We had a busy day of exploration planned, so we left early after the complimentary breakfast at Hotel Condon to get started on day three of our series of mini road trips. Our first stop was Blue Basin. I had hiked Blue Basin last year during the eclipse, and knew it was worth another visit.
The sun was beating down, but we grabbed some water, Vlad grabbed his hat, and off we went. The most remarkable thing to the casual viewer is the colour of the canyon. I was told that it’s most stunning during a rain, and I believe that. Just imagine the bright colours if the picturesque cliffs here were wet.
We were only a short drive from the gorgeous Thomas Condon Paleontology Center. It was built in 2005 and named after an Oregon scientist who recognized the value of this fossil collection in the 19th century. It is an impressive, modern museum and information center for visitors, as well as an active research center (with windows so you can watch paleontologists at work!). It’s in the middle of No Where Oregon. I’m serious. Part of the reason I love this place is the impressive quality of the facility in a place where there are very few people and the local economy struggles. Thank you thank you to the entity/grant/taxes/ whatever-it-was that made it possible for this facility to be built. It’s top notch.
And it’s certainly money well spent. By geologic and climactic chance, this region reveals 40 million years of fossils in one spot. Yes, fossils have been found here as old as 44 million years old, and fossils as new as 7 million years old, and lots of stuff in between. What an incredibly valuable resource to be able to track the change over time. In fact, fossil collections around the world that span only a couple million years will send samples here for comparison and confirmation of age. This period is after the dinosaurs, with tropical plants like avocados and animals like three-toed horses.
We arrived at the Paleontology Center as a ranger was beginning his talk. He explained the significance of the place, and how it was found after erosion exposed the fossils and locals began talking about it. It was a famous place for awhile, and scientists flocked here to excavate and collect. He passed fossils around while he talked, so we could handle them.
After the talk we went inside and explored the museum, watched a movie, and spied on the research facilities. We went out to the Jeep again to hit the road and hit the next stop.
Ok. Disclaimer. I love the Painted Hills. I’m telling you: such wonderful photographic opportunities. So I’m just gonna post a string of photos, and you’re going to deal with it.
By this time it was late in the afternoon and we were ready for home. We left and drove through thunder, lightning, and downpours for much of the return journey. As any proper forecaster would be: we were both delighted.
Conscious Engagement 
More splendidly artistic photography. Thank you for my flowers 🙂
I was happy to get some flowers for you while we were out, ha ha! The clever shots don’t always work, but I have fun trying to get them. Vladimir is getting used to waiting for me while I sit on the ground and crouch under shrubs with my camera.
A patient partner is a requisite 🙂
Oooh my, what beauty! You can always post as many photos as your heart desires, especially if they are as gorgeous as these. And I love that boardwalk! I’d find it hard to resist the temptation. 🙂
I appreciate the reassurance! I was going through all the photos I had chosen for the blog, thinking, “This is way too many! But how do I choose?” It’s a dilemma I’m often faced with, ha ha. For some reason that boardwalk appeals to me too. I wasn’t tempted to walk on the Painted Hills, but I really wanted to touch them. Like, press my whole palm onto the crunchy surface and experience that, and then take little pieces and crush them between my fingers. Guess it’s the little kid in me.
Wonderful photos – I would love to explore this place – and thanks for the cicada… Love
Your painted hills remind me a little of the painted desert in Arizona. I’m sure you’ve been there. They don’t even want you to get out of the car there. People are so bad about taking things from the area as well as the Petrified Forest which is right next to it. Beautiful scenery though.
You know, I’m not sure if I’ve ever been to the painted desert of AZ. I might have to add that to my To Do list. I generally enjoy anything in Arizona that I see. It’s such a beautiful state. And a petrified forest is also an interest.