Athena, Helix, and Holdman, Oregon

The Gem Theater in Athena Oregon                                      © Diane B Reed

Sometimes you go out and about looking for one thing and find another. I made a trip into neighboring Oregon looking for wildlife and scenery, and was surprised by its remarkable architectural treasures. I did see some raptors, pheasants, and a Great Horned Owl nest, but on this particular day, none of my wildlife subjects was very cooperative. The buildings, however, were. 

Athena, Oregon                                               © Diane B Reed

Athena, Oregon, is a charming little town with many architectural treasures. It is home to the Athena Caledonia Games, a yearly celebration of Scottish culture. This year it will be held on July 9-10 and features music, dance, Highland games, sheepdog trials, food, and a parade.

City Hall, Helix Oregon                                                         © Diane B Reed

 The drive from Athena to Helix stretches over rolling hills and farms, not unlike the Palouse.
 Helix is a modest town of several hundred people. It features more striking architecture—a town and school that demonstrate community pride.

Farm near Helix, Oregon                                © Diane B Reed

Surrounding Helix are tidy farms and grain elevators dotted across the landscape.

The countryside rolls on toward the Columbia River Valley, following a series of canyons and winding roads. Before it descends to the river, you arrive at the town of Holdman, consisting of a few houses, a grain elevator, and a remarkable (but abandoned) school building.

Holdman, Oregon school                                    © Diane B Reed

This lovely area of Oregon, off the beaten track, is full of remarkable scenery, nature, and charming architecture.

Happy Earth Day from Walla Walla

Bennington Lake, Walla Walla Washington                        © Diane B Reed

 Today is Earth Day, a perfect day to get outdoors and celebrate nature at its best. If you live in the Walla Walla area, a good place to do that is at Bennington Lake, just a few minutes from the heart of town. Better yet, hike, bike, or rollerblade the Mill Creek Trail from town and leave your car behind!

Although the lake is man-made, the variety of birds and animals rivals many nature preserves. Blue Mountain Audubon Society members are frequent visitors and you can keep up with bird sitings at their Web site. The local society leads field trips and holds programs throughout the year. Why not join up and join them!

The trail around Bennington Lake passes below the dam

© Diane B Reed

The trails at the lake are geared toward many users, including horses, bicycles, birders, and hikers. On any day you're likely to encounter all of them. The lake itself is often dotted with canoeists, kayakers, fishermen, and the occasional water dog in training.

The water's cold, but the dog is willing              © Diane B Reed

So, take a little time off your hectic routine and get in touch with nature on this Earth Day, or any day of the year. It will renew your spirit!

Kayakers and canoeists at the boat launch       ©Diane B Reed

Perhaps Henry David Thoreau said it best:

"The West of which I speak is but another name for the Wild; and what I have been preparing to say is, that in Wildness is the preservation of the world. Every tree sends its fibres forth in search of the Wild. The cities import it at any price. Men plow and sail for it. From the forest and wilderness come the tonics and barks which brace mankind. "