SOCIALLY DISTANCING SINCE 1872

I loved this sign. Totally current and factual but looks like it has always been there.  You will see later that I continually sought out people’s sense of humor as they dealt with this crisis.

This was in Frenchglen, Oregon, at the base of Steens Mountain, one of my favorite places anywhere.  On this trip I only had time for a brief stop but back in 2000 I stayed at the historic Frenchglen hotel which was a fun and unique experience. I thought about that trip when I was passing through this time.  Back then, it was after my divorce, right as I was beginning to deal with being gay and would have been my first real encounter if I would have been able to read the “signs” I was being given by another male guest there. (But that is another story……)  Regardless it is a very beautiful and special place on the high desert of eastern Oregon. And, very safe, virus wise.

I also recommend a nearby place to stay in Diamond, OR. http://www.historichoteldiamond.com/

Let me diverge to share some insight into this very special place, SE Oregon. The two counties in this corner of the state are each the size of Massachusetts! Each the size of a state with nearly 7 million people! Each county here? One has 7,000 the other 30,000. So, if you want empty, this is as good as it gets. More info on this below with the Fields station photo. Also famous as the site of that Malheur wildlife refuge take over a few years back. (Which is a super good bird viewing area and park facility, BTW)