Every now and then innkeepers get the chance to goof off and Saturday was one of those. Bill & I drove to the Cow Creek Trailhead along the Imnaha River in Northeastern Oregon to attempt a 4.2 mile hike to the confluence of the Imnaha and Snake Rivers. Nothing too strenuous (it's pretty flat), but a milestone for us. We've attempted this hike twice in years past and never succeeded (ran out of daylight being the biggest problem).
What a glorious day! The hike itself was beautiful. Upon reaching the Snake River we feasted on a small lunch, including a screw-cap 25 cl bottle of French table wine we'd brought home nearly 10 years ago (and still drinkable).
A quick nap under the shade of a tree closest to the river and we were off again on the return trip, only to be greeted by light raindrops along the way. Near the end of the hike we encountered a rather large bull with his cows and calves. It did take us a minute or so to size up the situation and continue. That the bull was pawing the ground was a little unnerving, although we finally decided that he was giving himself a dustbath (!).
Hi-ho, back to the Tahoe we go! Hips a little sore for the wear, but two tired and happy innkeepers returning to Joseph to prepare for the next day's arriving guests.
A Few Words
- Heather
- Joseph, Oregon, United States
- Innkeeper of the Bronze Antler Bed & Breakfast in the wonderful little town of Joseph in Northeastern Oregon
1 comment:
That is a good hike you described. I haven't done it for about 25 years, but our scout troop from La Grande used to do that one every year. The hike was always fairly easy, and it was always fun.
I never ran into any cattle down that trail, but often times there would be a snake sunning in the trail. The only way to get around it would be to find or cut a long stick with a fork in it, creep up, and flip the snake. Three times this had to be done, and all three times it was just a bull snake. Whew!
I have had two left knee surgeries in 00 and 04, and I had a spinal fusion (L4 and L5) last March... I haven't attempted much hiking in the last five years, but maybe it's time to get the legs in shape and try it again. Thanks for reminding me about the Snake River hike down the Imnaha!
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