I was born to the sunny-side, the semi-arid high desert of Central Oregon, the land of Ponderosa Pine and Western Juniper, miles of underground lava tubes and animals adapted to the high and dry. The sun keeps a strong beat in this place, to the dance of all seasons and to the heartwood of all who dwell here. The Cascade volcanoes, some still holding glaciers on their chests, gleam on the west horizon, their foothills of Fir and Hemlock only 15 miles from my door. 

 

This land is a geologic wonder. Shaped by millions of years of volcanic eruptions and glacial ice movements, the vast river canyons, subterranean lava tubes, basaltic rims and ridges make for most fascinating walkabouts. Many freshwater springs form the Deschutes river watershed. The world's largest spring-fed river, the Deschutes begins its descent from Little Lava Lake at the base of the mountains and into Bend, then northward through Redmond, Warm Springs, and eventually merging into the great Columbia River. The name "Deschutes" refers to the Rivière des Chutes, the name given to the river by French fur traders, which translates to "River of the Falls".

 

Along this river and its numerous waterfalls and tributaries live abundant wild foods, medicines, and fibers first known and collected by the Warm Springs, Wasco, Paiute, Klamath and other indigenous groups who lived and/or travelled along the Deschutes River for centuries. The Wasco, Warm Springs and Paiute form the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs today and if you'd like to learn more about their living traditions, cultural celebrations, and long history in this region please visit: https://warmsprings-nsn.gov/ or immerse yourself in the exhibits of the Museum at Warm Springs 60 miles north of Bend. I feel deep respect and awe for the native peoples of this high desert.