It was about a 4 hour drive to Hells Canyon Dam.
Here we are behind the visitor's center
getting ready to descend the stairs to hike along the river's shore.
Hells Canyon from the start of the trail.
We stopped to play down by the river among the rocks.
Shane and Deanne on the hike back
There were spiders everywhere. Big and creepy looking ones.
The water upstream of the dam was a really pretty green.
We drove to Halfway, Oregon and got our stuff unloaded into our cabin.
After dinner, we drove a short way up to the town of Cornucopia.
Although it was touted as a ghost town, these were the only 2 ghostly
looking buildings in the very small town, the rest of the buildings were occupied
with conspicuously posted "no trespassing" signs.
The next day, we drove back to the dam to go on a jet boat tour.
Getting ready to head out.
The old life jackets were most uncomfortable,
but we were obliged to wear them through the rapids.
We stopped along the way to hike up to an old homestead.
The walls were wallpapered with old newspapers.
The view from the hike back down.
Once through the rapids, we were allowed to take off our life jackets, much to everyone's relief.
You can't tell how windy it is by looking at Justin's hair,
but take a look at Deanne's below and you get a better idea.
Another stop along the way.
We stopped for lunch here. The kids also got a chance to play in the water.
Most of the time was spent jumping off rocks.
...or throwing justin off rocks
Eventually, Garrett and Justin moved from jumping off rocks, to jumping off the boat.
Further upstream, we stopped again to let the kids swim.
There was a large inlet of warm water to play in.
Looking over the inlet
Nearing the end, our guide let each of the kids drive the boat.
The other passengers were a little wary, but went along.
After the boat tour, we drove over the mountain to Joseph, Oregon.
Here we are at Wallowa Lake
The shore along the bottom end of the lake
There was a young eagle sitting up in the tree watching us.
Playing along the lake shore
Waiting to go on a trail ride.
Erika and Shane mounted up and ready to go
We rode along the road to reach the trailhead.
Entering the trail
We climbed about 1500 feet and had a great view of the lake --
all without breaking a sweat. Something we are not used to backpacking.
Nearing the end of the trail.
Playing at the lake again.
Shane's makeshift shade cover
They were collecting driftwood in an attempt to build a raft.
A team effort at dam building
It started getting chilly as the sun set behind the mountain
Playing mini golf
Garrett playing his own version of mini pool
We stayed one night in this small cabin.
But with one hide-a-bed sagging almost down to the floor
and the refrigerator not working, we stayed in another cabin the next night.
This one was great for playing hide and seek
Paddleboarding on Wallowa Lake
Garrett had a very mischievous look on his face, so I kept the camera ready...
No surprise there
Deanne rode along with me and Shane
Then the other kids started doubling up
Garrett swiping paddles and stranding people out on the lake.
Again, not much of a surprise.
Showing off my handy sunblock work
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