2m and about 350 kg.  I really wanted to see one and I saw two and one with a cub.  Fantastic!  I'll show you my photo when I get back, if you're interested, it's a tiny brown dot on a photo.  Just to prove I really did see one.

We took a shuttle bus to Gardiner, which is just outside of the park.  It looks a bit like the sets for the cowboy movies.  The sun wasn't going down until about 9pm so we had little practice spotting wildlife after dinner and, while we were doing that, first some elk wandered into town followed soon after by a HUGE bison.  He just sauntered past the hotel and down one of the side streets without the slighted concern.  Bison have right of way and I can see why.  They often don't turn their head.  They just look at you out of the corner of their eye and it doesn't make you feel safe.

As an "Elderhotel virgin" (so named by Sue), I wasn't sure of what to expect but we had a great group, thoroughly organised tour leader and a wonderful teacher.  I was the only non US citizen in the group.  A surprising number of them had been to Aus & NZ and had thoroughly enjoyed their time there.

The first day was lectures and an aclimatising walk because of the altitude.  We were going into areas of well over 7000 feet and needed to know what we could manage. We walked along by the Yellowstone River for quite a long way (it seemed to me). In the lectures I learned the difference between a deer and an elk (boy did I feel like an alien!) and many other interesting things.  One of the really great things about this trip was the way we had lectures about what we were going to see next.  I found that really helpful.  Our teacher, Gene Ball, was amazing.  His passion for Yellowstone was contagious and he has basically devoted his life to the area so, every time he opened his mouth, something interesting or amusing came out.  I had bit of difficulty with the accent sometimes but that's my problem,

So the next day we were off armed and dangerous with binoculars, scopes, walking gear, cold gear and cameras.  I had everything on - new wool socks,  toe warmers, plenty of layers, Wallabies scarf, new wool hat, Shetland Island mittens/gloves and swanky Calvin Klein ski jacket.  I needed them all but was warm.  Thanks to our very experienced spotters, we saw lots of wild life and this was made easier with the scopes they had.  My photos aren't the best but I'll include a few and hope you like them.  The big rock is one of many rocks placed by glaciers thousands of years ago.  The mountains were very interesting.  When the sun was shining on the, they looked magnificent.  When the sun was going down or was behind a cloud, they changed character and became quite threatening.  It snowed a tiny bit but not much.  As you can see, it hasn't greened up yet and food is still reasonably scarce for the animals.  However, because it's still quite cool, they haven't moved up into the higher parts of the mountains and can still be viewed from the lower areas.

One of our stops was at the Visitors Centre at Mammoth.  It was very interesting but the thing that amazed me most was the size of the animals.  They were all much bigger than I expected.  I guess when you see them from a distance, it's hard to estimate their true size.  The big horn sheep are especially big and muscular.  That day, in terms of wildlife, we saw: a grizzly bear & cub, a black bear, a mouse, an osprey on it's nest, numerous elk, pronghorn deer,numerous bison and some with calves,lots of different birds, coyote, mountain goats, big horn sheep, a bald eagle and a great horned owl.  Our walks were not too long but frequent and lots of fun.  We didn't get back to the hotel until 9.30 and were really ready for bed.  Field trip #1 over and successful.

I'm having trouble putting the photos where I want them but click on them and see what you can see.

Quick hello.

Hi Everyone.  I've been back for Yellowstone for a few days and we had the most wonderful week.  However, I was pretty tired and when I tried to think about it, it was all just a blur.  I've been trying to think about it sequentially and get my thoughts together.  I've also been trying to book a trip to Alberquerque & Sante Fe as well as finalise travel details for everything else.  I'm getting better but it takes forever.  I'll put some Yellowstone photos on here soon.  I didn't want to leave.  It was just fantastic.  Saw grizzlys and cubs and lots of other things.  Got snowed on and walked miles.  It was all such a great experience.  promise something soon.  Miss you all.  Lotsaluv, Carmel

Hello Everyone.  I'll have you know that life in Oregon isn't all froth and bubble.  I have responsibilities which, as you can see, I take very seriously.  I have a responsibility to babysit the hot tub and I daren't let it get lonely.  You know it's not always easy to strip down to my togs and take the two steps out the door in these cold temps but I do it nevertheless.  After a hard day on the tourist trail, I sacrifice myself to go out there and turn it on and hop in.  It's tough.

This afternoon it's off to the Japanese Gardens and then early tomorrow on the plane to Montana.  Hope Yogi puts in an appearance!

Talk to you in a week.  Lotsaluv.

Carmel

More from the gallery.

Hi Everyone.  This is one of my favourite pieces for the gallery.  It's modern native American pottery and is simply stunning.  The pattern on it is a bear's claw and that's significant in their beliefs.  I just love the way it's done.  If you click on it and enlarge it, you might be able to see how parts of it are cut out and parts are indented.  The step pattern on the top is the shape of the buildings used for spiritual ceremonies.  I hope you find it just as wonderful to look at as I do.  I look at it every day and marvel at it.  Just about to book my Canadian Rockies train trip for early June!  Whoo hoo!

It;s Sue's birthday today but she doesn't want it advertised so I won't say anything about it.  Lotsaluv   Carmel

Another goal achieved.

I finally made it.  It may not seem important to others but, as a member of the Taoist Tai Chi community, it was one thing I wanted to do - I went and did Tai Chi with a group from another part of the world.  It is somehow reassuring when everything else is strange to do a set of Tai Chi in the same way you have always done it with a group of people on the other side of the world.  And as is the Taoist custom, I was welcomed warmly into the group.  It was a good feeling and well worth the effort of getting there.    I'll definitely be going back regularly.  It takes six trips on public transport - four on buses and two on light rail to get there and is just about a day's endeavour but it's s good workout and makes me feel good.  As much as I can, I like to get involved in the group and contribute what I can.

I arrived at Tai Chi a little bit early and went across the road to Genies Cafe.  It's diner by any other name but it was full of young people and very alternative.  I'll be going back there too.  Full of young people with tattoos and piercings and crimson foils in their hair.  Everyone seems very laid back and friendly.  It's in an older part of Portland and an interesting area to look around.

Of course, I got lost in Downtown Portland when I got off the bus.  I'm absolutely determined to find my way around but it seems as if, currently, my compass is upside down and I walk miles in the wrong direction.  Last Friday I ended up in the University campus, totally in the wrong direction but I did discover this beautiful example of old style architecture in the middle of the campus.  Absolutely stunning.

The news here at present is the oil spill, the attempted bombing in Times Square and the new Immigration Law in Arizona.  There are many protests across the country about the proposed Arizona law. Seems like people are looking for solutions to illegal immigration in places other than Australia,  At the risk of being political, I find it all rather worrying.  There's got to be a better, more humane way to deal wit it all.

Yesterday, I was taken to a giant arts and crafts show by Sue and a couple of her friends.  I feel a bit like Princess Poo being taken everywhere.  However, I also felt like Alice in Wonderland.  First, we went to breakfast at this wonderful little place and I had a Mediterranean Omelet (yum) and it was accompanied by an American scone (pronounced as it's spelled - with a long o).  It's a bit like a sweet damper.  Then it was on to the greatest show on earth!  Hand made jewellery, hand made clothes, beading of all descriptions, hand made wooden furniture and last but most important for me - pottery to make your eyes water.  There were many of the techniques that I've seen in Australia but, wow, this was on a grand scale.  It's definitely on my list of things to buy before I leave so I took a pile of cards but I didn't buy anything yet,  I'm hoping to buy some native American pottery but not sure how that will go.  I've got more investigating to do on that front.

The weather continues to be quite good.  I didn't need a coat yesterday just a warm jumper.  This time next week I'll be in Yellowstone so will be offline for that time.  Cheqie enjoys having me home.  She's a sweet little thing.  She's hoping I got her best side.  What do you think?

Tomorrow is Sue's birthday (4th May) and I'm taking her out to dinner not diner.  Should be good.

Hope I haven't raved on too long.  Lotsaluv.

Carmel