It is that special time of year when family and friends get together and enjoy the harvest of the year. The Troll family has invited their special friend Thomas.
however, there was some concern that he might not have a safe trip here. A plan was hatched, Feathers were ordered.
Much planning, discussions, and giggles were coming from the photo area.
Thomas the Peacock was ready for Thanksgiving Day.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
This is my second visit to Shevlin park, Robin and I chose to hike the part of the park that heads up Tumalo creek southwest. I hadn’t been here and also wanted to explore that portion of the park. It was fun going with a guide who had hiked the park several times. Robin said that this park is always different every time you hike it no matter what the weather and season is. I can’t wait to see it in other weather situations. Monday was a nice clear crisp day. A good day to get out before the weather changes.
The trails are well used and free of tripping hazards, making them usable for anyone year around whether they are hiking, biking, or with mobility issues.
Since this was my first trip I really found myself photographing impressions. like the sunlight hitting the yellow leaves of the brush under the Ponderosa Pines
the silver bark of young aspen trees after all of their leaves have fallen.
The early afternoon light on Tumalo Creek from the bridge
the red stems of brush along the creek.
Rose petals tossed into the water, maybe to honor someone lost or to symbolize a happy event.
A tamarack / larch tree glowing against the darker pine trees.
We reached the southern most point of our hike at Fremont meadow then started back to the main parking area. I photographed more impressions on the way back.
A fallen bird’s nest captured by the brush along the trail.
Horse tail rushes glowing in a spot of sunlight.
A memorial for a loved family member.
White Snowberries and red Rose hips. Fruits of the brush along the trail and food for the critters who live here.
I also noticed the different light on Tumalo creek, at different times of the day.
Looking up stream and downstream from the bridge at about 12:30 in the early afternoon,
and from the same location at 2:15 in the afternoon.
The deep shadows along Tumalo creek as the sun is lowering for the day.
We ended our trip back at the parking area feeling a bit tired after a 4 mile hike but pleased with the photo opportunities.
Like our hiking trip to the east side of Shevlin Park My camera decided to go a bit rogue. However I did catch it pretty quickly and decided to keep the shots.
I am also thinking that I need to budget for another used camera, this next year.
Last week early in the morning I heard what sounded like off road motor bikes ripping through the BLM area I call Sage Ranch Butte and Canyon. I was Angry…. but have over time learned that trying to turn them in is pointless. I can’t get to the trailhead fast enough to find them, and BLM law enforcement can’t get here from Prineville. A good 45 minutes away or more. The next morning, I heard the sound of small engines again at the same time, and this time I realized that it was not motorbikes but chainsaws. My first thought was who is cutting firewood but just as quickly I remembered that I had found a plan by BLM to clear up this large area in the Cline Buttes BLM recreation area, make a new trail head on Fryrear and in general clean out the excess junipers and brush. Improve the trails and build more horse trails. Return the area to a more natural state. Mostly they have been working along Fryrear road. The Cline buttes recreation area is a huge area. The time to work in the sage ranch canyon and butte area has finally arrived.
About Damn Time ….. What took you all so long…… and then I did a little dance. But curiosity got to me and that afternoon I went out to my favorite parking area with my housemate Susan and the two German Shepherds. I also took photos, but I wasn’t really happy with them figuring I would go back another day. Saturday was my day. It was supposed to be nice; I had been talking to one of my pool /hiking pals arranging another hike and she said why don’t you go on a hike today. What a good idea, I gathered up my German Shepherds and the camera loaded everything in the car and headed out to my trail head parking area. My goal was to hike up to the top of Sage Ranch Butte, and see what they had cleared, hoping that they had not cut some of my favorite sacred trees…..
After 20+ years of hiking this whole area I had photographed many of these old snags and burned-out junipers. Some trees I just called my old friends. They had survived fire, wind, heat, drought, and snow, each has it’s own personality.
when I got to the parking area there were a couple vans for the cutting crew parked there so I chose to park along the road and just hike up the south and east side of the butte.
With a raven flying overhead we started out.
I was glad do see that there had been a lot of cutting around the base of the butte and most of the older snags had been left. The views were better than ever. looking east you could see the southernmost cline buttes
To the West you could see the 3 Sisters mountains
I was impressed that while a lot of the junipers had been cut it was not a clear-cut situation.
Finally after several minutes of hiking up the south side I reached the base of the final rocky summit. I was amazed because I had climbed around this but never saw it because of the heavy growth.
The view looking south towards Bend. Something you could not see before. and there on top was one of my favorite snags that I had photographed many times from the top looking south.
inspired I continued around the butte from the east approach. A lot of much needed work had been done along here.
My quest continued to the top hoping to see the leaning juniper still there. It was
And it was easier to photograph because some of the blocking trees had been removed. From here it was just a few steps to the top
and the view from the top of the 3,300 ft butte always good but now even better
I had planned on going down on the west side of the butte but found there was another hiker coming up that side so I chose to go back down on the southeast side. Photographing along the way.
I particularly like these old burned snags. They have survived many years of weather . 30? 40? 50 years…..
It was a really good hike for myself and both of my German Shepherds.
My plan was to have this posted on my blog page, but it took all afternoon to go through the photos, so I decided to post it Sunday morning, but… As I was working on which photos to use for the blog I got to thinking about hiking down into the canyon, knowing that the workers would not be there …. I went hiking and took more photos for another blog instead ….
I had wanted to hike the trail from Tumalo State Park upriver to the Reily Ranch park. So when Robin asked me where did I want to hike? I said ” Uh… that park above the Shevlin park trail… You know that uh… Ranch….” Ok a little bit of brain fog there. Lucky for me she knew where I wanted to go. So, the plan was we would meet at Tumalo St. park leave my car there, she would drive us up to the Reily Ranch Park and we would start the trail there, hiking along the Deschutes River down to Tumalo St. Park.
It was a beautiful sunny morning with no wind and Reily Ranch Nature Preserve Park is beautiful. The mountains were playing hide and seek in the clouds. We started on the juniper loop then went on the Sage flat loop, where we stopped and checked out the Canyon Overlook
Moving on we walked to the Robins Run trail head and went down towards the river
It is a bit steep compared to the rest of the trail but not unreasonable.
the views of the river were incredible
Robin and I took our time and enjoyed the conversations, the views and the weather.
We came to the confluence of the Tumalo Creek with the Deschutes River and commented on how beautiful it was.
Soon we came to a bridge that went over the boulders along the bank of the river allowing hikers to continue on easily
Robin and I both wondered what it took to build this bridge so that it held. against possible floods or shifting boulders….
After the bridge we stopped and had a lunch, the pace was easy and I had been stopping a lot along the way to take photos.
The one thing about this trail is it does cross private properties, and they have allowed hikers to cross as long as they stay on the trail. So, when hiking along the trails be respectful of their property. Because these views are just too beautiful to miss.
Too soon we ended our hike at Tumalo St park and when we were done, we had hiked 3.1 miles. I had taken 175 photos, and we did it in a little over 2 hours.
Robin asked if I wanted to do it again only maybe hike from Tumelo St. park back up to Richardson Ranch Park?
Absolutely!!!
Because every view changes when you look at them from a different direction…. and hopefully we can pick a time when the other two members of the hiking group won’t have prior appointments.
Tumalo St. park is only 25 minutes from my home but again it is one of those places that I have not taken the time to explore. I even bought a state park pass so I could park there and other parks in the state but never used it until now.
Robin, one of the pool/ hiking pals said “where do you want to hike this week, Tuesday?” I said I have never hiked Reily Ranch preserve or Tumalo St Park. So the plan was put together. Unfortunately, only 2 of the 4 of us could make it Tuesday, but it was the best day for the upcoming weather forecast. The plan was we would meet at Tumalo St. Park, leave my car and then continue up to Reily Ranch Preserve where we would start the hike. I went a little early because I didn’t want to be late and I knew that I could spend the time taking photos. There is something about the morning sunlight on the rocks along the Deschutes river.
And this morning was fantastic. Now that we are in fall there was the red willow branches, the yellow of the dried grasses, the green of the junipers and ponderosa pines, the deep blue of the river water against the pink pumice rocks, and the reflections of the rocks on the water.
No matter which way you looked. Down river or upriver.
Those of you who have followed me on Facebook know that over the years I have spent a lot of time photographing the rocks in the canyon I call Sage Ranch rd. Canyon. I see a lot of similarities between these rocks and those except that the river that probably shaped them is gone. The Deschutes is still here.
To me there is a timelessness about the rocks…. They have withstood a lot from weather, winds, and water for thousands of years. Yes, parts of them crumble and land in the river but still they stand a show of earth’s history.
As an armchair geologist who reads every book she can find on Oregon geology, I know the violent forces that created this scene and am at peace with it though I still have questions that no one can answer. Mother nature does not give up her secrets easily, and she is not going to write a book for me to read.
So I turn my camera away from the rocks and the river and look for other delights to photograph.
Thank you, Mother nature, for giving me the morning sun shining through an oak leaf. You are always giving me the hint that there is more to come in this life. Nothing is finite always changing.
Robin is here now, and it is time to explore more of your beauty.
I first learned about Shevlin park more than 30 years ago when I would go to Bend on the back roads. But I never stopped. I always meant to. It was the site of a major fire the year we were building our log house here, and always on my radar to go. However, like many close destinations I will go later. Now being a member of the Bend Parks and Rec. system, I am looking at these parks close to home and saying why not? They are close, they are easy to get to, and I have friends through the park system who also like to hike. We all need a little exercise in nature that doesn’t require a major hiking plan with permits and large backpacks filled with food, bedding. and tents. A simple way to enjoy what Mother Nature has given us and the parks and rec. has preserved.
I had shared a post about Shevlin park on Facebook and said I wanted to go hike there one day… Thank You Robin for saying ” Why not Friday or Saturday?”
Saturday dawned bright and sunny a perfect day for a little hike. Three of the four of us met at the parking lot where the Aspen Hall is, and we started out. I admit I kind of forgot to take my camera out of the backpack, I as enjoying it so much. but the sight of the yellow Tamarack /Larch tree against the green evergreens and the red willow stems was too much to pass by without the photos. I let my hiking partners get ahead and sure enough they walked through the photo (in the center of the top photo). Then I concentrated on that bright yellow tamarack.
Because I dawdled on this shot, I had to hustle to catch up with both Robin and Susan. Not that difficult for me, but unusual since I usually am ahead.
I found them both waiting for me and checking the maps downloaded on their phones.
I couldn’t resist this shot. The hiker in the back actually stopped and asked if we needed any help. We were ok they were just trying to figure out where we were in relation to the end of the trail and a couple other parks that are adjacent to Shevlin but on the other side of Tumalo ck.
A few feet further down we came to this little bridge and Robin said “Photo time” we continued on to the weir.
there was a lot of interesting things to photograph along the way
looking upstream from the dam. There is a nice picnic area there to stop and eat. We sat and rested then decided to continue on to see where the trail ends.
At about this point we were about a mile and a half out and should be thinking about the return trip. This portion of the trail was a bit rougher than the trail below the weir, and we knew that the trail ended a few more feet ahead of us so we turned around.
Susan took this shot of Robin and me, because we all know the photographer never gets in the photos and wasn’t really there….
we crossed several of these little bridges along the trail
I so loved the bright yellow colors against the darker evergreen trees.
As we were coming around the corner towards the weir I spotted this bank of yellow Aspens, I didn’t notice it as we were going up the trail
We stopped and had a little lunch/ snack, chatted and just enjoyed the sun along the creek. then headed back to the Aspen Hall and parking area.
As usual I was stopping and taking photos so got behind a bit.
I soon caught up to Susan and Robin who were sitting at one of the picnic tables outside the hall chatting and watching the families fishing on the small pond.
we sat, chatted some more and enjoyed the nice sunny day. All the while making more plans for hiking the parks of Bend Parks and Recreation.
I am ready to go again… any time.
The trolls and the gnomes are first cousins of the mischievous kind. You never know what they are brewing up when they get together. I heard that the gnomes had purchased some new slat skies that needed to be painted, and their plan was to come visit their troll family while the skis were being customized.
While the trolls had returned home for dinner the Gnomes pilfered … I mean borrowed a couple pairs of my reading glasses and set to work designing the new paint jobs for the skies.
and making plans for an epic snowball fight while they are waiting. Because there is nothing like a good snowball fight with your cousins
Piles of snowballs have been made
On both sides.
By the next day the skis were painted and ready to use and the gnomes went home sporting my reading glasses.
And the Trolls?
Well … They continued the snowball fight with the Lizards. At least till the lizards got cold and went home
I have totally enjoyed working with the trolls, they have allowed me to expand my creativeness. They have pushed me to execute some of my ideas that I had been trying to figure out for a couple of years. Many of those ideas came from the 52-week Challenge by Nicole Smith, Nicolsey Photography. I loved trying to come up with new ideas for the challenge, and the supportive conversations I would have with the other members of that group. The ideas were constantly flowing even if I could not totally figure out how to do it. I had quite the photo set up on my back deck but always knew that I wanted to move it back into my garage studio area. The back deck was too limiting even though it was convenient. I made the effort to use the photo studio area in the garage studio area this last year. Adjusting the height of the photo table, putting down flooring that is comfortable to stand on.
Another thing that has helped me with the photography has been the Current Class at the Bend Parks and Recreation. I have always had good balance but that really doesn’t stay unless you work at it constantly. The exercises in the pool are designed to improve and keep that balance and fitness intact. While photographing the gnomes and trolls I found myself constantly needing to step up on the little footstool to get the better shot or hanging snowflakes from the ceiling , stepping over it to adjust the scene, or moving it so I could bend down and pick up one of the Styrofoam snowballs off of the floor. All the while dancing on the floor to… Well Christmas music this time.
The thing is all of these things are easy to do simply because of the friends I have made over the years. From my little coffee group of online sellers, to the bigger group of people in the 52 week photo challenge, to the group of people in the pool who also like to go out to eat and hike. All of you have contributed to my health and enjoyment, in one way or another and I would like to Thank you for that….
So Thank You Friends….
A friend asked me to photograph her gnomes. I said absolutely. That would be really Cool and Fun. It was the gnomes that precipitated the cleanup in the photo area, and I have to say it was a joy to work in the photo area with no obstructions or obstacles.
Since I am getting a feel for photographing the gnomes I added the Troll family
Pretty soon there were games of hide and seek, and who could make the best snowballs
You gotta admit they were getting pretty good at it too….
But then the snow started falling and the trolls had to go home.
The gnomes broke out their slat skies and got ready to head home…. With plans to come back tomorrow and another snowball challenge…
My Studio is the victim of many different projects, because well at one time it was an unfinished 2 car garage. It really could use a ceiling. But that is another project for a later date. My housemate and I had bought some of those interlocking mats for the floor and while they were nice there were not enough for the room. Then we found a really good deal on Marketplace and bought 20 more. They were slightly different but went together with the original ones, okay. Still though there were not enough. This if a 500 sq ft room, and the hard cement floor is cold…
This summer I had several things I wanted painted or stained including some boards for my photography to use as props and stands and when finished everything got shoved back into the studio in the unused area. Eventually some of the painted blocks 2×4’s and 2×6’s made their way to the actual photo area, and I have used them. They work great for elevation changes. Last month we found on Marketplace 20 more of those interlocking mats. When we got them home, we realized that they were thicker than the original mats. That meant reorganizing all of the mats in front of the photo area so that the thicker mats were there and the others were covering more of the high use areas of the floor. I began pulling up the thinner mats in the photo area and piling them around. I moved my rolling rack that was mostly filled with photo props and fabric backgrounds and tried to put some of the thinner mats there against the large garage door. They were too big. So after a day of trying to organize the floor I quit and moved on to more projects. With all of these projects and others inside the house that meant moving stuff from in the house out to the studio, things are starting to pile up in the studio. There are little trails to the photo area, the freezers and to the door. Another find last week on Marketplace we got 20 more of the interlocking mats only these were 1ft X 1ft. I decided that those would work under the rolling rack but hadn’t gotten to it. A friend had asked if I would photograph a couple of her gnomes and I jumped at the chance it sounded like a lot of fun. I got them last night went out to my photo area and well couldn’t get to it. There are stacks of various different sized interlocking mats there are painted 2x4s and 2x6s there is a cabinet I removed from the house, there are new bins that needed filling with some of the stuff I had collected to photo, and there are other cube units that never found a home. For my photo project I wanted hanging snowflakes but in order to get that I had to move a light above the photo table.
So the organizing began. the rolling rack got moved and the new small tiles installed, the empty bins were filled up and labeled with subject matter and put back in the rolling rack that was back in its home. The cabinet was now in a corner and a cube shelf unit was also with it. More of the thinner mats were pulled up and the thicker mats were put down. The light above the photo table found a new home lighting up the area around the rolling rack and I have a 8 ft long 1×2 board hung from the ceiling with cup hooks so I can hang snowflakes
and I got the background changed moved the white down and tracked down my snowballs.
I will start shooting the gnomes Tuesday, I need to find some ski’s
Deanne Dements Photography 