El Jason
Well-known member
I had to make a road trip to California, so I took some vacation to give me time to explore along the way.
I’ve mentioned before, my grandpa had a ranch on the north end of the Oregon Desert. I have many fond memories of when I was a kid. I’ve been fascinated by the vast expanses, unique geology, and utter desolation. My great uncle left home at 13 to work on a ranch in the desert during the Great Depression, and before joining the Marines for a tour in the South Pacific.
They are both long gone. I wish I had more time to ask them about their desert experiences. Alas, it’s up to me to wander the desert and make my own.
The road goes on forever…
After hours of driving, I found a suitable place to call home for a few days.
I had no agenda other than see new places and climb ridges and mountains. I hopes to kill birds in the process.
The geology was fascinating
Signs of the desert ghost
Dog work. Bird numbers were absolutely abysmal. If you zoom in on this you’ll see Charli and the sage grouse boomer she is pointing.
More dog pics.
More vistas
On day one we dropped into a very high basin. There were aspens in the bottom, indicating water so I decided to work some of the side ridges.
Charli went on point, Finn backed her. All of a sudden he broke into the sagebrush. A yearling cougar bolted out. I couldn’t see the lion or the dogs. Next thing, I hear barking down the hill. I ran down to see the lion trees up in a large bitter brush.
Finn proceeded to knock the lion out of the bush and go to work on it. He grabbed for the death shake but the cat hooked him in the neck. I managed to grab his collar and pull him off. Then Charli joined the melee. I had no leashes and no trees to tie to. Finally, I got hold of Finn and the lion escaped.
I did a full examination and found a few holes in his ears and a few cuts on his neck. His mouth was full of blood but it appeared it was cougar blood and not his.
The dogs are shot. Today was a travel day. I figure I walked close to 40 miles. Time spent in the middle of nowhere is never wasted.
I’ve mentioned before, my grandpa had a ranch on the north end of the Oregon Desert. I have many fond memories of when I was a kid. I’ve been fascinated by the vast expanses, unique geology, and utter desolation. My great uncle left home at 13 to work on a ranch in the desert during the Great Depression, and before joining the Marines for a tour in the South Pacific.
They are both long gone. I wish I had more time to ask them about their desert experiences. Alas, it’s up to me to wander the desert and make my own.
The road goes on forever…
After hours of driving, I found a suitable place to call home for a few days.
I had no agenda other than see new places and climb ridges and mountains. I hopes to kill birds in the process.
The geology was fascinating
Signs of the desert ghost
Dog work. Bird numbers were absolutely abysmal. If you zoom in on this you’ll see Charli and the sage grouse boomer she is pointing.
More dog pics.
More vistas
On day one we dropped into a very high basin. There were aspens in the bottom, indicating water so I decided to work some of the side ridges.
Charli went on point, Finn backed her. All of a sudden he broke into the sagebrush. A yearling cougar bolted out. I couldn’t see the lion or the dogs. Next thing, I hear barking down the hill. I ran down to see the lion trees up in a large bitter brush.
Finn proceeded to knock the lion out of the bush and go to work on it. He grabbed for the death shake but the cat hooked him in the neck. I managed to grab his collar and pull him off. Then Charli joined the melee. I had no leashes and no trees to tie to. Finally, I got hold of Finn and the lion escaped.
I did a full examination and found a few holes in his ears and a few cuts on his neck. His mouth was full of blood but it appeared it was cougar blood and not his.
The dogs are shot. Today was a travel day. I figure I walked close to 40 miles. Time spent in the middle of nowhere is never wasted.
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