On the Oregon Trail
September 7th, 2010It has been more than a year since Jan and I made our move to Oregon, and we continue to be amazed at the beauty that surrounds us and the generosity of our many new friends throughout the state.
A great example came in August, when Bonnie Malone treated us to a horseback ride to Tam McArthur Rim, high in the Cascades of Central Oregon.
For those who don’t know her, Bonnie is a chiropractor in Sisters and graduated from the University of Oregon in 1974 with a degree in political science. She is one of the most dedicated Duck fans I have met – and the only one I know who has an “O” painted on the side of her chicken coop.
We thank Bonnie for the opportunity to see snow-capped mountains and pristine lakes, to breathe pine-scented high country air, to hear only the voices of nature and friends, and to be overwhelmed by the beauty around every turn in the trail.
It was also wonderful to visit a place named for a man to whom Oregonians owe many thanks – Lewis A. (Tam) McArthur, the author of “Oregon Geographic Names.” I’m told the latest edition of his book explains the history and origins of more than 6,200 Oregon place names.
We have not yet been able to explore each of those locations. But we are grateful to Bonnie and the many others who have made it possible for us to experience so much of Oregon’s beauty and friendliness.
Photos
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