When I first started planning this trip one of the first items on my list was the Metolius River. I later moved that entry into my options list. It’s just too far away. Although it’s pretty, I really prefer the lush, western forests. I’ll probably be too late for the fall color. I had excuses galore. Well after yesterday, I really needed an easy hike. So I got in the car and drove three hours (enhanced by the two roadwork delays!).

I didn’t remember the distance from the Canyon Creek gate to the trailhead so this time I parked at the Wizard Falls STATE fish hatchery. The good ol’ Oregon state government is not shut down.

I took it very slow and careful and was able to complete the hike. Of course had my body been in tip top shape, and perhaps the drive been a bit shorter, there are other trails on both sides of the river that could have been added. But this is about getting to spend time outdoors instead of recuperating in the hotel room. I’ll even skip my complaints about all of this dreadful sunshine. But stay tuned tomorrow when I’ll be back to my usual whining.

After my hike I strolled around the hatchery and fed some fish in the settling pond.

My return trip was slightly shorter. Well it was the same route; it just took me a little less time to get back. Of course I already did know that it’s not exactly the fastest, easiest state highway. I’ve been on it before. I’ve never spent any time exploring any places along the route though, so I have a few places that I plan to visit later this week. I have no idea what they’ll actually be like. Not to mention that they’re actually closed due to the federal shutdown as well as at least one being closed for the season. I just wanted to be able to actually get out of the car to take a look around since the area is pretty (when you can spare a second to glance away from the road, which isn’t often). So I guess I just spent more time writing about what I haven’t yet done than I did writing about what I did today. Maybe that’s because it was more of a day just spent outdoors than a day getting any good pictures. Or maybe it’s because sometimes I just don’t have a whole lot to say.