This was another of those magical totally unplanned days. Last night we pulled into a delightful RV park in La Grande, Oregon en route to Salt Lake City. It was so delightful that we decided to double up our driving for the next two days and stay another day. Checking out the map, we noticed a town called Joseph, Oregon about 1 1/2 hours away that had mountains surrounding it. Go for it and we did. Well, Joseph is one of the nicest and most scenic villages of our trip. Downtown is a lot like downtown Lake Placid but with better shops featuring the talents of local craftsmen. The lake just south of Joseph is crystaline with a gondola that ascends Mount Howard. Northeast of the lake is about 40 miles of wilderness generally known as the approach to Hell's Canyon. It was a joy of uninterrupted scenic delight. If we travel west next summer this will be a major stop on our itinerary.

A sample of downtown Joseph

There are several excellent brass scuptures around town, mostly at all four corners of the major intersections. This one was in the center of the block but was our favorite.








Lake Wallowa south of Joseph. Notice the rafts where boaters can tie up for picnics, swmming or sunbathing. Real classy.









View of Lake Wallowa from the summit of Mount Howard. Joseph is at the far end of the lake.










Penny at the summit.