HFF Big Obsidian Flow Pano!

(Please view large!)

I can't resist anymore! I've been sitting on this picture for ages and I just have to post it today...I have piles of Medford parking lot pictures still to post but I just gotta share this one! I know it's Thursday in the US but it's Friday in Europe so I hope it's no problem that I've posted this photo today...

This picture was taken on my birthday, this past September 29th, and I turned 56! We were still out on our epic 3-month RV trip and what a lovely thing to wake up at LaPine State Park for this special occasion. As we are known to do, Steve and I try to do something special on our birthdays and I'd planned my outing months back, all thanks to one of my online brothers, Ron Hanko!

He and his wife are avid hikers and photographers and enjoy their share of traveling too. They live in Washington--the state north of us--and venture all over, including forays into Oregon among other places. Last year they happened to travel near LaPine State Park and did some exploring at a place called Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Steve and I visited this amazing park once but it was Ron that alerted me to an area we missed: the Obsidian Flow. His pictures had me doing backflips all over the room and I told Steve at the time that the next time we get back to LaPine State Park, we would be visiting that place!

The entrance to Newberry National Volcanic Monument is only about 20 minutes from our campsite, but it can take a while longer to get to many areas--it's a staggering 86 square miles in size! However, the trailhead to the Big Obsidian Flow was only about 30 minutes away so we arrived in short order, donning our masks soon after we left our truck. There were enough people around that we needed to protect ourselves--and them as well.

Venturing up the trail, we soon found mountains of obsidian and lava rocks heaped before us. A metal-grate staircase led up the side and fencing protected those who stopped on the main landing there to look out on the forest and flow. This was a perfect spot for a HFF panorama and Steve and I thoroughly enjoyed soaking up the incredible view. I loved having Steve in the shot, he was busy creating a panorama too and I loved seeing that here. :)

We spent an hour enjoying the mind-blowing features of this magnificent place and took lots of pictures along the path that snaked in and out, up and around the mounds and boulders. I couldn't help but think happily about this wonderful present from Ron. Had it not been for his pictures, we would have missed this jaw-dropping sight!

I am only sharing this one picture today, as I'd like to post my presentation later. I have processed over two dozen pictures to share, so you'll see them eventually! :D

I hope that everyone is staying safe and warm. It's been a very tense few days regarding a subject that I loathe with a fierce passion--politics--I look forward to the current monstrosity being in the rear view with a proper conclusion and kick to the curb. But…my head is back in the sand with ears plugged--lalalalallalalaal---I don't want to hear about it!

Explored on 11/5/20; highest placement #1.