There are lots of little rodeos around the state throughout the Summer months.
In Vale they hold their annual rodeo on the 4th of July as part of the annual celebration for independence. This makes it a bit more special in my mind and all the more fun.
If you've never been to a small town rodeo then you are really missing out on a bit of American heritage that I recommend you reconcile immediately, if not sooner. Authentic cowboys (you know the kind that actually raise cows and make a living from it) are to be found in these small towns mingling with the rodeo cowboys. Locals as well as traveling vendors offer a variaty of curios that can only be found in these small town events, and the food can never be beat.
If you travel to a summer rodeo in Vale, or any part of Eastern Oregon then I have to recommend a couple of things. First, bring plenty of sunscreen. Summer in the high desert is hot! Expect it to be hot and dry and you can't enjoy much of anything with a sunburn. Also bring plenty of water especially for kids and pets. Dehydration and sun stroke or heat sickness are real possibilities. Finally, don't stray too far off the beaten path without doing some research. There are a lot of trails and it easy easy to get lost, not to mention that lat summer tends to be snake season and the rattlers in the sage brush covered hills aren't terribly friendly.
Showing posts with label eastern oregon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label eastern oregon. Show all posts
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Bend Oregon - A Tourist Haven
Those of you out there looking for a vacation spot that is out of the way but not out in the sticks, look at Bend Oregon.
Bend is nowhere near what anyone would describe as a big city, in fact to many city dwellers it is just a small town in eastern Oregon. However if you go further east, you will meet many eastern Oregonians who would describe Bend as both a city and as not eastern Oregon. That is to say that Bend is, in many ways on the border between east and west and yet it isn't really central Oregon either.
It shares the climate and history of eastern Oregon, but has managed to grow and thrive, and in particular develop a tourist industry that is wanting in parts further east. Bend is beautiful throughout the year, though especially during the summer. Bend offers camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, and all the outdoor activities that Oregon is famous for.
In addition there are hotels, restaraunts and shopping for those who prefer air conditioning and a comfortable seat. The dining is good and the range of hotels covers the gamut from barely more than camping up to luxury resorts. That is to say that Bend is truly a haven for tourists of all types and kinds.
To me Bend is a place where I went as a young boy to compete in wrestling tournaments and holds a few fond memories that the tourists will never know.
Bend is nowhere near what anyone would describe as a big city, in fact to many city dwellers it is just a small town in eastern Oregon. However if you go further east, you will meet many eastern Oregonians who would describe Bend as both a city and as not eastern Oregon. That is to say that Bend is, in many ways on the border between east and west and yet it isn't really central Oregon either.
It shares the climate and history of eastern Oregon, but has managed to grow and thrive, and in particular develop a tourist industry that is wanting in parts further east. Bend is beautiful throughout the year, though especially during the summer. Bend offers camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, and all the outdoor activities that Oregon is famous for.
In addition there are hotels, restaraunts and shopping for those who prefer air conditioning and a comfortable seat. The dining is good and the range of hotels covers the gamut from barely more than camping up to luxury resorts. That is to say that Bend is truly a haven for tourists of all types and kinds.
To me Bend is a place where I went as a young boy to compete in wrestling tournaments and holds a few fond memories that the tourists will never know.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Snake River Country
There are a lot of places to visit in Oregon, and sometimes the far eastern side of the state gets a bit ignored, despite its rugged beauty and full history.
The Oregon Trail is a part of history in the United States that shouldn't be ignored, and the area around the Snake River is rife with this history. Malheur county, Union County, and many others are filled with lingering remnants of the pioneers and cowboys who brought their civilization west.
Named for the Snake Indians, the Snake River plays host to several small towns along the Oregon and Idaho borders, including Ontario, Nyssa, Payette and Parma, to name just a few. These towns thrive on their pioneer ancestory and the locals take pride in their roots.
If you are looking for the latest fashions or for the newest, biggest malls and shopping extravanganzas, then look elsewhere. Snake River country is all about small towns in the west.
The Snake River can't be beat for catfishing, and there is more mule deer hunting in the area than you can shake a stick at. Hiking and camping opportunities abound, but be a bit careful in July and August as these are times when the grasshoppers come out and so do the famous rattle snakes of the area. In the spring and fall, however, this area is a gem that shouldn't be overlooked.
In particular if you are a history buff of any sort, then head into eastern Oregon and pick up a few pieces of the past.
The Oregon Trail is a part of history in the United States that shouldn't be ignored, and the area around the Snake River is rife with this history. Malheur county, Union County, and many others are filled with lingering remnants of the pioneers and cowboys who brought their civilization west.
Named for the Snake Indians, the Snake River plays host to several small towns along the Oregon and Idaho borders, including Ontario, Nyssa, Payette and Parma, to name just a few. These towns thrive on their pioneer ancestory and the locals take pride in their roots.
If you are looking for the latest fashions or for the newest, biggest malls and shopping extravanganzas, then look elsewhere. Snake River country is all about small towns in the west.
The Snake River can't be beat for catfishing, and there is more mule deer hunting in the area than you can shake a stick at. Hiking and camping opportunities abound, but be a bit careful in July and August as these are times when the grasshoppers come out and so do the famous rattle snakes of the area. In the spring and fall, however, this area is a gem that shouldn't be overlooked.
In particular if you are a history buff of any sort, then head into eastern Oregon and pick up a few pieces of the past.
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