Seasonal Alignment

First snowfall

Woke to snow falling this morning. It would appear that winter is here. Not an issue, just a shift in travel strategies.

Looking ahead  .  .  .   the forecast shows rain, rain and even more rain.

Job #1  .  .  .  find a stick

Earlier in the week, we used a crisp, sunny day to take a tour up the Cascade Highway. In late summer the Upper Deschutes is a regular stop.

This year wildfires kept us away. The smoke is gone, but the breath of winter has been felt.

Happiness

This section of the Deschutes River looks nothing like the lower run that holds big Rainbow and Steelhead.

Afternoon light on Upper Deschutes River

At the source, the Deschute’s crystalline water is rarely more than a couple of feet deep.

It’s home to Redband Trout that are rarely over ten inches. It is perfect for dog wading.

This is what he came for

Past September 22, this stretch of water is closed to fishing however, Tip was interested in fetching.

He quickly procured a suitable stick. Well actually, what he showed up with had to be trimmed a bit to serve our needs.

Locked on target

The season of fall is over. There are patches of snow under the trees. A few leaves still cling to branches, but for the most part they carpet the understory.

Remnants of fall

The wind had a bite  .  .  .   so we didn’t linger.

Once Tip had chased a few tosses of stick in the river, he was ready to get back in the car. Afternoon sun can only offer so much warmth. It did make for a very pleasant drive.

Satisfied on a good fetch

There are plenty of sun drenched days ahead. The days may only warm to the high forties, but that just means gloves and sweaters.

Leaving Fall behind

Once the early winter rains pass we’ll embrace the snow and shift to a winter schedule  .  .  .  starting with installation of a set of snow tires. It’s just that period of adjustment between seasons that is a bit awkward.

Just A Hot Week in July

A stream beats the summer heat

We spent this week trying to stay out of the heat. A wildland fire burning in the southwestern corner of Oregon finally managed to drift some smoke over our way.  The drop in air quality on top of hundred degree daytime temps wasn’t very conducive to outdoor activities.

However, we did manage to fit in a trip to the Upper Deschutes. There are some well shaded nooks along the stream to set up a chair, cast a fly and throw a stick.

The weather man promises a  moderation to record setting heat ahead , , , we’ll see. But there are plans being made to locate other shaded spots.