ROAD TRIP:
JOHN DAY, OR to LAKEVIEW, OR
April 21, 2022
The distance from John Day (elevation 3,100 ft) to Lakeview (elevation of 4,800 ft) is about 210 miles. The route starts with the pine-forest scenery of the Malheur National Forest between John Day and Burns. The terrain then changes to desert until arriving at the Lakeview area with its lakes, marshes, and grasslands.
(Click on Map For Larger Image)
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PHOTOS
(Click on Photo for a Larger Image)
Lake Abert (surface elevation of 4,300 ft) is a large, shallow, alkaline lake. It is one of the largest lakes in Oregon and the state's only saltwater lake. It has no outflow, so the waters that collect here become quite alkaline and salty. The lake is approximately 15 miles long and 7 miles wide (at its widest point). It was named in honor of Colonel John Abert who was the chief of the Army Corps of Topographical Engineers.
No fish live in the alkaline waters of the lake; however, its dense population of brine shrimp supports a variety of shorebirds. Lake Abert's water and brine shrimp provide a critical feeding stopover each year for up to 83,000 migratory birds (ducks, geese, and shorebirds) on the Pacific Flyway as they journey between Alaska and Mexico.
The lake was so low in 2021 that there was concern for the water becoming too salty for wildlife. In September 2021 a bill was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives "authorizing the Director of the United States Geological Survey to establish a regional program to assess, monitor, and benefit the hydrology of saline lakes in the Great Basin and the migratory birds and other wildlife dependent on those habitats, and for other purposes". In November 2021 a House committee voted to issue a report to the full chamber recommending that the bill be considered further.
The lake was so low in 2021 that there was concern for the water becoming too salty for wildlife. In September 2021 a bill was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives "authorizing the Director of the United States Geological Survey to establish a regional program to assess, monitor, and benefit the hydrology of saline lakes in the Great Basin and the migratory birds and other wildlife dependent on those habitats, and for other purposes". In November 2021 a House committee voted to issue a report to the full chamber recommending that the bill be considered further.
East Shore of Lake Abert
The east side of Lake Abert is bounded by Abert Rim, a steep escarpment that rises over 2,500 feet above the lake's surface.
Clouds Over West Shore of Lake Abert 1
Lakeview (population 2,500 ) is located in one of Oregon's least populated counties (Lake County). Lake County is named for the large number of nearby lakes, including Goose Lake and Lake Abert. Tourism is an important part of Lakeview's economy. Lakeview claims the title of "Tallest Town in Oregon" because of its 4,800-foot elevation.
In May of 1945, Lakeview took its place in history books when a Japanese balloon bomb exploded near the town, killing an entire family (except the father, who watched in horror). The Mitchell family members were the only casualties of the Second World War on American soil. Starting in November 1944, more than 9,000 of these lethal "aerial jellyfish" were released from Japanese bases during World War II. Some 1,000 are estimated to have actually crossed the Pacific. These ballon bombs carried a 30-pound antipersonnel bomb and two incendiary devices. Most landed harmlessly or otherwise somehow failed to detonate. When bombs actually landed and exploded, the American press corps cooperated with the military in hiding such incidents from Japanese intelligence. Convinced the bomb balloons were a failure, the experiment stopped within six months, but unexploded balloons were still found up to a full decade later.
Saint Patrick Catholic Church - Lakeview.
Real Country Radio
Local FM and Internet radio station KORV 93.5 FM ("The Goose") broadcasts from Lakeview, Oregon.
Built in the early 20th century, this building was originally the three-story Hotel Lakeview. In the 1960s the top two floors were demolished and its use was converted into a single-story restaurant and social center. A large collection of Native American artifacts and artwork was once housed here. Location: downtown Lakeview, OR.
Ty's Barber Shop is located in downtown Lakeview.
Vintage House with Modern Addition
Location: Lakeview - viewed from my motel room.
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COPYRIGHT
These photographs are the property of Leon Jackson and are protected by copyright laws. Photographs may not be downloaded or reproduced in any way without the written permission of Leon Jackson. © 2022 Leon Jackson. All Rights Reserved.
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