Biker Chick Pick: Hells Canyon Motorcycle Rally (July 12-15)

We’re still more than a week away from the official start of Summer, but you can already hear the roar of engines echoing through Eastern Oregon’s deep canyons and pristine landscape. That roar will only grow louder as motorcycle enthusiasts from across the country rev their engines in anticipation of the 14th Annual Hells Canyon Motorcycle Rally.

With a new date (in more predictable mid-July), organizers are estimating 10,000 bikers will descend on Baker City, Oregon for this annual favorite. Among the crowd will be bikers from Iowa, Arizona and Canada.

The Rally will kick-off on Friday, July 12th with a welcome party at Barley Brown’s Baker City Brewing, an award-winning brewery serving up tasty cold brews. It takes place from 7-10 p.m. and admission is free for those with a wristband. Go ahead, pick up a Hot Blonde while you’re there. I’m talking about the beer, you understand. What you do in your personal life is entirely up to you.

Saturday and Sunday are reserved for hitting the open road. There are four official routes and more than enough Eastern Oregon curves to go around. My favorite is the Mountain Course, which winds its way along Highways 82 and 84 and through some of the most spectacular views in Eastern Oregon (Wallowa, Enterprise, Joseph and Halfway to name a few).

Vendor row will be open all three days. On Saturday, be sure to stop by the High Desert Booth to have your bike judged for the Hells Canyon Motorcycle Show. Miss Oregon will be on hand to award trophies at 8 p.m. Saturday on Main Street.

Oh! And FREE shuttle service will be provided for registered riders beginning at 5 p.m. until late into the evening on Friday, with similar hours on Saturday.

You can register for the Hells Canyon Motorcycle Rally here. And find everything you need to know about camping in Baker City here.

Check it out! Hells Canyon’s famous curves and spectacular scenery await.


Other Biker Chick Picks this Summer:

Chief Joseph Rally -- Annual BMW Rally (June 13-16 2013)

Desert Dash Rally (August 16-18 2013)

Bronze Bike Rendezvous (August 16-18 2013)

American Legion Riders -- Blue Pine Rally (September 6-8 2013)

See all upcoming Eastern Oregon motorcycle events

###

Elizabeth Farrar is a writer and communications consultant living in the heart of Eastern Oregon. Elizabeth grew up in Condon, Oregon and graduated from the University of Oregon (Go Ducks!). After a stint in the rough and tumble world of national politics in Washington, DC, Elizabeth returned home to Eastern Oregon’s peace and serenity. She writes the popular blog -- Bella Vita -- about her journey from recovering politico to travel/children's book writer and runs her own communications consulting firm -- Mighty Ripple Consulting LLC. She also enjoys running, reading, drinking Oregon Pinot and bragging about Oregon to all of her friends. 

Mudders Welcome! But are you tough enough for Eastern Oregon?

In just two short weeks, an estimated 6,000 athletes will arrive at Wilson Ranches Retreat to answer one question: Are you tough enough for Eastern Oregon?

Tough Mudder Oregon will kick off on Saturday, June 15th and will take place over two days.

Cows check out the progress of crews building the Tough Mudder course on Wilson Ranches Retreat near Fossil.

Wondering what all this Mudder business is about?

Picture a grueling 10+ mile obstacle course designed by British special forces; complete with 4-foot flames and wires pulsing with 10,000 volts of electricity.

Now imagine it in one of the most stunning and rugged places on the planet: Eastern Oregon.

Mudders aren’t after ribbons or medals, they’re after bragging rights (and the free beer). And if you’re tough enough to finish, you’ve earned them. The Tough Mudder is known as “probably the toughest event on the planet.”

It’s also one of the biggest supporters of the Wounded Warrior Project, raising more than $5 million to assist severely wounded veterans.

Think you’re tough enough for Eastern Oregon? Registration is still open.

Already signed up? We’ve got you covered. Check out our list of places to stay and places to eat, including details for a hearty Tough Enough Breakfast on race day. We’ve also got tips for driving through this tough country of ours, some sweet deals along your way, and a few can’t-miss recovery routes to explore on our Itineraries and Recovery Routes page.

Oh! And one last thing, just in case the bragging rights and free beer weren’t enough, we're offering a chance to share your Eastern Oregon Mudder story.  Simply take a picture of you or your team wearing your Mudder gear anywhere in Eastern Oregon then share it on Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #toughenoughoregon. Who knows, there may be a little Mudder surprise!

Think of it this way, it’s the easiest thing you’re going to do all weekend.   

###

Elizabeth Farrar is a writer and communications consultant living in the heart of Eastern Oregon. Elizabeth grew up in Condon, Oregon and graduated from the University of Oregon (Go Ducks!). After a stint in the rough and tumble world of national politics in Washington, DC, Elizabeth returned home to Eastern Oregon’s peace and serenity. She writes the popular blog -- Bella Vita -- about her journey from recovering politico to travel/children's book writer and runs her own communications consulting firm -- Mighty Ripple Consulting LLC. She also enjoys running, reading, drinking Oregon Pinot and bragging about Oregon to all of her friends. 

Return to the Open Road in Eastern Oregon

It’s that time of year again. The days are getting longer, the wildflowers are in bloom, and, if you listen closely, you can hear the roar of motorcycles echoing down our canyons and through our pristine landscape. Spring has sprung here in Eastern Oregon, and, for savvy motorcycle enthusiasts, it’s the perfect time to return to the open road and enjoy our gorgeous curves.

FOSSIL CAMPOUT
In just two shorts weeks, motorcyclists from all over the Pacific Northwest will rev their engines and hit the road for Bear Hallow and A.B.A.T.E. of Oregon’s 36th Annual Fossil Campout. This year’s event takes place over Memorial Day Weekend (May 24-27) and includes 2 nights of live music (Friday and Saturday), a bike rodeo, poker run, a scavenger hunt, and new this year, stunt bikes.

Tickets are still on sale. To get yours or for more information about this annual event, check out A.B.A.T.E’s 36th Annual Fossil Campout Website. And before you go, be sure to check out some of my nearby biker-friendly recommendations too.

EASTERN OREGON BYWAYS
If you prefer going the solo route, we’ve got plenty of thrilling rides (not to mention spectacular scenery) waiting along Eastern Oregon’s curvaceous byways.

Journey Through Time Scenic Byway: This route passes through the heart of Central and Eastern Oregon with stops as diverse as the world-renowned John Day Fossil Beds and Shaniko, a ‘living‘ ghost town. The Journey Through Time Byway also gives you a taste of Eastern Oregon’s diverse landscape -- take a sidetrip to see our technicolor Painted Hills, stop to marvel at our majestic mountain ranges, and end the day with one of our spectacular sunsets and a cold beer at one of Baker City’s local breweries.

Blue Mountain Scenic Byway: A can’t-miss ride for those who crave the combination of an open road and Oregon’s untamed wilderness. The Blue Mountain Scenic Byway is a showcase of Eastern Oregon’s natural beauty, twisting through the pristine Umatilla National Forest, past sprawling golden wheat and canola fields, and ending at the mighty Columbia River.

Elkhorn Scenic Byway: Mark your calendars and plan to visit this motorcycle enthusiast’s paradise later this summer when the snows melt and the Byway becomes passable. The Elkhorn Scenic Byway has everything you could ask for: curvy roads, magnificent views, and some of Eastern Oregon’s best small towns in between.
  
Hells Canyon Scenic Byway: There’s a reason the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway is a favorite for thousands of motorcycle riders, it’s one of the most beautiful rides in all of Eastern Oregon. Trust us,  that’s saying something. It was nominated for the Rand McNally Best of the Road Contest last year. Be sure to mark your calendar for the annual Hell’s Canyon Motorcycle Rally (July 12-15, 2013).

ADVENTURECATION DEALS FOR MOTORCYCLE ENTHUSIASTS
While you’re enjoying our open roads and gorgeous curves, why not also take advantage of some of our great Adventurecation Deals. All across Eastern Oregon, you can find businesses and attractions that want to offer you a ‘Real Deal.’ Save up to 20% on everything from jetboat trips through Hells Canyon to a round of golf at one of our many beautiful courses.  Check out our Adventurecation Deals here.

Oh, and one last thing, be sure to like Eastern Oregon Visitor’s Association on Facebook for a chance to win your own Adventurecation.

So hit the road and enjoy our gorgeous Eastern Oregon sunshine. Just, please, don’t tell everyone.

###

Meet Elizabeth Farrar

Elizabeth Farrar is a writer, blogger, and communications professional living in the heart of Eastern Oregon. Elizabeth grew up in Condon, Oregon and graduated from the University of Oregon (Go Ducks!). After a stint in the rough and tumble world of national politics in Washington, DC, Elizabeth returned home to Eastern Oregon’s peace and serenity. She writes the popular blog -- Bella Vita -- about her journey from recovering politico to children’s book writer and runs her own communications consulting firm -- Mighty Ripple Consulting LLC. She also enjoys running, reading, drinking Oregon Pinot and bragging about Oregon to all of her friends. 

Brews Byway: Your Passport To Great Beer

It’s no secret that Eastern Oregon is home to some of the most spectacular byways in the country. But did you know we also have the most tasty one too?

Let me explain.

Oregon has long been known as a mecca for beer-lovers, with breweries like Full Sail, Deschutes, Bridgeport and McMenamins becoming icons in the micro-brewing movement. Eastern Oregon brewers represent the next chapter in this great history; offering visitors award-winning brews and a taste of Eastern Oregon’s unmatched natural beauty.
   

The secret’s in the water. Our majestic mountains aren’t just there to look pretty, they also provide a unique filter for our water; infusing it with subtle, one-of-a-kind flavors you won’t find anywhere else in the world. The end result is a great, Eastern Oregon brew.

We know we’ve got something special here, and if you promise not to tell everyone, we’ll let you in on the secret too.

This month, we’re launching a first-in-the-nation Brews Byway showcasing Eastern Oregon’s first-rate breweries. And we’re giving you an exclusive passport to some of the greatest hand-crafted brews in Oregon.

To participate, just download our Brews Byway Passport.

Then visit any four of our seven participating breweries to sample our great, local beers and get your passport stamped. Your reward is not only some top-notch brews and Eastern Oregon’s breathtaking beauty, but an official Brews Byway t-shirt too.

Great beer and a t-shirt? I’ll raise a glass to that.

P.S. Whether you’re visiting the Brews Byway by car, bike, or horse, please do so safely and remember to never drink and drive/ride.

###

Meet Elizabeth Farrar

Elizabeth Farrar is a writer, blogger, and communications professional living in the heart of Eastern Oregon. Elizabeth grew up in Condon, Oregon and graduated from the University of Oregon (Go Ducks!). After a stint in the rough and tumble world of national politics in Washington, DC, Elizabeth returned home to Eastern Oregon’s peace and serenity. She writes the popular blog -- Bella Vita -- about her journey from recovering politico to children’s book writer and runs her own communications consulting firm -- Mighty Ripple Consulting LLC. She also enjoys running, reading, drinking Oregon Pinot and bragging about Oregon to all of her friends. 

Biker Chick Pick: Heppner's Wee Bit O'Ireland

As much as I love a good Eastern Oregon Wintercation, I'm eager for Spring. And, for me, nothing marks the beginning of Springtime like Heppner's Annual Wee Bit O'Ireland Celebration.

I've got great news: It's not just for the Irish anymore.

This year, Heppner will also be welcoming motorcycle enthusiasts to the festivities with an all-day ArenaCross event. The event takes place on Saturday, March 16th at the Morrow County Fairgrounds. There are Quad and Motorcycle classes for all ages and abilities beginning at 10am.

To sign-up, stop by the Morrow County Fairgrounds on Friday, March 15th between 9am and 4pm or on the morning of the race between 7am and 9am.

Admission is $5. The event is sponsored by the Morrow County Fair Board and ClearView Auto Glass. For more information, call: (541) 314-2876 or (541) 571-3847.

If racing motorcycles isn't your thing, there are plenty of other reasons to add a Wee Bit O'Ireland to your weekend plans. Watch local heavyweights compete in an Irish Boxing Smoker or try your hand at the Welly Toss. There are sheep dog trials, a parade, local favorite Ewe-Do-Bingo, traditional Irish food and plenty of beer to go around.

For a full schedule of events (so full, the celebration lasts 4 days), click here.

Come check it out. Just, please, don't tell everyone.

***

Meet the Biker Chick (Elizabeth Farrar)
Elizabeth Farrar is a writer, blogger, and communications professional living in the heart of Eastern Oregon. Elizabeth grew up in Condon, Oregon, where she spent her childhood riding bikes (of the two-wheeled, non-motorized variety) and horses, eating snowcones, and raising all sorts of critters for the Gilliam County Fair. She graduated from the University of Oregon (Go Ducks!).

After a stint in the rough and tumble world of national politics in Washington, DC, Elizabeth returned home to Eastern Oregon’s peace and serenity to focus on her writing and start a communications consulting firm (Mighty Ripple Consulting LLC).

When she’s not being an aspiring biker chick, Elizabeth writes the popular blog -- Bella Vita -- about her journey from recovering politico to children’s book writer. She also enjoys running, reading, drinking Oregon Pinot and bragging about Oregon to all of her friends.

  

February is a 'Wintercation' Month in Eastern Oregon!

February is the perfect month to put a cap on winter and come on out to Eastern Oregon to let us help you make icy hot memories!  Start with some terrific art exhibits from Pendleton to La Grande to Baker City, mix in a delicious Valentine’s Day treat, and finish up with a round of golf. (Yes I said golf in Eastern Oregon in the winter-time!)  Don’t forget that there are great winter packages to be won during Oregon’s WINTERCATION sweepstakes. Just don’t tell everyone about how great February can be on the east side!

Eastern Oregon Art…It’s a whole lot of fun!

La Grande, Oregon…Steve Arment says his art is meant to “trivialize Wallowa County.”  In February, the ArtsEast gallery will happily be trivialized as well with an exhibit of his remarkable art work. Please plan to attend his opening reception on February 8th from 5 – 8 PM. Light refreshments will be served. Arment describes himself as a “silly thing builder” but his work can be both functional as well as fanciful. Featured will be paintings with hand-carved frames, furniture, and other whimsical pieces that well, are just what they are. And putting rockers on a fish and rooster is much more fun because that horse thing has been done so many times before.     

Steve doesn’t do artist’s statements and wasn’t interested in providing a biography. He instead invites inquiring parties to “have some fun” and write whatever inspires them about his work. This seems to be his way of including others in his creative process. We can tell you that this prolific artist resides in Joseph and his work is featured throughout the region. This includes custom furniture and architectural details in homes and businesses, benches, and store displays and signs. If you open a screen door in Joseph or stop for a latte at the Blue Banana in Lostine you are entering the whimsical world of Steve Arment. Don’t slam the door or spill your coffee; pause for a moment, take a long look, and enjoy the experience.

Our favorite Armentism is: “Your work should reflect your personality and if you don’t have one, find someone who does and follow them around.” You are invited to join us in following this artist around during the month of February. The exhibit will run through March 1. We will also be open for Art Walk on February 21 from 5 – 7 PM. The ArtsEast gallery is in the Community School of the Arts Building, 6th Street and “L” AVE, on the EOU campus, across from the police station. Office hours are Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 4 PM. For information call 541-962-3624 or email dheath@eou.edu.  Check it out: http://artseast.org

Valentines Day ~ Here’s a ‘Heart-felt’ Invitation from Eastern Oregon!

Throughout Eastern Oregon, the locals like to share a piece of their culture, which on February 14^th includes sharing secrets of the heart! Come on out for a day of skiing half-price at Anthony Lakes to getting a chocolate heart at Arrowhead Chocolates in Joseph, then spend the weekend. Discover our “Places of the Heart”.

Special Valentine Dinners…

Pendleton, Oregon….

Valentine’s Day at Plateau: Treat your sweetheart to a romantic dinner!  Plateau if offering a dinner for two on February 14^th.  Dinner starts off with a venison “Carpaccio”, with shallot jam, and fried capers paired with a 2009 Mary Hill Red Zinfandel.  The second course offers a choice of wilted Frisee or mushroom veloute paired with a 2010 CAVU cellars Sauvignon Blanc.  For an entrée, chose between braised beef short ribs and a 2010 Walla Walla Vitners Sangiovesse, a Lobster Risotto and 2010 Forgeron Cellars Chardonnay or a duet of both.  And, saving the best for last, the dessert is a choice of soufflé of Gruyere cheese with a warm strawberry compote or chocolate-beet pound cake with pink grapefruit sobet and basil.  Both are served with a 2009 Leonetti Merlot.  To top it off, Plateau will send you home with a complimentary box of chocolates.  Meals are $80 a couple without wine pairings and $110 with wine. 

Hamley’s Steakhouse: Valentine’s Day Specials will of course include BEEF (and they will throw in a little salmon special too!)  Call 541-278-1100 option #2 for reservations and celebrate this heart day with your special someone!  Then come back on Friday, February 15^th for the

VALENTINE DANCE & PARTY. No cover charge, and dance to Wheat Town performing live in the Slickfork Saloon. http://www.hamleysteakhouse.com

Haines & Baker City…

Haines Steakhouse: Treat yourself and someone ya love to the Old West Valentine’s Day! Haines, Oregon is the place to go for the highest quality steak and an exciting Old West-style atmosphere From our homemade Chuck Wagon salad bar to choice cuts of USDA Grain Fed Beef, we are guaranteed to satisfy your appetite.  http://www.hainessteakhouse.com

Geiser Grand Hotel: Valentine’s Romantic Dining starts February 14^th and runs through the 16^th.  Take your sweetheart to the utterly romantic Geiser Grand Hotel. Dine under the stained glass ceiling where crystal chandeliers and mahogany columns inspire wonder and romance. We’ll be offering three special dinners (along with our full dinner menu). Live Maine Lobster! . Enjoy all-you-care-to-eat salads and side dishes. Pick your own 1 ¾ to 2 lb Lobster$34.99. Certified Angus Grand Steak or Brandy Mushroom Chicken.  Make this Valentine’s  one to remember; make your reservations now! http://geisergrand.com/
 
Joseph, Oregon…

Arrowhead Chocolates: Oh, what could be better than an entire chocolate heart?  Well, maybe of heart-shaped box of assorted chocolates from Joseph, Oregon’s award-winning chocolate-maker.  http://arrowheadchocolates.com

TAMÁSTSLIKT TO DISPLAY YOUTH ART SHOW:  ArtWORKz 2013

Pendleton, Oregon, January 14-February 23, 2013    Tamástslikt Cultural Institute presents the second annual youth art show and competition, ArtWORKz, featuring the artistic endeavors from youth throughout the region under the age of 19.  ArtWORKz is a wide-open inclusive event, inviting youth from around the region to submit an art object for competition.  Both individual and collaborative projects have been submited.  “ “This is a rare opportunity for young artists to display their artwork in a professional, world-class museum setting,” said Randall Melton, Collections Curator.

The ArtWORKz show will be on exhibit in the Tamástslikt gallery from January 14 through February 23, 2013.    For youth wishing to display more than one object, the show features a Sharing Zone in which up to three works per individual or group can be displayed and not judged in competition.   The show is open to groups of collaborating artists and their joint projects.  All forms of art media will be on display including sculpture, painting, drawing, printmaking, glass, mixed media, photography digital computer-generated art, fiber art, and any discipline of artwork including traditional Tribal work such as beadwork, weaving, parfleche painting.
The show will be judged by recognized professional artists.  Prizes will be awarded at the January 26 awards reception which begins at 1pm and is open to the public.  There are three age categories:  10 and under; 11-14; and 15-18.  Judging will be based on artistry, creative vision, technical merit,and presentation. Young artists will compete for Grand Prize, Awards of Excellence, Awards of Merit, Honorable Mentions, and Best Emerging Artist. The People’s Choice award will be the result of visitor votes collected January 14-24, 2013. 

For more information, call Tamástslikt Cultural Institute at (541)966-9748 or visit www.tamastslikt.org .

Fourth Annual Eastern Oregon Film Festival La Grande, Oregon…It’s time to head east and discover “good times” in film!  The fourth Annual Eastern Oregon Film Festival will take place:  February 28 - March 2, 2013 in La Grande, Oregon. EOFF features an amazing line-up of emerging independent feature and short films. The festival opens with Only The Young, an intimate portrait of three enigmatic teenagers searching for love, friendship, and skate parks. The film  somehow manages to capture the fly-on-the-wall perspective of a documentary, with the aesthetic of a patiently and beautifully shot narrative film.  Friday night ends with War Witch (Rebelle), the incredibly unique and powerful 2013 Academy Award nominated ‘Best Foreign Language Film’.  The festival closes out with  Terence Nance’s ground-breaking An Oversimplification of Her Beauty, which is  “one of the most original works we have ever seen”, according to the  EOFF Programming Directors.  View a complete list of films, music and lecture schedule at:  eofilmfest.com Tamástslikt Cultural Institute offers CORDAGE-MAKING Pendleton, Oregon, March 2, 2013, 11:30am-1:30pm On Saturday, March 2, 2013, from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, Tamástslikt Cultural Institute invites the community and general public to a hands-on activity: learning to make string from the Indian hemp plant.  Two techniques will be taught—the finger-twisting technique and the thigh-rolling technique. Indian hemp supplies will be provided.  Apocynum cannabinum aka ‘Indian hemp’ is a perennial plant that grows throughout much of North America.  Farmers and ranchers treat it as a noxious weed because of its toxicity for livestock.  Apocynum means ‘poisonous to dogs’ according to Wikipedia.  It is also known as ‘dogbane’.  Tribal people favored the fibrous hemp plant because of its superior qualities.  Insects did not eat it.  In ancient times, Indian hemp was used to weave long-wearing, aesthetically pleasing flexible bags, as well as ropes and cords for fishnets and ties of all kinds. Community Academy is free and open to the public.  Those under age 10 years old should be accompanied by an adult.   RSVP to Marjorie Waheneka, Village Coordinator, at (541)429-7727 to ensure getting a spot in the class.  Attendees should bring a spray bottle and hand towel.

Tamástslikt is located at 47106 Wildhorse Boulevard at the far end of the main driveway of the Wildhorse Resort & Casino, 10 minutes east of Pendleton, Oregon.   Tamástslikt can be reached via Exit 216 off Interstate I-84 or by following the “Mission-LaGrande” sign south off Highway 11 onto Highway 331. For more information, contact Tamástslikt Cultural Institute at (541)966-9748 or visit www.tamastslikt.org.  Tamástslikt Cultural Institute is owned and operated by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, www.umatilla.nsn.us .

Golfing in EO?    Yup, it’s a winter-time activity too!
Pendleton & Umatilla, Oregon… Big River Golf in Umatilla, Oregon – Along the Columbia River. The 18-hole Big River Golf Course in Umatilla, OR is a public golf course that opened in 1968. Big River Golf Course measures 5975 yards from the longest tees and has a slope rating of 115 and a 69.1 USGA rating. The course features 2 sets of tees for different skill levels. http://www.golfbigriver.com  On February 9^th they are offering the Valentine’s Day Massacre with a Shotgun event that is sure to challenge every level of golfer. The tournament is NOT for the faint of heart!

Wildhorse Golf – Set at the base of the Blue Moutains near Pendleton, Wildhorse Golf course offers great opportunities to swing through! Eastern Oregon’s frequent sunny winter days are perfect for a round of golf so take advantage of our great daily winter rate, $20 Greens Fees now through March!  For more information, call 541-276-5588.  http://www.wildhorseresort.com

SCAT AND TRACKS EXHIBIT OPENS AT TAMÁSTSLIKT
Pendleton, Oregon, March 8, 2013…Watch out!  Don’t  step on that!  Hey, scat happens.  Scat, also known as wild animal poop, serves a purpose.  Scat and tracks are clues that tell us how animals are living their lives in the wild.  You can jump right in to learning about it at the Tamástslikt Cultural Institute’s new ‘Scat and Tracks’ exhibit opening March 8, 2013.  This family-friendly, interactive exhibit, on loan from the High Desert Museum, will be on display through June 2, 2013. 

This exhibit not only explores animal tracking from ancient times to modern times, it highlights how animals leave information about their presence in the wild.  It can help visitors learn to sharpen their observation skills.  Interactive stations let visitors match the animal with its scat, make animal paw prints, and do animal track rubbings to take home.  Visitors can test their tracking skills in a recreated forest section within the exhibit.
Signs are clues that creatures leave behind in the course of their daily lives including evidence like tracks, holes, cached food, nests, or scat.  Scat is the biological word for poop.  Looking for animal scat might sound gross, but scat gives us important information about the life of wild animals.  Scat shows what animals are eating; how big an area the animal is using; how healthy it may be; how many families of that animal are present and how spread out they may be.  If it contains hair and bones, it means it was left by a predator.  If it contains seeds, it was excreted by an herbivore.  The size and shape of scat are also clues to the mysterious lives of wild animals.
Why is snooping on wild animals important to humans?  In the olden days, it was very important for American Indians to be able to read sign, because hunting success relied on skillful tracking.  It was a matter of survival for the native hunter to be very much in tune with the lives of animals.  In modern times, studying wildlife lets us know if a certain species is losing or gaining ground.  The first knowledge that a wolf had traveled through the Umatilla Indian Reservation came from finding the wolf’s scat and tracks.  Wildlife biologists have also found clues that cougars may eat more elk calves than wolves in places where wolves are more plentiful.    Humans and animals live on the same resources.  There should be a way to make the best use of our natural world. 
“In Legend Time, the magical Coyote relied on his own excrement to give him advice when he was in a tough spot, then he’d say, ‘ I already knew that!’ So even before humans were here, scat played a walking, talking role,” said Randall Melton, Collections Curator, Tamástslikt Cultural Institute. For more information, contact Tamástslikt Cultural Institute at (541)966-9748 or visit www.tamastslikt.org.  Tamástslikt Cultural Institute is owned and operated by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, www.umatilla.nsn.us

Eastern Oregon Wintercation ~ Ski, Ride, Glide, Fish & Enjoy Beer!

January 2013. It seems just like yesterday we were shepherding in 2012. How time passes!  Here in Eastern Oregon we are enjoying the New Year with gusto by celebration winter-time activities and ways to cozy up after a day of fishing, skiing, snowmobiling, or wildlife watching. It’s called Wintercation, and you can find out a bunch more by visiting Eastern Oregon’s Wintercation pages, explore all there is to do, eat,and enjoy and sign up for the ‘Just Don’t Tell Eastern Oregon Winter’ Sweepstakes.  We love winter out here!

 Nightingale Gallery ~ Eastern Oregon University Faculty Exhibit

La Grande, Oregon…The Nightingale’s first exhibit of the new year will open on January 11 with a reception from 5 – 7 PM. It will feature the work of Jess Riva Cooper, Doug Kaigler, Susan Murrell, Cory W. Peeke, Jessica Plattner, and Michael Sell. Gallery talks by the artists are also scheduled for January 24 from 5 – 7 PM. The exhibit will run through February 1.

ArtsEast will be on hand to sell raffle tickets for art work by Kat Galloway.The piece was donated by Jo Topholm with expressed wishes that it be used as a fundraiser to support arts education. Tickets are $5 each or five for $20 and only 200 will be sold. We are most grateful for this generous donation and for the support we are receiving from the EOU art department. John Day Series (Mixed Media)

It’s Time for a Sneak-Peek at Eastern Oregon’s Film Festival

La Grande, Oregon…Fourth Annual Eastern Oregon Film Festival will take place February 28 - March 2, 2013 in La Grandem but you have an opportunity for a ‘Sneak-Peek’ on January 16, 2013. Come on out to see a screening of trailers for some of the featured programming components, plus sample music by participating event musicians.  Help the cause by bidding on some awesome LIVE auction packages to support 2013's Eastern Oregon Film Festival.  http://eofilmfest.com/2013/01/05/sneak-peek-fundraiser-program-release-special-pass-sale/; Visit: http://www.eofimfest.com

There’s Music Happen’n in Eastern Oregon!

Umatilla, Oregon…Let’s start with the Baxstage Bouncin’ Party House at the Mavericks Sports Pub & Grill in Umatilla. It’s their Grand Opening and to celebrate they will have DJ Trish and Johnny Bax to spin the disks.  It kicks off on Friday, January 11^th beginning at 9:00pm, but come early and enjoy some great pub food.  Contact: Umatilla Chamber of Commerce at 541-922-4825

La Grande, Oregon… Monday, January 14^th is an amazing “House Concert” in La Grande with well-known musicians Danny Barnes and Matt Sircely  Placing poetic songwriting alongside instrumental mastery, Barnes and Sircely together form a powerhouse duo that conjures great traditions in American string-band music right before launching into some of the most innovative acoustic music you’ve never heard.  A unique opportunity to experience what happens when the traditional collides with the avant-garde. Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm; Where: Cavinato Residence, 807 Penn Avenue La Grande, OR 97850; Cost: $12 admission; $10 members of NE Oregon Folklore Society; Contact: Carla, 541-663-0776

Anthony Lakes Ski Area…Not only does Anthony Lakes Ski Area, located between La Grande and Baker City near North Powder, have the best powder skiing and riding around, they also offer great opportunities to hear the region’s rock’in bands. January 19^th beginning at 3:30pm the Wasteland Kings perform. It’s sure to be a stomp’in good time, especially with Anthony Lakes pouring only local brews.  Remember to always consume alcohol wisely and never drink and drink. http://www.anthonylakes.com/

New B&B Offers a Great Place to Stay on the Columbia River

Irrigon, Oregon…Stokes Landing B & B, which is located right on the Irrigon Marina, is the perfect place for out-of-town guests, fishermen and anyone else who wants a quiet place to stay. Your hosts Phyllis & Paul Danielson will ensure your stay is fantastic! Conveniently located near Interstate 82 and 84 at the Irrigon Marina on the Columbia River, you are only a stones through away from  excellent fishing or just cuddle up to watch the river go by. Enjoy two common rooms, kitchenette and expansive decks overlooking the mighty Columbia River. Three rooms to tempt everyone's taste! Your choice of breakfast or box lunch to go. Visit their Facebook page or call them at  541-922-3857 or stop by their place at 415 N.E. Tenth Street in Irrigon. 

Stay on Your Public Lands for Free

Washington, DC… The U.S. Forest Service joins other federal agencies in offering fee-free days on public lands in 2013, beginning Jan. 21 in conjunction with Martin Luther King Jr. Day.  That day marks the first of four fee-free days the Forest Service is offering the public in 2013.

“Your national forests and grasslands are a bargain any day of the year, but even more so on fee-free days,” said U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell. “Whether you stay for a few hours or a few days, your public lands are some of the best travel bargains in the nation.”

Traditionally, fees are not charged on 98 percent of national forests and grasslands, and approximately two-thirds of developed recreation sites in national forests and grasslands can be used for free. This includes opportunities such as camping and picnicking.

“Fee-free days are an ideal time to recapture your youth by taking your family to the outdoors,” said Robin Morgan, deputy director of the agency’s Recreation, Heritage and Volunteer Resources. “More importantly, it’s an ideal time to introduce the young people in your life to an exceptional experience they’ll remember forever.”  The participation in fee-free days supports the efforts of President Obama’s America’s Great Outdoors initiative that aims to establish a 21^st Century conservation and recreation agenda. In discussions across the nation, Americans made it clear that they want reconnect or connect for the first time with the great outdoors – and they want the government’s help.

Forest Service lands, which include 155 national forests and 20 national grasslands, offer something for everyone, from the casual hiker to the thrill-seeking recreationist. There also are opportunities and programs for children, from Discover the Forest to becoming a Junior Snow Ranger and more.

The 2013 fee-free days the Forest Service will participate in are:

• Jan. 21, Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• June 8, National Get Outdoors Day
• Sept. 28, National Public Lands Day
• Nov. 9-11, Veterans Day Weekend 

Concessionaires who operate campgrounds and other amenities may choose whether to participate in the fee-free days. Contact your favorite campground for more information.

The mission of the Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity and productivity of the nation's forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, and maintains the largest forestry research organization in the world. Forest Service lands contribute more than $13 billion to the economy each year through visitor spending alone. Those same lands provide 20 percent of the nation’s clean water supply, a value estimated at $27 billion per year.  For more info: Contact: (202) 205-1134; Twitter: @forestservice