Week 714 - The Road to Joseph - 04-19-2020

The Road to Joseph

Joseph, Oregon that is. Joseph is not on your way. You have to decide you want to go there. Our road to Joseph starts in Prineville, Oregon. If you haven't been to Oregon, you probably haven't even heard of Prineville. Many know of Bend, Oregon. Prineville is 36 miles northeast of Bend. Our story starts in Prineville.

Approaching Prineville on Hwy 126 is a wonderful experience. You rise up slowly until you crest the hill and get a delightful view of Prineville.

Prineville, a city of 9,253 (2010 census) is the Crook County seat.

The 300 mile road to Joseph is not as lonely as Nevada's US 50. But, it is just as peaceful. There are a few towns of decent size, but the roads between are lovely as these bikers can attest.

The MotherShip enjoys the quiet at Ochoco Lake County Park as much as we do.

Ochoco Reservoir offers boating and fishing . . .

and hiking, hunting, picnicking and camping.

It was just so peaceful, we couldn't stop taking and sharing pictures.

Some RV travelers might make this 300 mile trip in one day or two.

We took five days and loved every minute of it.

We had missed the turn off to the lake park and actually made a U turn and went back.

You might ask "is that a big deal?" It is for us, we rarely go back, but water just makes you happy!

Continuing on Hwy 26 toward Dayville.

The road passes by meadows . . .

through the trees . . .

and the rocks before reaching Dayville.

Dayville, population 149 is a great stop for lunch.

And you meet the nicest people. This is siblings Carl and Sallie who rode their bicycles from Fernandina Beach, Florida (Atlantic Ocean) to Astoria, Oregon (Pacific Ocean). We had lunch with them at the Dayville Cafe. We shared our daily travel routine as they informed us that they ride more miles per day than we do!

Onward, 31 more miles (yes, the same day) toward John Day for our second night on the road. Carl and Sallie are probably 100 miles west of us by now.

The John Day Elks Lodge was great. No hookups, just dry camping. As usual the Elks members are wonderful hosts.

This is a photo of Ellen, Pete and this pooch.

What is Ellen looking at?

One big totem pole.

The original US RV, well preserved.

The MotherShip is a little newer and longer. And, oh yeah, it has bathroom!

Back on these beautiful roads. Hwy 26 to Hwy 7 to US 84 to Hwy 82 to Joseph.

A little mishap on the way. "Did you hear that they laid off 5,000 road workers. Why? They found a way for the shovels to stand up on their own". Do you see anyone working here?

Like all of Oregon, you just keep seeing water.

A nice park along side the river.

This is Eagle Hot Lake RV Park.

Another view of the lilly pads.

And on the 5th day we arrive at Joseph, Oregon.

Joseph, Oregon is perhaps the cutest little tourist town we have ever been to. Next week we'll show you Joseph. Until then, be safe and know you are blessed if you and your loved ones have been spared the virus.

Sheltered with love, Pete, Ellen and Mandy

Photos from July 2011