Trip Report

Saturday, October 14, was a lovely, warm day for the annual Obsidian fall color geology trip under the expert leadership of Dr. Ernest Lund, retired professor of Geology at the University of Oregon. Enroute up the McKenzie River Highway, Bill Eaton gave information about the EWEB power project at Leaburg and later in the day about the Trail Bridge Reservoir of the Carmen-Smith project on the Clear Lake road. Along the old McKenzie River highway the group walked in a short distance to look at some ponds formed from natural springs that feed into Lost Creek and later on a hike to the beautiful Upper Proxy Falls where the water seeps through the lava to make its way to Lost Creek. Continuing on the old highway, Dr. Lund explained about the lava flows and the islands which were seen above the lava. Farther along there was a short stop to view from the bus Mt. Washington and Mt. Jefferson, both almost devoid of snow. The lunch stop was at Cold Springs campground, a very attractive picnic site among the pine trees near Sisters. Our last visit was to gushing Sahalie Falls on the Clear Lake road where we came upon a wedding taking place where visitors usually snap photographs of the falls. The tour members greatly enjoyed Dr. Lund's interesting and informative comments, but missed not seeing more vivid fall colors. Many leaves from the vine maples had fallen or were withered on the branches, dark hued; however, here and there one could see a bright spot of dogwood with its red leaves. Those participating were Mary Jane & Duke Arpin, Muriel Aufderheide, Margaret Barnard, Marie Carstenson, Birdie & Dick Claypool, Virginia DeMers, Bill Eaton, Marion Fulkerson, Irene Gauvin, Florence Givans, Jan Gund, Virginia Horton, Ruth Keyes, Bea LeFevre, Madge Malmstrom, Elwina Meacham, Sue Riemer, Bonnie Rickard, Catherine Ritter, Helen Rockey, Grace Smith, Myrtle Smith, Helen Stovall, Mary-Douglass Stovall, Betty Waddell, Thelma Watson, leaders Virginia West and Betty Mae Stamm with guide and leader Dr. Ernest Lund.