The Painted Hills and Sheep Rock Unit (both in the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument) are exquisite. A perfectly timed brief mid-morning thundershower made the colors even more vibrant.
The Overlook Trail
The vibrant colors of the Painted Hills
Sheep Rock Canyon
A Unique Find in John Day
In the town of John Day, we visited Kam Wah Chung State Heritage Site, a perfectly preserved 19th-century Chinese apothecary. The building also housed a general store, cookhouse, bunkhouse, and bootleg liquor/gambling enterprise.
Kam Wah Chung
Two 18-year-old Chinese immigrants bought, lived, and did business for more than 50 years in the ramshackle structure. One became a doctor renowned for his healing abilities. The other was a businessman with a generous, community-minded spirit. It was a tough life, but they ended up earning the respect and affection of the community.
A bear paw on the apothecary counter. A desiccated orange and sticks of incense on the family altar. A box of Wheaties in the kitchen next to a bottle of soy sauce. It’s a fascinating place, a slice of exotic history in a barren, remote locale.
The apothecary
An altar, perfectly preserved
I love that part of Oregon, and your beautiful photos do it justice.
Thanks, Laurie. The thunderstorm really enhanced the colors in the Painted Hills.
Beautiful pictures, not exactly sure where this is, maybe not far from Sisters. We have been to Sisters but missed this area.
Penny, the Painted Hills are a couple of hours from Sisters. I didn’t realize how beautiful it was until we were in the midst of it.
I used to skip school and go out to the Painted Hills…all year round…looks so sensual..Earth Mother flesh…oh did I mention I was a teacher in nearby Redmond…Enjoy and we’ll all enjoy vicariously!
I need to hear more of those stories! Must have been interesting in winter.
Wow! What amazing colors! Looks like you really must have painted them.
It is amazing — wish you could be here with us. xo