I heard someone quip a long time ago that in order to really experience the west—cowboys, cattle, horses, ranches and so on—that you need to go east to find west. It’s true. I saw golden fields of grain, cattle grazing, and horses running freely. And the barns. Unlike my area, they aren’t falling down with disuse and rot, but well cared for and well used.

We passed many farms.

Often I write about our hikes and camping adventures and I’d like to describe to you why I love the outdoors. For years, I backpacked, then car camped—that is carrying your tent in the car instead of on the back. I used to wonder why people would want to use a camper or RV. I understand it better now that I’m a “glamper.” It’s cozy and warm. The bed is always set up, and when it’s cold, we head inside instead of getting into the cold, dark tent. This time we camped in the Blue Mountains, south of Lake Wallawa and Joseph, Oregon and here’s a little of what we experienced: the clean smell of juniper, the rugged mountains—glacier scraped sides, studded with boulders. Up high near the top, are grassy meadows. We are close to the mountains and they seem to climb forever to the deep blue skies. The trees display a palette of greens: the tall pines have an olive green cast, the fir a darker green, contrasted by the lighter mint green deciduous trees. Like brave sentinels, the trees cling to the steep sides.

One hot afternoon, we were treated to a robust thundering rainstorm with raindrops as big as nickels. It stormed for a brief 10 or 15 minutes and then stopped as quickly as it started. The air felt clean and pure making the very hot afternoon now too cool to eat outside. Instead, with our friends had dinner in the SQ (our name for our 25’ RV). We enjoyed reminiscing with Bob and Robyn, dear friends of Jim’s, now mine. We twirled on our forks, the angel hair pasta, dipping it into the pile of Mizithra cheese and browned butter, enjoying the wonder of indulgent food we don’t eat often, but enjoy as a treat. We washed it down with a red wine blend, with a crisp, green salad giving contrast to the pasta. So full of our indulgent meal, we didn’t need dessert. Later, we enjoyed a beautiful sunset.

Glamping gives me a break from normal summer tasks. I can sit back and enjoy the peace and change and not feel guilty if I don’t write, don’t practice my violin—that has been in its stand, asking to be played for two months—or even other household tasks. I enjoy sitting beside the noisy river, watching the birds dip and sway in the soft breeze, making it bearable on warm days.

It was Chief Joseph Days and the rodeo was on our list of things to do. The rodeo opened with a patriotic tribute to those who gave their lives for our freedom. We sang The National Anthem, and then a prayer given, asking God to protect those riding that evening, and the animals who were part of the event. It was easy to spot the locals, men wore Wrangler jeans and long sleeved white shirts, topped a white cowboy hat, shading their rugged faces front the elements they daily work in. The women wore Wranglers too, with cowboy boots—making me want to shed my shorts and sandals and get a pair to wear. They looked comfortable in them.

Brave cowboy

The rodeo participants were as brave as the gladiators of the past. The huge angry bulls were straddled by young men, who attempted` to stay on their back for 8 seconds—few accomplishing this. The clowns were funny in their shorts and painted faces, belying the seriousness of their job of protecting the cowboy from the angry animals. Then, it was over and with the rest of the crowd, we walked to our cars, glancing up at the star studded skies so clear here in the mountains.

Our trip east to find west was a nice respite for five nights. And now we’re on our way home getting ready for a big trip. The great adventure around the US. Stay tuned!