Joseph, Oregon

Friday - 27 June 2003: Joseph, Oregon - I am embarrassed to say, this is the first time I have been to The Wallowas. I can't understand why. My parents dragged us to every campground in the Western Hemisphere - except this one, I guess. So, in my 48th year, I discover what must be one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Even the drive was delightful. Not to mention the weather is perfect. As soon as you leave the Interstate, the road begins a slow climb up to the mountains through rolling hills planted in grains, neat farm houses and small towns decorated for the 4th of July. This is Nez Perce land, the tribe of Chief Joseph.

The town of Joseph, Oregon is too cute to even imagine. The townspeople are so friendly. The town is famous for its bronze foundries, and galleries are on every block. Also on every block is an ice cream shop and Espresso bar. Nice bookshops, fly shops, antique shops and restaurants.

Joseph, Oregon

Because of the foundries, there are huge bronze animals everywhere in town! Elk on rooftops, horses on the corners, sheep in doorways... fantastic. We drove into town, on our way to our campsite, and pulled-off to a side street and parked. There were several interesting restaurants, but we chose a "hippy" place, The Old Town Cafe, with pine paneling and a cartography theme. I was served a half-portion of heaven: scrambled egg tossed with home fries, chilies, onion and topped with cheddar. Salsa served on the side.  Delicious coffee. DT had a breakfast burrito, which was basically the same thing I ordered, except wrapped in a tortilla. A fun place, friendly customers and staff, and a delicious and very inexpensive meal.

We walked the streets, looking through a few galleries and reading menus for future meals (burp) and then headed toward Wallowa Lake, where we will be camped for the next several days. The lake sits nestled between mountains, looking very "Alp-like" and the village has taken on a European Alp decorative style. Restaurants and hotels are called "Matterhorn" and "Heidi" like it's their job. Of course, it is adorable, and totally American in in her best "anything you can do, I can do better" habit.

Wallowa Lake

Our campground is very nice, tree-filled, full-service and filled this weekend with Major Hardware - a camping rally for Country Coach and Monaco Coach. Both brands are on the top of our shopping list, so we try to control our drool as we walk about the park. After settling in, we walked down to Wallowa Lake State Park and familiarized ourselves with this nice campground, marina and day-use area. We also visited the Historic Wallowa Lake Lodge, which is being completely restored to her Former Glory. There is an Eagle nesting on the lake shore, and this is causing quite a bit of excitement and daily Ranger Talks. Between our campground and the State Park are no fewer than 4 pubs/restaurants - one serving pizza - so between sampling the Local Fare and driving 6 miles back to Joseph, I don't think we will lack for Sustenance. Tonight, we are staying in and enjoying the sound of the river... and the sound of the music floating over from a wedding rehearsal dinner across the road.

RV Park: Park at the River - Eagle Cap Chalets