Traveling at a Different Pace - Baker City, Oregon

Our recent road trip was an experiment in traveling at a different pace. Instead of bearing down and driving straight through, we decided to pace our selves and take in some sights along the way. In addition to the geocaching I reported on earlier, we chose Baker City, Oregon, as a mid-point stop and left early enough to arrive in town with time to take in some sights.

First we visited the Alder House, which was the home of local publishing tycoon Leo Adler for most of his life. It was built in 1889 and contained most of it original furniture. The upstairs even had the original wall paper.

We also had time to visit the Baker Heritage Museum, the building which was originally a natatorium in the 1920s. There were exhibits on local history and a large collection of rocks and minerals.

We had dinner at the Sumpter Junction Restaurant, which I reported on earlier, and stayed at the local Motel 8, which had an excellent swimming pool and continental breakfast. We also spent some time at the city park, which is traversed by the Powder River and next to the city's library.

Before leaving the area the next day, we stopped at the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center which is precariously perched on a hill overlooking the city and the Oregon Trail which passes near by.

This, incidentally is a can crusher. Or, at least that was what I used it for when I found one as a kid at Rockport when the water level was historically low. Apparently you could also use it to take a wagon wheel on or off. I wish I had kept it.

We got a personal tour of the local flora from a ranger/OSU biology student. We will never look at sage brush in the same way. Next up, Burley, Idaho, and the City of Rocks!