John Day Fossil Beds

 The John Day Fossil Beds National Monument in central Oregon is one of the world’s richest fossil sites, preserving over 40 million years of plant and animal evolution. Its three units—Painted Hills, Sheep Rock, and Clarno—display colorful layers of ash and clay that reveal the story of changing ecosystems, from subtropical forests with crocodiles and palm trees to open grasslands where early horses and saber-toothed cats once roamed. I visited the Sheep Rock Unit, the monument’s largest and most diverse section, renowned for its dramatic blue-green claystone hills and striking rock formations. Here, fossil-rich deposits record more than 30 million years of evolutionary history, showcasing ancient environments where oreodonts, nimravids, and three-toed horses once thrived. Visitors can explore the Thomas Condon Paleontology Center, where fossils are displayed and studied, or hike interpretive trails like Blue Basin and Island in Time, which wind through vividly colored badlands sculpted by volcanic ash and erosion.

The environment 40 million years ago

Plam Frond

Amynodonts, sometimes called ‘Marsh Rhinos,’ are among the most common mammals found in the quarry. These semi-aquatic relatives of modern rhinoceroses likely spent much of their lives in or near the water, feeding on lush vegetation along rivers and wetlands

Around 33 million years ago, Earth entered one of its long cooling trends. Central Oregon, once a lush subtropical landscape, was covered in wet forests, lakes, and swamps—much like the warm, humid environments of today’s southeastern United States.

Many of the trees in the ancient forest are related 

to modern alders, elms, maples and oaks.

Around 29 million years ago, a hungry Pogonodon—sometimes called the ‘false saber-toothed tiger’—lurks in the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to ambush its prey.

Entelodonts were massive omnivores—standing up to six feet at the shoulder—and were distant relatives of pigs and hippos.

20 million years ago

About 15 million years ago, the Mascall Formation records a time when forests retreated and grasslands spread across the land. This savanna-like landscape featured broad floodplains dotted with lakes. In these new environments of grass and scattered woodland, swift, fleet-footed animals began to emerge.

Seven million years ago, a rich grassland ecosystem was preserved within the Rattlesnake Formation. During this time, the region was suddenly engulfed by a massive wall of fiery volcanic debris. In the aftermath of this cataclysm, shrubs and grasses reclaimed the semi-arid landscape, while forests grew along lakes, rivers, and higher elevations. This prairie environment supported great herds of grazers, including now-extinct horses, elephants, rhinos, camels, pronghorns, and deer.

National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center

 The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center is a 23,000-square-foot museum that brings the Oregon Trail to life through dramatic exhibits, life-size displays, multimedia presentations, and living-history programs. Its engaging exhibits highlight the hopes, struggles, and triumphs of the pioneers who made the journey west. Visitors can explore authentic artifacts, immersive dioramas, interactive activities for children, and compelling videos that together provide a vivid and memorable experience of life on the trail.

Not all made it to Oregon

Pioneers on the Oregon Trail faced hard decisions about what to take because space in a covered wagon was limited and every extra pound put a strain on the oxen. Families often had to choose between necessities and sentimental items.

An interesting hands on activity involving loading your wagon.

With the completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869,

 travel along the Oregon Trail declined sharply, as settlers and goods

 could now move westward more quickly, safely, and cheaply by train.

The pioneers would trade with the Indians for goods and food

Emigrants struggled to choose the right time to depart. Wagon trains had to wait until the prairie had dried and firmed after winter snows and spring rains, yet they needed to set out before the summer sun scorched the grasses. Late April to early May proved to be the ideal window to begin the journey.

Thomas Dambo Trolls

 Thomas Dambo is a Danish “recycle art activist” celebrated for his enormous, hand-built wooden troll sculptures made entirely from repurposed materials such as pallets, discarded furniture, and natural debris. These whimsical giants blend art with environmental advocacy, promoting sustainability while sparking wonder and adventure. Each troll has its own name, personality, and folklore-inspired story, inviting visitors into a world of modern mythmaking. Built on-site with the help of local volunteers, Dambo’s projects often inspire “troll hunts” in nature, turning the landscape into a playground of discovery.

Bearfoot Frida

I discovered 3 of the 6 Trolls in the Detroit Lakes, MN area

Golden Rabbit

Alexa's Elixir

One of the pages in the book I am holding in the photo above

Fairlawn Mansion

Fairlawn Mansion in Superior, Wisconsin, is a grand 42-room Queen Anne Victorian estate built in 1890 as the opulent home of lumber baron Martin Pattison and his wife Grace and their five children. With its turreted rooflines, ornate woodwork, stained-glass windows, and lavish interiors, it reflects the wealth and style of the Gilded Age.

The library 

The house was wired for electricity

The parlor where guests were received 

Grace's parlor for entertaining the ladies

A black and white photo shows that the families 

dining room table was much larger 

After Martin’s death, Grace moved to California, and the home was converted into a children’s home for the next 40 years. During that period, the walls were painted white, concealing the original wall and ceiling treatments. Today, the house is being restored room by room as funds allow. The first floor has been completed, and work is now progressing on the second floor.

Up to the second floor 

Very spacious hallways 

One of the children's room

Clothing of the period

Martin' bedroom

Grace's bedroom. They have almost the raised $10,00 

need to begin restoration 

This was the billiard room on the third floor ....

and this was the ball room next to it

The serial stairs to the top of the turret

Servants room.

Martin's study on the first floor

The ceiling in Martin's office is the only treatment that was not painted over.