Exploring OBDR

I had the opportunity to run route 5, sections 4 and 3 and part of 2 of the Oregon backcountry discovery route this past July with my friend Dan. @drr It took 4 days total, 3 camp nights on the trail to finish the northern sections of this route. About 400 miles of mostly dirt.

IMG_8238 by mike digirat, on Flickr

Day One has some of the highest elevations. Google Earth says we hit close to 7,000 feet at the highest on this day.

IMG_8232 by mike digirat, on Flickr
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We were fortunate enough to find this great campsite on the edge of a westward facing ridge and were treated to an amazing sunset.


IMG_8268 by mike digirat, on Flickr
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Looks like a great way to spend a few days! Great pictures

 

IMG_8294 by mike digirat, on Flickr
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There is a clown in every group. Making fun of the photographer frenzy that happens with light like this.

IMG_8303 by mike digirat, on Flickr
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On day two we were lucky enough to encounter two herds of elk. I was only able to capture photos of this smaller first group but in some ways the second herd was way more memorable. Not only the size (hundreds were estimated), but in their behavior. As they scattered into the forest out of our view, we continued to her them bugling as they put distance between us. It was almost as if they were saying “watch out the hunters are back and they are waaaay early this year. Quick, run for your lives everyone”


IMG_8308 by mike digirat, on Flickr
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Wildlife of a different kind. Took a bit to get around them, especially the youngsters as they thought we were chasing them.


IMG_8334 by mike digirat, on Flickr

Definite weirdness happening. The GPS and the KML track and the BCN map could not agree.


IMG_8339 by mike digirat, on Flickr

 

Then this. Somebody had a bad day for sure.

IMG_8341 by mike digirat, on Flickr
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Another great campsite, right on the banks of the North Fork of the John Day river.

IMG_8354 by mike digirat, on Flickr
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Lol

 

Thanks! It was awesome and the weather cooperated.

 

Day 3
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A little wash out. Think we can make that? Time to do some rerouting.

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This looks like a great spot. So for our last camp night we set up camp on the North Fork of the Malhuer river, our third great campsite in a row. We were on a roll.

IMG_8371 by mike digirat, on Flickr
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