Metolius River at Camp Sherman

This is "Off Topic Saturday" - at least for the next few minutes, when it turns to Sunday. This obviously is not cactus country, though some succulents grow not far from here...some Sedum in the lava beds. For those not familiar with the Pacific Northwest of the U.S. and Oregon (pronounced OR-y-gun) in particular, we're blessed with a wide variety of climate zones: From the West we begin with the coastal headwaters and the coast range of mountains, some parts of which are temperate rain forests. Next is the Willamette Valley - pronounced Will-AM-et. That's where live - in Portland at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers. This area is mild with moderate rainfall, with by far the majority falling in the Winter. Then the Cascade Mountain Range, with a series of volcanic peaks, separates us from Central and Eastern Oregon, mostly high desert.

This picture is from Central Oregon on the Eastern flank of the Cascades. Just a couple of miles from this location, the Metolius River appears - full-size - from underground streams. This is at Camp Sherman which has a country store and cottages - and beautiful scenery. About 45 miles to the east and there is habitat for Pediocactus simpsonii var. robustior and further east are various Lewisias. Various Sedums are found in the lava beds, along the cliffs in the Columbia River Gorge and the cliffs along the Oregon coast.

But here - at Camp Sherman - is serenity, peace, and respite from all the rush. In fact, we may just pick up and head over there next week...

And now it's early Sunday so off to some midnight respite. Back at you with cacti and succulents tomorrow!