10/28, Sunday afternoon. Oregon Mycological Society's annual fall mushroom show is held again at World Forest Center. $5 entrance fee. I enjoyed the food samples, but didn't like the long line. Difference recipes were showcased today at different times. After 4pm, crowd thinned out, and I was able to eat a bit more of the soup and the egg custard. I inquired about cooking chicken-of-the-woods. Yes, quite a few vendors, and two tables for ID-ing mushroom with microscopes, and various intricate tools.
I went to all 3 talks at 1, 2, 3pm (the schedule was not published ahead of time), each about 30-40 minutes. The first is by Faye, a pharmacist at Oregon Poison Center. One useful phone #: 1-800-222-1222 which leads you to Poison Control Center. Milk thistle is useful if you digest some poison. Induce gag is not recommended, especially when taking charcoal.
2nd talk is mushroom id basic. Good to refresh.
3rd talk is by Peter McCoy, owner of Radical Mycology, on cultivating shitake. He recommended this PDF of Best Management Practices for Log-Based Shiitake Cultivation from Cornell's mushroom info sheet. Peter talked through the process, showed us the tools used to grow mushroom (saw dust), inoculate shitake on clean logs (oak is the best, next alder and maple), wax the end and holes to keep the moisture, and reduce other infection. Then, wait for 18 months, soak and fruit.
Sunday, October 28, 2018
Saturday, October 27, 2018
2018.10.27. Valley of the Giant with Build Local Alliance
10/27, Saturday. Cloudy to rain. I don't remember how I knew about this outing, as I had never heard of Build Local Alliance. It was on my calendar since early September, titled as "A Walk in the Woods: from Industrial Trees to the Ancient". I reserved a rental car for this weekend. A week before the event, I received a reminder email, together with contact info. I responded that I was to pick up a rental car at 8am (when the rental office opens), and may run a few minutes late (9:30 rendezvous in Fall City). Ben from Zena Forest suggested me contacting Peter in Portland for a ride, and cc'ed Peter. Thus I got a ride, together with Lynn from Sustainable Northwest Wood. It turned out I enjoyed the ride as much as the walk. Peter turned out to be a local forest farmer, a board member of BLA, extremely knowledgeable and amicable. Some discussion between him (wood producer) and Lynn (wood wholesaler) is interesting. Coincidently, both of them play in some band.
I arrived early (as usual, when I need a ride). Peter and his pickup truck arrived on time (he lives close by). Lynn drove here, about 7-8 minutes late. Then we had to find her a parking space. When we arrived at Fall City ~9:15, a few cars were already there, with Ben holding a list of attendees, and 3 experts. Total about 10 adults, 3 kids, a few no-shows, + organizers.
First stop is one of the many newly logged sites in the area. From Norman Johnson, professor of forest policy and management, I learned some Oregon logging rules: clear cut cannot be more than 120 acres. Every acre, there has to be n trees, some standing log. Rotation is usually 35 years. Debora Johnson pointed out the Salal and Oregon Grapes on the ground, which will be killed by the general practice of spraying herbicide.
Our 2nd stop is to admire a reforested slope, all young trees looking quite healthy.
3rd stop is the former lumber town Valsetz. Peter led the group sing a song of Valsetz, which I'm unable to find it online. A short distance north, where we can see is Laurel Mountain, which I was told to be the 2nd wettest place in US's lower 48.
Finally we made to Valley of the Giant. At the one and only picnic table across the bridge, Gordon Reeves, fish biologist for the PNW Research Station, talked about salmon and trout's freshwater habitats: the land above the creek bed. After lunch, we walked the 1 mile loop amidst pristine forest, where we can admire many old trees, mostly Douglas Fir and some Hemlock. Of course plenty younger trees, and alders and vine maples to add a bit of color. I overheard that this pocket of old growth forest was spared due to a surveyor's mistake. I was looking out for mushrooms, but only found some chicken-of-the-woods. The mother of 2 kids found one young chanterelle. Did meet a few other walkers, maybe ~10.
The road here is gravel, in reasonable shape. Maybe 25 miles, but takes 1:15 hours. The pavement stops very soon west of Fall City.
I was dropped off in downtown ~5pm. Raining. My first time cooking chicken-of-the-wood. They are dry. Tastes more like wood than chicken. May be only good in a soup. I probably won't be bothered with them again.
I arrived early (as usual, when I need a ride). Peter and his pickup truck arrived on time (he lives close by). Lynn drove here, about 7-8 minutes late. Then we had to find her a parking space. When we arrived at Fall City ~9:15, a few cars were already there, with Ben holding a list of attendees, and 3 experts. Total about 10 adults, 3 kids, a few no-shows, + organizers.
First stop is one of the many newly logged sites in the area. From Norman Johnson, professor of forest policy and management, I learned some Oregon logging rules: clear cut cannot be more than 120 acres. Every acre, there has to be n trees, some standing log. Rotation is usually 35 years. Debora Johnson pointed out the Salal and Oregon Grapes on the ground, which will be killed by the general practice of spraying herbicide. 
Our 2nd stop is to admire a reforested slope, all young trees looking quite healthy.3rd stop is the former lumber town Valsetz. Peter led the group sing a song of Valsetz, which I'm unable to find it online. A short distance north, where we can see is Laurel Mountain, which I was told to be the 2nd wettest place in US's lower 48.
Finally we made to Valley of the Giant. At the one and only picnic table across the bridge, Gordon Reeves, fish biologist for the PNW Research Station, talked about salmon and trout's freshwater habitats: the land above the creek bed. After lunch, we walked the 1 mile loop amidst pristine forest, where we can admire many old trees, mostly Douglas Fir and some Hemlock. Of course plenty younger trees, and alders and vine maples to add a bit of color. I overheard that this pocket of old growth forest was spared due to a surveyor's mistake. I was looking out for mushrooms, but only found some chicken-of-the-woods. The mother of 2 kids found one young chanterelle. Did meet a few other walkers, maybe ~10.The road here is gravel, in reasonable shape. Maybe 25 miles, but takes 1:15 hours. The pavement stops very soon west of Fall City.
I was dropped off in downtown ~5pm. Raining. My first time cooking chicken-of-the-wood. They are dry. Tastes more like wood than chicken. May be only good in a soup. I probably won't be bothered with them again.
Friday, October 26, 2018
2018.10.24-27. Director Chat at Powell's
10/25-26. I went to Powell's City of the Books at lunch time twice to listen to Directors' Chat of Portland File Festival. I was, as usual, very late. I could only comment on the 2nd half (audience Q/A) of the chat. I really enjoyed the panel on Thursday. ~5 women (more or less new directors) and 1 guy (over 30 year in the field). The moderator is a man. It was interesting to hear from every one how they fund their films. All quite candid. Friday's panel is much bigger, 12 women 1 guy. They ended up emphasizing the importance of having women or other minorities in the creative process, instead of talking about film itself. One elderly gentleman (also in the same trade) in the audience commented on this, and encouraged the ladies to continue what they do, while acknowledging that the change (male dominance) is slow. For some reason, the female panel "attacked" him. I found it disconcerting. This left me a sour taste, and I left before they stopped arguing for nothing.
Sunday, October 21, 2018
2018.10.20-21 Paradise Park - Mississippi Head loop
Unseasonably warm and dry weather for almost 2 weeks now. High in the mid 70°s and low around 40°F in the city. I have to squeeze in another overnighter before the rain finally drops on us for the next 6 month. I was invited to 3 day backpack trip this weekend, but last trip's low temperature still chills me. I also didn't want to take a day off. I got home ~10pm Friday, looking over my maps and the latest forecast: 40°F Saturday night at Timberline, unbelievably warm at 6000'. Air stagnation in our area until Monday. No wind isn't bad. I decided to camp at Paradise Park, then to Mississippi Heads and scramble above Zigzag Canyon, and back from the ski lift.
10/20, Saturdayy. 66F when I arrived at Timberline Lodge at 2:30pm. Quite a lot of bikers. Mt Hood Express hauls a rack behind it, where you can secure your bike. On the way, I noticed that my Kindle was about to run out of battery. A bummer. What to do during the 13 hour long night? While filling water at the day lodge, I realized that I didn't bring any hydration tablet. It felt like summer. I started to sweat soon after I started hiking. Slowed down a bit. There's no rush. My destination is only 5-6 miles away. More downhill than up.
I have done Paradise Park from Timberline Lodge hike many times before, but always as a day hike. A beautiful day today. A bit hazy in the distance. Fall color was fading. Mountain ash had lost most leaves. Their red berries still made good photo here at Zigzag Canyon. Quite many day hikers, and 3 backpackers coming out and passed one backpacking dad with a toddler going in.
When I arrived at Spit Rock 2.5 hours on the trail, I found it very dry. Back at the creek, where about 3 parties already set up tents, I filled water by the narrow creek. Then I scrambled up a couple of hundred feet on to the ridge SE of the creek bed. Not entirely flat, but I had a commanding view of the whole area and the tents below. Can see Jefferson to the south and St Helens to the north. I was alone, so I could play my podcast without a headphone (forgot to bring one). 
Sun was setting before I could pitch my tent: too busy snapping photos. Red glow after the sun set. Jefferson and Helens are more clear with the red light. I cooked dinner under the bright 3/4 moon. Had to wait after moon set at 3am to see all the stars. Lights of the city glows below.
I went to bed ~9:30pm. Didn't set alarm clock, since I didn't need to get up early. Warm night, maybe even warmer than 40°F. When I got up to see stars, the western skyline was visible. Not a dark sky even after the moon set.
10/21, Sunday. 7:30 sunrise. Paradise Park is on the west side of Hood. Not much sunrise to see. I took time to eat breakfast and pack up. Walked around, found flatter spots 50m east of my cooking rock. Many beargrass here. Should come back when they are in bloom. I ate too much, trying to lighten my load. Brought way too much food and clothes.
9am, I headed up, towards Mississippi Head. Followed the ridge line, seeing footprints at times. This is my favorite part of this weekend's loop. Gentle slope, covered with vegetation, some huckleberries, lots of beargrass. More pleasant than the ridge directly above Split Rock. At 6500', grass gives away to rock. Scree fields all over. Nothing very steep, but dusty. Picking route as I went, stopping from time to time to check my location on the GPS maps (I downloaded from 3 sources!).
I didn't drop down to Mississippi Head, so didn't see the crashed propeller. I was concerned about my 1.5L water and the warm temperature. 
Finally close to Zigzag Glacier, I could stand on a snow patch. Too hard to scoop into my water bottle, but not too hard nor slippery to walk on. I brought microspikes, but didn't use them. Had an early lunch here. Took my boots off and rest.
I followed one trio report to keep up till about 8000'. No snow left, all looked desolate. At the top of Zigzag Canyon, which is not below Zigzag Glacier, but 2 gullies east, another snowfield. Once crossed the top of Zigzag Canyon, all is straightforward, but not interesting, nor pretty. 
Pretty soon (~10 minutes), I could see the ski lifts. I started to walk diagonally down hill, going over rocks and gullies, until the mid station of the Palmer Lift. There, I found boot track again, and more or less followed it down. 
Soon, I saw other hikers at Silcox Hut.
I reached the lodge ~1:10pm. Cleaned up, bought a beer (a Cloud Cap amber) - took a while (very busy). Sat on one of these lounge chairs facing Hood, waiting for my bus at 2:45pm. The beer costs more than the RT bus fare to get here. Consider it a contribution to Timberline Lodge so it'll keep funding MHX and provide clean bathrooms to everyone. 61°F.
Both MHX and SAM I rode this afternoon turn on AC. Unnecessary. 70°F in Portland. Fall color was quite good on Hwy-26.
An enjoyable and relatively easy weekend out in the wild. Something new. Total about 11-12 miles. Beautiful days. Packed too many clothes and food. I'll do this loop again earlier in the season, when flowers bloom and more snow in the upper section so to cover the rocks. However, Paradise Park may be too busy in the summer.
10/20, Saturdayy. 66F when I arrived at Timberline Lodge at 2:30pm. Quite a lot of bikers. Mt Hood Express hauls a rack behind it, where you can secure your bike. On the way, I noticed that my Kindle was about to run out of battery. A bummer. What to do during the 13 hour long night? While filling water at the day lodge, I realized that I didn't bring any hydration tablet. It felt like summer. I started to sweat soon after I started hiking. Slowed down a bit. There's no rush. My destination is only 5-6 miles away. More downhill than up. 
I have done Paradise Park from Timberline Lodge hike many times before, but always as a day hike. A beautiful day today. A bit hazy in the distance. Fall color was fading. Mountain ash had lost most leaves. Their red berries still made good photo here at Zigzag Canyon. Quite many day hikers, and 3 backpackers coming out and passed one backpacking dad with a toddler going in.
When I arrived at Spit Rock 2.5 hours on the trail, I found it very dry. Back at the creek, where about 3 parties already set up tents, I filled water by the narrow creek. Then I scrambled up a couple of hundred feet on to the ridge SE of the creek bed. Not entirely flat, but I had a commanding view of the whole area and the tents below. Can see Jefferson to the south and St Helens to the north. I was alone, so I could play my podcast without a headphone (forgot to bring one). 
Sun was setting before I could pitch my tent: too busy snapping photos. Red glow after the sun set. Jefferson and Helens are more clear with the red light. I cooked dinner under the bright 3/4 moon. Had to wait after moon set at 3am to see all the stars. Lights of the city glows below.I went to bed ~9:30pm. Didn't set alarm clock, since I didn't need to get up early. Warm night, maybe even warmer than 40°F. When I got up to see stars, the western skyline was visible. Not a dark sky even after the moon set.
10/21, Sunday. 7:30 sunrise. Paradise Park is on the west side of Hood. Not much sunrise to see. I took time to eat breakfast and pack up. Walked around, found flatter spots 50m east of my cooking rock. Many beargrass here. Should come back when they are in bloom. I ate too much, trying to lighten my load. Brought way too much food and clothes. 
9am, I headed up, towards Mississippi Head. Followed the ridge line, seeing footprints at times. This is my favorite part of this weekend's loop. Gentle slope, covered with vegetation, some huckleberries, lots of beargrass. More pleasant than the ridge directly above Split Rock. At 6500', grass gives away to rock. Scree fields all over. Nothing very steep, but dusty. Picking route as I went, stopping from time to time to check my location on the GPS maps (I downloaded from 3 sources!).
I didn't drop down to Mississippi Head, so didn't see the crashed propeller. I was concerned about my 1.5L water and the warm temperature. 
Finally close to Zigzag Glacier, I could stand on a snow patch. Too hard to scoop into my water bottle, but not too hard nor slippery to walk on. I brought microspikes, but didn't use them. Had an early lunch here. Took my boots off and rest.
I followed one trio report to keep up till about 8000'. No snow left, all looked desolate. At the top of Zigzag Canyon, which is not below Zigzag Glacier, but 2 gullies east, another snowfield. Once crossed the top of Zigzag Canyon, all is straightforward, but not interesting, nor pretty. 
Pretty soon (~10 minutes), I could see the ski lifts. I started to walk diagonally down hill, going over rocks and gullies, until the mid station of the Palmer Lift. There, I found boot track again, and more or less followed it down. 
Soon, I saw other hikers at Silcox Hut. 
I reached the lodge ~1:10pm. Cleaned up, bought a beer (a Cloud Cap amber) - took a while (very busy). Sat on one of these lounge chairs facing Hood, waiting for my bus at 2:45pm. The beer costs more than the RT bus fare to get here. Consider it a contribution to Timberline Lodge so it'll keep funding MHX and provide clean bathrooms to everyone. 61°F.Both MHX and SAM I rode this afternoon turn on AC. Unnecessary. 70°F in Portland. Fall color was quite good on Hwy-26.
An enjoyable and relatively easy weekend out in the wild. Something new. Total about 11-12 miles. Beautiful days. Packed too many clothes and food. I'll do this loop again earlier in the season, when flowers bloom and more snow in the upper section so to cover the rocks. However, Paradise Park may be too busy in the summer.
Saturday, October 20, 2018
2018.10.20. Photographer Gerry Ellis at Pro Photo Supply
10/20, Saturday 10am. Lumix and Pro Photo hosts wildlife photographer and filmmaker Gerry Ellis in two session. The 2nd one is at 1pm. After the talk, there'll be a demo of Lumix gears in the store. But I had to leave before he finished in order to catch a bus which runs only every 2-3 hours.
I really enjoyed this talk. Ellis told us why he chose Lumix GH series (5x stabilizer, 4K video at 60 frames/s, compact size) and how he packs and uses his equipment in the field. He showed his carry-on backpack with everything he needed for any project. In his camera bag: 3 lenses (7-14mm, 35-100, 100-400), a spare camera body, Syrp 10 stop ND filter, Syrp tripod head, Syrp panning motion Ginie Mini, batteries. He carries a camera and Gorilla Pod in hand. The rest of his carry-on bag holds a Luci lamp, microphones, flash, a small harness, and various other gears I don't understand. He also passed around some of these - the camera is still too heavy for my liking. He also recommended a YouTube camera review DSLR Video Shooter.
I really enjoyed this talk. Ellis told us why he chose Lumix GH series (5x stabilizer, 4K video at 60 frames/s, compact size) and how he packs and uses his equipment in the field. He showed his carry-on backpack with everything he needed for any project. In his camera bag: 3 lenses (7-14mm, 35-100, 100-400), a spare camera body, Syrp 10 stop ND filter, Syrp tripod head, Syrp panning motion Ginie Mini, batteries. He carries a camera and Gorilla Pod in hand. The rest of his carry-on bag holds a Luci lamp, microphones, flash, a small harness, and various other gears I don't understand. He also passed around some of these - the camera is still too heavy for my liking. He also recommended a YouTube camera review DSLR Video Shooter.
Monday, October 15, 2018
2018.10.15. Christopher Kimball at Powell's
10/15, Monday. I went to hear Christopher Kimball promoting his new book «Milk Street: Tuesday Night» quick recipes using bold herbs and spices. I subscribe and listen to Milk Street podcast, and I liked him and his co-host Sarah. But today's event left me a negative impression. He seems cold, efficient though, unlike the podcast, he seems to have more compassion.
Sunday, October 14, 2018
2018.10.14 Broken Top half loop
10/14, Sunday. When I arrived at Tam McArthur trailhead (6600'), it was only 19°F. I saddled up, waited to see if it would warm up. But no. I don't think the temperature rose above 40°F today. I headed on to the trail at 8am (still at 19°) hoping to do loop around Broken Top.
The trail starts climbing right away, opposite of Three Creek Lake. But nothing steep. The view of the lake and later the Sisters is obscured by the trees. By the time you reach the rim, the view is incredible. 
However, this is also the end of the official trail, which makes an easy and rewarding short hike if turned back here. Fortunately there's an obvious trail to follow, even has a fork later for horse. The view is expansive all along. The best of today's loop is from here to No Name Lake. But, it was cold and windy.
There are multiple tracks to follow, without any signs. I made a mistake taking a high route, went by Broken Hand too closely. There were some snow from a few days ago, now frozen solid. Very slippery. After negotiated one short stretch, I decided to back track and used a lower track. There're tracks even lower, or maybe that horse trail is an easier approach. I ended up on the ridge north of the lake instead of east. 
The lake is emerald green. Utterly beautiful, in contrast with Broken Top's reddish rock. I hid behind a rock from some of the wind to eat my lunch, and contemplating where to go next. Walked up to the top of the rocky hill first to take some photos. It was difficult to pan the phone with frozen and shaky hands.
Back to my lunch spot, I cut north via Squawk Creek (on my downloaded map, as well as on Google, it was called Whychus Creek). Rocks and open country at first. I really liked this red and yellow rock blocking the creek. 
However, cutting through burned forest is not fun at all. Finally I got on Park Meadow trail. Saw a Hairy(?) Woodpecker. I was not happy to gain elevation again for a few hundred feet, before dropping down to Three Creek Lake.
There were people camped at Driftwood Campground, which I walked by on my way out. Next to the lake. However, you don't see Sisters from here. It was 37°F when I returned to my car ~5pm. It was in mid 40s when I drove back into Sisters. Saw some deer on the way.
I was hoping to get to a nice view for sunset, stopped at a couple of places on the way home, didn't like either of them. So drove straight home.
I really like the first half of my trip. Definitely I'll be back, but need to devise a different route next time.
Much colder than I expected. About 12-14 miles today.
The trail starts climbing right away, opposite of Three Creek Lake. But nothing steep. The view of the lake and later the Sisters is obscured by the trees. By the time you reach the rim, the view is incredible. 
However, this is also the end of the official trail, which makes an easy and rewarding short hike if turned back here. Fortunately there's an obvious trail to follow, even has a fork later for horse. The view is expansive all along. The best of today's loop is from here to No Name Lake. But, it was cold and windy.
There are multiple tracks to follow, without any signs. I made a mistake taking a high route, went by Broken Hand too closely. There were some snow from a few days ago, now frozen solid. Very slippery. After negotiated one short stretch, I decided to back track and used a lower track. There're tracks even lower, or maybe that horse trail is an easier approach. I ended up on the ridge north of the lake instead of east. 
The lake is emerald green. Utterly beautiful, in contrast with Broken Top's reddish rock. I hid behind a rock from some of the wind to eat my lunch, and contemplating where to go next. Walked up to the top of the rocky hill first to take some photos. It was difficult to pan the phone with frozen and shaky hands.
Back to my lunch spot, I cut north via Squawk Creek (on my downloaded map, as well as on Google, it was called Whychus Creek). Rocks and open country at first. I really liked this red and yellow rock blocking the creek. 
However, cutting through burned forest is not fun at all. Finally I got on Park Meadow trail. Saw a Hairy(?) Woodpecker. I was not happy to gain elevation again for a few hundred feet, before dropping down to Three Creek Lake.
There were people camped at Driftwood Campground, which I walked by on my way out. Next to the lake. However, you don't see Sisters from here. It was 37°F when I returned to my car ~5pm. It was in mid 40s when I drove back into Sisters. Saw some deer on the way.I was hoping to get to a nice view for sunset, stopped at a couple of places on the way home, didn't like either of them. So drove straight home.
I really like the first half of my trip. Definitely I'll be back, but need to devise a different route next time.
Much colder than I expected. About 12-14 miles today.
Saturday, October 13, 2018
2018.10.13. Diamond Peak wilderness
10/12, Friday. By the time I drove out (after dinner and shower), it was almost 9pm. Still hit traffic - an accident on I-5, causing 9 min delay (according to Google). Camped out ~midnight. Clear sky, moon already set, excellent stars. ~37°F, @4000'.
10/13, Saturday. First, I visited Salt Creek Falls, 2nd tallest in Oregon. Very nice. A couple of minutes wheelchair accessible trail to the observation deck. Large parking lot, equipped with a wheelchair accessible restroom (3 flush toilets, but no sink to wash). I followed the right trail down to another viewpoint about half way down the canyon. A landslide here, so watch out your footstep right before the viewpoint. On the way back, met a couple with serious cameras and tripod.
When I returned to the parking lot, already 3 cars. I then followed this 2.5 mile loop to see Diamond Falls, anti-clockwise as described. Minor elevation gain and loss. The trail first followed Salt Creek (seems small, consider the big waterfall it produced a few steps downstream), passing a picnic area, wheelchair accessible trail. After crossing the bridge, it's a normal trail, in excellent condition. For some reason I didn't see the Too Much Bear Lake. A few signed viewpoints over the canyon rim to your right, and a glimpse of the Lower Diamond Falls. Took the 1/4 mile spur trail to go down the base of Upper Diamond Falls, signed "Lower Diamond Falls". 
This is a must. A very short section (<5 steps) is very narrow (cannot put both feet side by side). The waterfalls is wide and lovely. It reminds me of Proxy Falls, minus the crowd. I washed a peach and ate in peace. A bit chilly here.
The main trail soon reach a viewpoint to look down the Upper Diamond Creek. Then it goes over this concrete bridge, and on to a road, and sign for Vivian Lake. I backtracked and turned back to the picnic area. Along the way, saw many rhododendrons trees. Probably looks lovely in late spring. Saw a couple more cars. No one used the picnic area, or on the trail. Maybe too early, too cold.
My main objective this weekend is Diamond Peak Loop, which I planned to backpack 2-3 weeks ago (canceled due to weather). When I check the weather at Yoran Lake, it was supposed to be 25°F. Because I was even cold this morning, I abandoned the backpacking idea, and cut the climb. Did a day hike of the loop, but cut the SW corner by cross-country between PCT and Crater Butte Trail, so I can return in daylight. I started ~10am, finished just ~5:45pm.
First I stopped at Shelter Cove Resort to see Odell Lake, which I marked on my map as early Nov for kokanee and bald eagle. Well, I didn't see any. Not fish even in Trapper Creek. Too late? Odell Lake is reputed to have a biggest run of kokanee in the state.
I parked at Trapper Creek TH (~4900'), just a short spur road wide enough to park on both sides. There were about 5 cars there when I arrived ~10am. Trail starts on the other side of the railroad track, a bit to the right of the crossing. Need to fill a permit here. The trail quickly enters Diamond Peak wilderness.
There are countless lakes and tarns along this loop. Very pleasant. However, the trail is mostly wooded. Along PCT has the best view, because it was more or less at tree line. 
I did the loop counter clockwise, and headed in Yoran Lake trail, met a guy with heavy pack coming out. He said it was very cold last night, and he liked the loop. Overtook a couple at an unknown lake before Karen Lake, which is very close to Yoran Lake. The rest of the day, I didn't see anyone until back at my rental car. The main trail ends before Yoran, which has a pink ribbon leading the way. Yoran is the largest of these, even has an island or two. I found a campsite on a butte overlooking the lake. I saw a grouse fluttering away.
After Yoran Lake, and few ribbons, I lost the track altogether. Saw Lils Lake, and a pond. Guided by the GPS map, it was fairly easy to get on PCT, still in the woods, but gaining elevation, until about 7000'. Finally the tree thins and more rocks. Trail is easy to follow. View gets better. Not a whole lot of huckleberry red. The mountain was almost without any snow, so didn't look very pretty. I picked this pond by the trail for lunch break. More brown grass than huckleberry.
I should stay on PCT a mile longer, but I was concerned about short day light. I cut across to Crater Butte Trail, passing a couple more ponds. Not a lot of undergrowth, easy to cross country. Saw this fallen sign at the next trail junction. A better place to cut across while still able to make it back by sunset is via Mountain View Creek: less steep, and can check out the camp-able Mountain View Lake (see my trail map below).
The last major lake along this loop is Diamond View Lake. Water level is low, creating wide muddy shore. Already quite woody here, but does offer a view of the mountain.
Fall is a good time to hike in this area, because bugs here are notorious in summer. However, Diamond Peak now is mostly bare, not as pretty as when clad in white snow. The entire loop is ~24-25 miles without side climb to Yoran Peak or Diamond Peak. I probably shaved off 6-8 miles. Driving distance: ~180 miles one way.
The road on the other side of Odell Lake is too rough. I found a pullout on Hwy-58 for this sunset view.
Trail in good condition. Nothing strenuous. My phone registered 57k steps today (2 trails).
See the map of trails and my track. Ignore the red bold line: juristic boundary.
I drove to Bend hoping to soak in Old St Francis School. Too bad, it closes at 8 for public access. I arrived about 7:45pm :(
After a long bathroom break in Bend, I drove towards next trail head at Three Creeks Lake. But I didn't want to camp at such elevation ~6600'. Picked Whychuts Creek Overlook TH at ~3500'. It has an outhouse. Clean. Another night with clear sky. Good stars. 29°F
10/13, Saturday. First, I visited Salt Creek Falls, 2nd tallest in Oregon. Very nice. A couple of minutes wheelchair accessible trail to the observation deck. Large parking lot, equipped with a wheelchair accessible restroom (3 flush toilets, but no sink to wash). I followed the right trail down to another viewpoint about half way down the canyon. A landslide here, so watch out your footstep right before the viewpoint. On the way back, met a couple with serious cameras and tripod.
When I returned to the parking lot, already 3 cars. I then followed this 2.5 mile loop to see Diamond Falls, anti-clockwise as described. Minor elevation gain and loss. The trail first followed Salt Creek (seems small, consider the big waterfall it produced a few steps downstream), passing a picnic area, wheelchair accessible trail. After crossing the bridge, it's a normal trail, in excellent condition. For some reason I didn't see the Too Much Bear Lake. A few signed viewpoints over the canyon rim to your right, and a glimpse of the Lower Diamond Falls. Took the 1/4 mile spur trail to go down the base of Upper Diamond Falls, signed "Lower Diamond Falls". 
This is a must. A very short section (<5 steps) is very narrow (cannot put both feet side by side). The waterfalls is wide and lovely. It reminds me of Proxy Falls, minus the crowd. I washed a peach and ate in peace. A bit chilly here.
The main trail soon reach a viewpoint to look down the Upper Diamond Creek. Then it goes over this concrete bridge, and on to a road, and sign for Vivian Lake. I backtracked and turned back to the picnic area. Along the way, saw many rhododendrons trees. Probably looks lovely in late spring. Saw a couple more cars. No one used the picnic area, or on the trail. Maybe too early, too cold.My main objective this weekend is Diamond Peak Loop, which I planned to backpack 2-3 weeks ago (canceled due to weather). When I check the weather at Yoran Lake, it was supposed to be 25°F. Because I was even cold this morning, I abandoned the backpacking idea, and cut the climb. Did a day hike of the loop, but cut the SW corner by cross-country between PCT and Crater Butte Trail, so I can return in daylight. I started ~10am, finished just ~5:45pm.
First I stopped at Shelter Cove Resort to see Odell Lake, which I marked on my map as early Nov for kokanee and bald eagle. Well, I didn't see any. Not fish even in Trapper Creek. Too late? Odell Lake is reputed to have a biggest run of kokanee in the state.
I parked at Trapper Creek TH (~4900'), just a short spur road wide enough to park on both sides. There were about 5 cars there when I arrived ~10am. Trail starts on the other side of the railroad track, a bit to the right of the crossing. Need to fill a permit here. The trail quickly enters Diamond Peak wilderness. 
There are countless lakes and tarns along this loop. Very pleasant. However, the trail is mostly wooded. Along PCT has the best view, because it was more or less at tree line. 
I did the loop counter clockwise, and headed in Yoran Lake trail, met a guy with heavy pack coming out. He said it was very cold last night, and he liked the loop. Overtook a couple at an unknown lake before Karen Lake, which is very close to Yoran Lake. The rest of the day, I didn't see anyone until back at my rental car. The main trail ends before Yoran, which has a pink ribbon leading the way. Yoran is the largest of these, even has an island or two. I found a campsite on a butte overlooking the lake. I saw a grouse fluttering away.
After Yoran Lake, and few ribbons, I lost the track altogether. Saw Lils Lake, and a pond. Guided by the GPS map, it was fairly easy to get on PCT, still in the woods, but gaining elevation, until about 7000'. Finally the tree thins and more rocks. Trail is easy to follow. View gets better. Not a whole lot of huckleberry red. The mountain was almost without any snow, so didn't look very pretty. I picked this pond by the trail for lunch break. More brown grass than huckleberry.
I should stay on PCT a mile longer, but I was concerned about short day light. I cut across to Crater Butte Trail, passing a couple more ponds. Not a lot of undergrowth, easy to cross country. Saw this fallen sign at the next trail junction. A better place to cut across while still able to make it back by sunset is via Mountain View Creek: less steep, and can check out the camp-able Mountain View Lake (see my trail map below).
The last major lake along this loop is Diamond View Lake. Water level is low, creating wide muddy shore. Already quite woody here, but does offer a view of the mountain.Fall is a good time to hike in this area, because bugs here are notorious in summer. However, Diamond Peak now is mostly bare, not as pretty as when clad in white snow. The entire loop is ~24-25 miles without side climb to Yoran Peak or Diamond Peak. I probably shaved off 6-8 miles. Driving distance: ~180 miles one way.
The road on the other side of Odell Lake is too rough. I found a pullout on Hwy-58 for this sunset view.Trail in good condition. Nothing strenuous. My phone registered 57k steps today (2 trails).
See the map of trails and my track. Ignore the red bold line: juristic boundary.I drove to Bend hoping to soak in Old St Francis School. Too bad, it closes at 8 for public access. I arrived about 7:45pm :(
After a long bathroom break in Bend, I drove towards next trail head at Three Creeks Lake. But I didn't want to camp at such elevation ~6600'. Picked Whychuts Creek Overlook TH at ~3500'. It has an outhouse. Clean. Another night with clear sky. Good stars. 29°F
Sunday, October 07, 2018
2018.10.7. Small Mouth Sound - a play
10/7, Sunday. Small Mouth Sounds at Artist Repertory Theatre. 6 broken individuals gathered in a silent retreat for 5 days, their interaction with each other (not through words). The guru's voice shines from a loud speaker once awhile.
No intermission. It's very funny. I really like the stage set: it was able to rain! I enjoyed the play, but not its ending. Almost like the playwright Bess Wohl doesn't know how to end. Nor did I like the monolog of the guy who broke his skull in a climbing accident. It's too long, even though nicely delivered by the actor. I also don't understand the purpose of having someone who doesn't speak English. What's the meaning of the last word he uttered: ocean.
No intermission. It's very funny. I really like the stage set: it was able to rain! I enjoyed the play, but not its ending. Almost like the playwright Bess Wohl doesn't know how to end. Nor did I like the monolog of the guy who broke his skull in a climbing accident. It's too long, even though nicely delivered by the actor. I also don't understand the purpose of having someone who doesn't speak English. What's the meaning of the last word he uttered: ocean.
2018.10.7. Lookout Mt via Gumjuwac
10/7, Sunday. The only day with forecasted decent weather moved up, and Saturday turned out to be nicer. I postponed my backpack trip and did a day hike. 7 women, 1 dog and 2 guys (one of them is blind) hiked to Lookout Mt from Hwy-35. Still a couple of weeks away for fall color. On the drive here, more leaves had turned color.
We started around 9:30. Fall color of the undergrowth. I noticed only one larch tree that was starting to turn color. 
That's after the Gumjuwac Saddle. The saddle offers no view, a car parked here. Two ladies went down the wrong trail. We did regroup here on the way down.
I reached the old lookout site around noon, not the first. I forgot my water bottle in the car, so had to stop from time to time to drink the dew from pine needles. When I arrived, despite of the low dark clouds, I could see Hood, Jefferson and the Sisters. To the north, the base of Adams and St. Helens. When Priyanka and the blind Pradeep arrived, only about 30 minutes later, the Sisters disappeared behind the clouds. Then the hail started. I'm glad that I brought my umbrella. I was able to read and eat my sandwich, listening the ice dropping on my umbrella. Didn't hail much. Later, it was misty.
It's eye-opening to witness someone with 0% light perception hike. Yes, he needs a hiking buddy with a bell tied on the leg, walking ahead of him, some verbal cue like "cliff on the right" and "turning left". This trail is not a smooth forest walk. There are rocky sections, and a couple of down trees to climb over/duck under. I was in the car with Pradeep, listening to his plans to get back to mountaineering. He said he could already set up a tent, and do camp chores. He's very cheerful and independent, and he doesn't like to have a guide dog.
We started around 9:30. Fall color of the undergrowth. I noticed only one larch tree that was starting to turn color. 
That's after the Gumjuwac Saddle. The saddle offers no view, a car parked here. Two ladies went down the wrong trail. We did regroup here on the way down.
I reached the old lookout site around noon, not the first. I forgot my water bottle in the car, so had to stop from time to time to drink the dew from pine needles. When I arrived, despite of the low dark clouds, I could see Hood, Jefferson and the Sisters. To the north, the base of Adams and St. Helens. When Priyanka and the blind Pradeep arrived, only about 30 minutes later, the Sisters disappeared behind the clouds. Then the hail started. I'm glad that I brought my umbrella. I was able to read and eat my sandwich, listening the ice dropping on my umbrella. Didn't hail much. Later, it was misty.It's eye-opening to witness someone with 0% light perception hike. Yes, he needs a hiking buddy with a bell tied on the leg, walking ahead of him, some verbal cue like "cliff on the right" and "turning left". This trail is not a smooth forest walk. There are rocky sections, and a couple of down trees to climb over/duck under. I was in the car with Pradeep, listening to his plans to get back to mountaineering. He said he could already set up a tent, and do camp chores. He's very cheerful and independent, and he doesn't like to have a guide dog.
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