After a shocking one month break from camping, we headed to Central Oregon to Lake Billy Chinook with our new black dog, Porter, and our camping buddies, Ron & Dario. Our favorite moments are spent in the camper, and we were missing it greatly. Although we have a very comfortable house and quite fantastic back yard/palapa we’ve learned that being on the road is where we’re most at home.
Billy Chinook is one of our favorite spots for scenery in Oregon. As you drive the high desert area of Central Oregon the views are breathtaking. Surrounded by views of many of the mountain ranges of Oegon we head through the rural towns of Madras and Culver, before suddenly dropping down into the canyon, similar in some ways to a mini- Grand Canyon, with the man-made lake at the bottom.
The state park boasts a nice campground with good facilities and a fenced dog park, an unusual feature. Several boat put-ins, a beach area, and store & marina add to the enjoyment.
We chose not to take our boat, regretting that decision later, but did take advantage of one of our favorite experiences at Billy Chinook; hiking to the rim of the canyon. It’s an easy 1-mile, 600 foot elevation hike with astounding views of the lake and the surrounding mountain ranges. We coerced Ron & Dario into taking the hike with us, something they may not have normally agreed to, but Jim was particularly convincing:)
It was an easy weekend with lots of lounging, reading and simply enjoying gorgeous weather in a gorgeous place.
Porter was fantastic! It has been an interesting couple of weeks as we all adapt to new routines and he was a trooper. A great hiker, he also took a swim in the lake and is absolutely in love with being in the camper. Because he was on antibiotics due to a virus from being at the rescue he wasn’t allowed to play at the dog park with the other dogs, much to his dismay, but he greatly enjoyed lying on his bed watching me cook or just hanging out in the open camper doorway watching the day go by. He is going to make a fantastic South American road-tripper!
Refreshed and revived we headed home, newly inspired to keep moving towards the endgame and get on the road for good but first, after the excitement of his first camping weekend with the pack, Porter needed a serious nap.
