October 4, 2024 -- Crooked River Gorge And Smith Rock

Madras, Oregon

October 4, 2024

A fellow working the desk at the Quality Inn suggested this itinerary to me today.

I dove in, a bit hesitant as the forecast was for clouds and wind. And while those were the conditions, it was still a spectacular wander. I spent about two hours hiking through Smith Rock -- a great combination of Zen and exercise.

A video about the geology of Central Oregon:

And specifically about Smith Rock:

Note: I met a fellow named John from Washington state on a trail at Smith Rock. He is retired and on his own two-week walkabout in his minivan. He told me about this fellow -- Nick Zentner -- and that he has a number of good videos on YouTube about the the geology of areas of the PNW. Mr. Zentner is a geology professor.

John informed me that Smith Rock is part of a caldera. This whole area shows signs of volcanoes -- from the basalt rock to the dramatic uplifts -- that is what I call them. In geology they might be called fault lines?

So much to do here. Madras is filled with nice people and while it might not win any awards for beauty, I feel comfortable here. I've been to the sushi place now three times and each time I have ordered the mango summer roll. HUGE serving. Filling and I think healthy. The two ladies recognized me the third time and expect to see me again tomorrow. They are probably right.

I'm tired this evening (it is 6 pm). It has been nice to slow down here and use my hotel room as a home base to explore the area from. Undecided about staying tomorrow night but I probably will. $89 for a decent room is hard to turn down. Saving money by doing my laundry in the bathtub -- that's a first for me!