This week the rain settled in over Central Oregon, at times mixed with flakes of snow.
Then Thursday morning we woke to half an inch on the front walk. Not so unusual for a High Desert April, but still.
Also typical in Central Oregon is the sun’s return to mitigate the drizzle. Often the shift is within minutes of the other.
We managed to complete the pergola painting ahead of ‘winter’s’ brief return.
One warmish and sunny day we drove a loop through the Crooked River Canyon.
Expecting wet weather we prepared for rain, but didn’t bring the picnic basket or fishing gear.
A herd of mule deer forded the river just below a spot we’d pulled over to grab some photos for this blog.
A sign the seasons are shifting was increased activity along the Crooked River.
The green is appearing to come back into the canyon walls. Willow buds and wildflowers have starting to show color in the riparian.
We were serenaded from a rock outcropping by a pair of Canada Geese blasting what seemed like a distress call.
Over what? We never determined, but we did eventually see them fly downstream.
There were a few different species of duck ferrying up and down the river, most in flocks of 8 or 10.
Seems they are getting ready to find a mate, nest and rear fledglings.
We actually pulled into a few different sites on the drive down to Prineville. Few people on the stream or in the camp sites made it a perfect time to scout new stopping points.
The day was topped off with a Tastee Treet cheese burger and fries before heading back home to projects still waiting.