I traveled in eastern Oregon last week, first in Ontario where I did several runs and also summited local Malheur Butte, a fun scramble up 400 ft. We scared up a few raptors at the top and had a nice view of some local marshlands. I then saw four white birds with black tipped wings flying below us and immediately wondered what they were, they looked like cranes. Checking Sibley last night they really looked like whooping cranes even though there are only a few hundred of those around anywhere. I guess I won't know for sure.

Highlights of the week also included camping and trail run in Boise National Forest, camping and hike in the Wallowas, visiting Joseph and Enterprise, watching the US World Cup matches and visiting with Jennie and Gavin in Hood River. Saturday morning before returning to Portland I ran in the Backyard Half, an amazing free event put on by the Columbia Gorge Running Club. A good group of us from Portland showed up, above we're enjoying a post-race meal. It was rainy, muddy and hilly and a lot of fun!

Did my first climb with the Mazamas yesterday. We were planning to climb Mt. Washington (in background) in the Olympics but the avalanche danger from the late spring snow and high temps was too great so we climbed neighboring Mt. Ellinor, a less technical route but with a very rewarding summit view of the Olympic mountain range. I'd never been around there before and was amazed at these mountains so close to the coast. I definitely will be back for some more exploring. I've heard Mt. Olympus is a great adventure. We had a fun glissade down which was great practice for me. more photos