Long Weekends!

Don't you just love those long three day weekends?

I know I do!

My only problem is I try to do so many things!

The past three day weekend was filled to the brim!

Friends from Central Oregon surprised me with an unexpected visit Friday!

So much fun to catch up on all of the Central Oregon news!

Made me a little home sick....but north eastern Oregon is so enchanting!

My joy is found exploring, photographing, hiking, and painting!

I enjoyed taking a new friend exploring over the weekend.

One of my favorites is the Ghost Town of Whitney!

I get lost in the quiet and the surrounding valley!

The mountains surrounding the grand valley create an ever ending frame for such a picturesque area.

The area is filled with history from not that long ago.

In the summer months the valley is filled with Elk, Antelope, Otters, Beavers and thousands of birds.

The old barn and corrals are still used today. 

The barn creeks with sounds of the old west. 

You feel as if any moment a cowboy will open the door and say "Howdy"!

The shadows create perfection for a Black & White Photographer.

They create a mystery of the history that once was thriving here.

The entire area of the Blue Mountains, Elk Horn Mountains and the Wallowa's are filled with Adventures!

I am looking  forward to spring and the summer months!

Below is a photo I took last summer of the E & E Mine walls!

Oh ...if they could speak???

The cabin below is still used in Whitney as an Elk Hunting Cabin!

I call the cabin the "Shoot the Bull" cabin!

Below is another cabin that is occupied in Whitney.

I know these people now quite well.

I think they were surprised that a lady was out in the meadow taking photos alone last year.

The couple is filled with wonderful stories and are extremely kind.

Yes...lakes abound in the area and are a true joy to kayak!

I love it! 

The lakes have very few people so you can still hear the sounds of nature!

The Whitney Valley!

After a long weekend of exploring......

I returned home and made a Butternut Squash Soup!

Filled with spinach, kale, onions, radish... the soup

 really topped off a fabulous weekend! 

Well maybe.....You have to have chocolate to end the weekend!

Yes!

Mini Brownie Cakes topped with Chocolate and Kahlua sauce!

Now you know why I LOVE long weekends!

Friends, Adventure, and GREAT FOOD!

Have a Wonderful Evening Everyone!

Your Artist Friend along the Creek,

Jennifer Lake