When Meg and I arrived in La Grande long ago, we had no idea that the Oregon Trail passed through the west side of the Grande Ronde Valley, under the landmark of Mt Emily. It then rises up into the hills to find a way above the Grande Ronde river. Although we have hiked it several times, we had not been on it for quite a while. So, this past Saturday, we headed up into the hills above La Grande to the first trail marker at a saddle where the trail drops down to a spring that provided an oasis for an overnight stay.
As you can see, the wildflowers (mules ear balsam root, yellow lupine, larkspur) are still superb, and in places, the grass nearly waist high. As the wind blew gently, memories also swirled in our minds, of our own travels, and of the remarkable journey of these hard working, enduring/endearing pioneers.
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| mules ear balsam root, yellow lupine |
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| Mt Emily, La Grande |
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| larkspur |
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| Grande Ronde Valley, Mt Emily, Mt Harris |
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| Oregon Trail, La Grande |
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| Mt Emily |
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yellow lupine
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