What to do near Wallowa Lake - Day trip along the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway

Thursday, July 15, 2010 by Heather Tyreman
Harl Butte Historic Fire Lookout on the Hells Canyon Scenic BywayIt's nice to find things to do near Wallowa Lake when you're on vacation in Eastern Oregon.  With Highway 39 closed near the junction of Highways 39 and Oregon 86, you can still reach most of the Wallowa Mountain Loop Road (Highway 39) from the Joseph Oregon side.

Even the Bronze Antler Bed & Breakfast innkeepers get to enjoy the sights around here every now and then!  Bill & I recently drove out to Harl Butte off of Highway 39.  There's an historic fire lookout there.  When we arrived we were surprised to find not only the historic building but an individual manning the lookout as well.  From his vantage point he could see into the Imnaha River drainage, plus from his location you could see the fire lookout tower at Hat Point and across Hells Canyon into Idaho.

What impressed us most was the hand-stacked volcanic rock wall surround the lookout site (he told us a previous lookout had spent 10 summers erecting the wall).  Someone obviously had a lot of time on his hands in between watching for lightning strikes and monitoring fires in Northeastern Oregon and across Hells Canyon in Idaho!

Harl Butte is about 1 1/2 hours from Wallowa Lake.  When planning your Eastern Oregon vacation, consider adding it as an out-of-the-way place for vast beauty.  We keep maps here at our Eastern Oregon lodging to get you there and back again.  Hope to see you soon!

Hells Canyon Scenic Byway (unofficially) Open!

Tuesday, June 1, 2010 by Heather Tyreman
So here we are at the end of May 2010 and the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway is now unofficially open!  Checked with the Forest Service this week and, although there are parts of the road that are down to one lane because of snow, the road between Joseph and Hells Canyon is passable.  What a relief!

Hat Point in Hells Canyon in summerMy contact at the Forest Service tells me that the road will be officially open once the snow is all melted and any rocks and debris are cleared from the road (which will be soon).   So, if you've wanted to know about Highway 39, or the Wallowa Mountain Loop Road, or the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway (all the same places)--the answer is yes!

This photo was taken in July 2009 at Hat Point and you get the idea of the abundance of wildflowers in the area.  It's a little early yet, but the flowers are coming soon too!

If you're looking for some Hells Canyon lodging along the way, our Eastern Oregon bed and breakfast is right along the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway.  We're not the most convenient to Hells Canyon Dam (about 2:45 hours from the dam), but we're about 2 hours from scenic Hat Point in Hells Canyon and less than 2 hours from the Hells Canyon Overlook.  Not much is convenient in the way of Hells Canyon lodging, but Joseph Oregon is a good jumping-off point!

Things to do in Joseph Oregon: Chief Joseph Days Rodeo in July

Tuesday, May 11, 2010 by Heather Tyreman
We've noticed that sometimes our blog is found by people searching for "Things to do in Joseph Oregon" so we thought we'd write about things to see and do here.  The Chief Joseph Days Rodeo always takes place during the days leading up to the last full weekend in July and the last weekend.

Chief Joseph Days Rodeo during the last weekend of July in Joseph OregonEven if you're not a big rodeo fan, there's plenty to do in Joseph Oregon during rodeo week.  It's a gala time--all the shops, restaurants & galleries on Main Street Joseph Oregon are open and decorated for the event.  This year there'll even be a carnival set up (just not quite sure where yet).  And then there's the Chief Joseph Days parade on Saturday--lots of pageantry, horses, musical groups and a bit of humor. . .

On Tuesday afternoon, the bucking broncs will "stampede" (really, it's a controlled trot) down Main Street heading for the rodeo grounds.  Nightly rodeo performances will take place Wednesday through Saturday nights.  With tickets priced at $12 to $18 most anyone can attend and see one of the best small town outdoor rodeos in the Pacific Northwest.

If you're still planning your Eastern Oregon vacation for the summer, think about visiting Joseph Oregon during rodeo week.  We still have two rooms open at the Bronze Antler Bed & Breakfast over the weekend of rooms available during the week.

Ice Lake in the Wallowa Mountains Isn't Too Far Away

Thursday, April 29, 2010 by Heather Tyreman
So, by now you're probably planning your Eastern Oregon vacation for the summer.  If you like to hike, then basing yourself from Joseph Oregon can be a good compromise if someone in your party likes the creature comforts.

Here's a 2008 video of a couple hiking into Ice Lake.  This hike is a long one-day hike (7.7 miles each way from the Wallowa Lake trailhead), but we've had some guests here at the Bronze Antler Bed & Breakfast that did the hike in one day and even took an hour at the top to read a book and enjoy the sunshine!


If you'd like more information for planning your hiking vacation, we suggest getting a copy of Fred Barstad's Hiking Oregon's Eagle Cap Wilderness as a good start.  Fred's trail descriptions, drawings and diagrams are very good.

And if you're looking for a place to stay in Joseph Oregon with plenty of creature comforts, we've plenty of room on our availability calendar for your summertime hiking adventures.  You can use the buttons at the right of the blog page to link to our calendar.  See you on the trail!

Zoho Music Visits our Hells Canyon Lodging

Wednesday, April 28, 2010 by Heather Tyreman
You just never know who will walk through the door when you own a bed and breakfast.  This week Joachim Becker, president of Zoho Music in New York, graced our little Hells Canyon lodging with his presence.

Zoho Music Tribute to JJ Cale Volume 1: The Vocal SessionsJoachim was on his way to Portland and decided to see a little of our fantastic Eastern Oregon countryside on his way.  I wish we could've gotten him the spectacular view of Hells Canyon from Hat Point but the road is still snowed in.  Just a good excuse for another visit to our Hells Canyon lodging in the summer or fall when the road is open.

Zoho Music is about to release a tribute compilation of music written by Oklahoma-born songwriter, singer and guitarist JJ Cale.  Watch for "Tribute to JJ Cale, Volume 1: The Vocal Sessions" on June 10, 2010.  Joachim was kind enough to leave an advance copy with us and with our other guests.  The liner notes are clear, concise, and reveal a lot about JJ Cale as well as all the wonderful musicians appearing on this release.

We wished Joachim well on his drive to Portland, then loaded the CD for kitchen cleaning duty.  With a variety of artists contributing to this CD from Swamp Cabbage to The Persuasions to Greg Skaff & Jimmy Hall among others, it's just the ticket for a voyage through classic American roots music!  Thank you, Joachim!

Mutiny IS Brewing in Joseph Oregon!

Friday, April 23, 2010 by Heather Tyreman
The announcement we've all been waiting for: Mutiny Brewing Company in Joseph Oregon is brewing beer!  Just last Sunday, April 18, 2010, the Facebook post appeared,

"Mutiny is brewing"

It looks like the release party is scheduled for the second weekend in May--Mother's Day Weekend.  It's the same weekend as the Joseph Gallery Walk, so there'll be lots to see and do in this little Eastern Oregon vacation spot in a couple of weeks.

Congratulations, Kari!  This Joseph Oregon bed and breakfast already knows what great food your restaurant serves up for our guests.  And adding your own beer will be icing on the cake!
 
 

 

Breakfast for Two and Ginger Chews

Tuesday, April 13, 2010 by Heather Tyreman
This morning I served breakfast for two.  Our guests are taking an early Spring Eastern Oregon vacation and enjoying the slower pace at this time of year.  Over their vegetarian breakfast (today consisting of cream sherry soaked orange slices sprinkled with unsweeted dried coconut, local farm-raised eggs, sauteed apples & onions, tomatoes marinated in balsamic vinegar, and Morningstar Farms breakfast patties), we talked about ginger. 

Turns out she loves ginger and he enjoys it too.  So, I pulled out my favorite products from The Ginger People.  She hadn't heard of this company before and was enthused to know they make such a variety of ginger products.  I have a feeling the Ginger Juice and Ginger Syrup will probably be on the breakfast table tomorrow with the whole wheat waffles.

I sent them off to hike along the Imnaha River well below the snow line still very obvious here in the Wallowa Mountains.  They have a few Ginger Chews from The Ginger People in their pockets.  These particular chews are the Hot Coffee variety.  I typically don't leave these chews out for the guests because they are an acquired taste, but it's fun to share them with guests that enjoy both ginger and coffee! 

We love delighting our guests with a little of the unusual.  If an Eastern Oregon bed and breakfast is part of your travel plans this year, our Bronze Antler Bed & Breakfast might supply a little of the unusual for you!


 

Juried Fine Art in Joseph Oregon: Wallowa Valley Festival of Arts always in June

Monday, March 29, 2010 by Heather Tyreman
2010 Wallowa Valley Festival of Arts poster by Michael LuqueThe Wallowa Valley Festival of Arts takes place every year during the first weekend of June.  It's a juried fine art show and brings in artists from all over, especially the Pacific Northwest art community.   It's also the kickoff event for a great summer in Joseph Oregon and Wallowa County!

This year's dates: Friday-Sunday, June 4-6, 2010.
Location:  Joseph Oregon Community Center

The entry season for artists is currently underway and the Wallowa Valley Festival of Arts directors committee is posting about the artists on the Festival's page on Facebook

This event is the Eastern Oregon premier fine art festival.  It starts with a fun wine & hors d'oeuvres Artists Reception on Friday night.  It's the public opportunity to meet many of the exhibiting artists, the judge and Featured Artist, the top award winners, and first public viewing of the art entered in the show.

An "En Plein Air" event where the public can watch artists working in various locations throughout Wallowa County is still in the planning stages but will be announced soon (and here on this blog too).

On Saturday night, June 5th, a Quick Draw event will be held somewhere in Joseph Oregon (location to be determined at this point).  It's a lot of fun to watch the artists work on the spot.  

All the art entered in the Festival is available for sale plus there's a silent auction throughout the weekend that closes on Sunday afternoon.

The Festival of Arts is walking distance (2 blocks) from the Bronze Antler Bed and Breakfast.  We have plenty of room available for the weekend.  Give us a call soonest or click the link at right and reserve your room before they're all taken!

Pub Talk at Mutiny Brewing Company in Joseph Oregon

Friday, March 26, 2010 by Heather Tyreman
Oregon Entrepreneurs NetworkWhat a night for a Pub Talk!  Last night, the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network hosted one of their trade-marked Pub Talk programs at Mutinty Brewing Company in Joseph, OR.  The theme was "Marketing from the Ground Up" and three of us local businesses were invited to present about some aspects of our marketing.

Paul Arentsen of Winding Waters River Expeditions talked about how his company uses Picasa to post pictures from his river trips and to encourage clients to share pictures and experiences from their trips among themselves.  Winding Waters also keeps two blogs:  a very important Fishing Report and another "fun" one called The Gearboat Chronicles, written by one of the river guides, with a good dose of tongue-in-cheek humor.

Kari Gjerdingen, owner of Mutiny Brewing Company, talked about her use of Facebook and Twitter for her restaurant.  She makes a point of posting the restaurant's specials on a regular basis--good for us when we want to send our guests there for a lunch or dinner.  Of course, we all wanted to know when the beer will be available.  The new forecast:  about the middle of April 2010. 

And of course I talked about blogging for our business here at the Bronze Antler Bed & Breakfast.  I pulled a few statistics about our blog--it's amazing how many people want to know whether or not Highway 39 is open through Hells Canyon, or what's going on for Chief Joseph Days Rodeo!

One of the things I found so interesting too is how well the three businesses fit together.  For example, if you're planning a visit to Joseph Oregon or an Eastern Oregon vacation, you're going to need a place to stay, somewhere to eat, and something to do.  Between our three businesses, we've got you covered!

Is Highway 39 Open Yet to Joseph and Enterprise from Halfway Oregon?

Wednesday, March 24, 2010 by Heather Tyreman
If you're thinking about taking Highway 39, keep thinking. . .this road connects the Oxbow and Brownlee Dam in Hells Canyon to Enterprise and Joseph Oregon.  Some people know it as the Wallowa Mountain Loop Road.  Or Forest Road 39.  Or the road from Joseph OR to Halfway OR.  Or even the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway. 

Anyway you look at it, this road is seasonal and typically doesn't open until sometime in May or even June.  It all depends on the snow and how soon it melts.

Put this note on your to do list under Joseph Oregon Vacation or Eastern Oregon Vacation: 

Call the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest Service Visitor Center at 541-426-4978 (ext 0) 
Bookmark this page:  http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/w-w/conditions/index.shtml
These are the folks responsible for the road opening and closure and will have the most current official information.

In the meantime, we're happy to help you plan your Hells Canyon to Joseph Oregon trip.  Just hang on a little longer before taking Highway 39 unless you've got your snowmobile!
 

New Toy for the Bronze Antler Bed & Breakfast chef

Sunday, March 7, 2010 by Inside the Bronze Antler

Everyone deserves a new toy every now and than.  Thursday, March 4, 2010, was an exciting day at the Bronze Antler Bed & Breakfast.  The bed and breakfast Executive Chef and co-owner (that's me) was the happy recipient of a new GE dual-fuel range.

See, Joseph Oregon is not anywhere close to natural gas lines.  That's one of the reasons we decided to open our Hells Canyon Byway lodging way out here where we're somewhat remote from things like natural gas.  I've been wanting a gas range ever since we opened the Bronze Antler Bed & Breakfast and it's only taken me 10 years to get it!

It might not excite you, but the beauty of this baby is that is has a gas top and two electric ovens--the best of both worlds.  And it fit in the bed and breakfast kitchen without getting out my Sawzall!

Having the ability to quickly control the temperature on the range with the gas is awesome!  I tried it out Thursday night with lamb chops.  They were seasoned only with salt and pepper and seared in the skillet, then rested in the oven while I made a reduction sauce.  I sweated some shallots and threw in some small crimini mushrooms with a little butter, and added a cup and a half of exquisite $3.95/bottle Merlot.  Once the liquid reduced to about half, I added a couple of tablespoons of butter.

While the sauce was reducing, I boiled up a big pot of water and cooked rice noodles.  I then pan-fried them with scallions and tamari.

Heather & I had a very delicious dinner.  We were so excited with the new stove that we forgot to take photographs of the stove in action or of our dinner before we ate it.

Now we're ready for the Eastern Oregon vacation season.  C'mon guests!

We're sponsoring a bull for the Mountain High Broncs and Bulls Rodeo!

Wednesday, February 24, 2010 by Heather Tyreman
TC Evans will be the Barrel Man for the 2010 Mountain High Broncs and Bulls in Enterprise ORIt's the time of year when summertime event organizers go looking for sponsors and advertisers.  This year we're sponsoring a bull during the Mountain High Broncs and Bulls--a get down and enjoy kind of rodeo event held every June in Enterprise, Oregon.

What:  Mountain High Broncs and Bulls
Where:  Wallowa County Fairgrounds, Enterprise, OR (only 6 miles from our Joseph bed and breakfast)
When: Friday through Sunday, June 18-20, 2010
More information: www.mountainhighrodeo.com or Lee Daggett at 541.426.5380

James Warfield at the Mountain High Broncs and Bulls Rodeo in Enterprise ORLast year we sponsored a bronc, so this year we thought we'd go for something bigger like a bull.  If you've never been to a bull-riding event, then the Mountain High Broncs and Bulls is a good place to start.  It's fast, it's fun, and you get to see real action from start to finish.

And our Eastern Oregon bed and breakfast is still completely available for that weekend so you can bring all your friends too!  How about this for a contest:  Bring your friends out, attend the Mountain High Broncs and Bulls on Saturday night, and the fearless among you participate in the "Ring of Fire"  You and your friends stand in the middle of a good-sized ring on the ground in the arena.  Then they release the bull into the arena.  The last person left in the ring wins the purse--it couldn't be easier!

More Joseph Oregon Hotels and Business Travel

Monday, February 22, 2010 by Heather Tyreman
North Coast Orca I in Western Red Cedar by Michael KellerThis week we are hosting an artist here to do business with Parks Bronze Foundry in Enterprise, Oregon.   Michael Keller is an accomplished woodcarver from Chelan, Washington, who is expanding his artistic pursuits into bronze.  A visit to his website, White Eagle Studios, makes you want to pick up your pocket knife, put a good edge on it, and get started!

He does have a very important disclosure on his website, however:

Important disclosure:  Wood carving and whittling may be habit forming and could prevent you from engaging in household chores and other unpleasant tasks.  Carving is enjoyable and you may be prone to sharing it with others; thus, causing them to experience the same distractions from less pleasant tasks as you may experience yourself.

He chose our Joseph Oregon lodging because (among other things) there are no Joseph Oregon hotels, but also because our bed and breakfast is a very comfortable place to stay.  This week Michael is working with Steve Parks and the Parks Foundry staff to complete his bronzes--choose and apply the patina, mount the bronzes on their bases, and bring his new works to the foundry for transformation into bronzes.  Michael blogged extensively about the process--you can read in depth about the transformation at his blog post, "From Woodcarving to Bronze".

We've not yet seen the bronzes and are looking forward to seeing them before he leaves for Chelan.  Our job is to keep Michael well-fed, well-slept, and well-connected to the Internet so he can concentrate on his work at Parks Foundry.  So far, I believe we're doing well!

Joseph Oregon Hotels and Business Travel

Saturday, February 20, 2010 by Heather Tyreman
A springtime view from the windows of the Bronze Antler Bed & Breakfast in Joseph, OR.  If you're here on business travel it's easy to get distracted by the view.  The Bronze Antler Bed and Breakfast provides wireless Internet, beverages and snacks, maps and directions for business travelers.  Photo courtesy of Marcus Berg, Unique Angles Photography in Keizer, OR.We recently hosted a guest on business travel who started his search by looking for "Joseph Oregon Hotels" on the internet.  I'm not sure whether he used Google, Yahoo! or another search engine for his search, but he very quickly determined that there are no Joseph Oregon Hotels and called us here at the Bronze Antler Bed and Breakfast for information. 

His priority:  Wireless Internet access.   He was out here in Eastern Oregon to do some inspections of project installations and needed to be able to check and send email.

Not a problem here!   In fact, he remarked during his stay that the connection here at our Joseph bed and breakfast was better than some big hotels he'd stayed in while on the road.

Plus, we served breakfast when he wanted it so he could make his morning appointments, gave him directions to some out-of-the-way places he needed to go, and advised him about travel on some of the gravel roads here in Wallowa County.  And we were here at the end of the day with a nice glass of sherry when he was ready to kick back and read his email.

Here are his comments from the room journal of the Chief Joseph Mountain Room:

Heather & Bill:  It has been wonderful spending three days/nights with you--extending my time a day to enjoy this beautiful place--and do some work from the wonderful room-with-THE-view!  Delicious breakfasts and great conversations infused a deep richness. . .Thank you!

In retrospect, I guess that fact that he stayed in the Chief Joseph Mountain Room with its commanding view over the Wallowa Mountains kept him in front of his laptop, but in front of the south-facing windows of the Chief Joseph Mountain Room so he could look into the mountains.  Hope he wasn't too distracted by all the natural beauty!

If you're on business travel in Eastern Oregon and are looking for the Joseph Oregon Hotels, be sure to consider us here at the Bronze Antler Bed & Breakfast.  We might be smaller than what you're used to, but we make up for it with big service and attention to detail!

Chief Joseph Days Rodeo and the 2010 Court

Wednesday, February 10, 2010 by Heather Tyreman
Chief Joseph Days 2010 Rodeo Court: Alex McCadden, Jesse Kolhepp, Emily Howerton.  The rodeo takes place during the week leading into the last full weekend in July in Joseph Oregon.  Photo courtesy of the official Chief Joseph Days Rodeo website.With all the talk of snow and cold weather, here's a little bit of spring: the Chief Joseph Days Rodeo and the 2010 rodeo court.  Alex McCadden, Jesse Kolhepp and Emily Howerton are this year's court--representing one of the finest small town outdoor rodeos in the United States. 

If you'd like to see these young ladies in all their rodeo finery, you'll need to plan your Eastern Oregon vacation for the last full week in July.  As it turns out, we still have rooms available at the Bronze Antler Bed and Breakfast for you.  The Chief Joseph Days Parade on Saturday begins right in front of our Joseph bed and breakfast, so you'll have a ring-side seat (in the shade) to see these lovely young ladies ride by.

Don't wait too long--we'd hate to see you disappointed!  Give us a call toll-free at 866-520-9769 or click on the reservation link at right to start your Eastern Oregon vacation today!

Where to celebrate an anniversary? How about our romantic getaway Oregon style!

Tuesday, February 9, 2010 by Heather Tyreman
A decanter of sherry is always available to our of-age guests at the Bronze Antler Bed and Breakfast in Joseph Oregon.  Image by Marcus Berg of Unique Angles Photography in Keizer OregonLooking for where to celebrate an anniversary in Oregon?  Our little Eastern Oregon bed and breakfast seems to be a popular choice.  This last weekend alone we hosted two couples celebrating their anniversaries.  Here's what they had to say (as quoted from the room journal):

"We had a most memorable and delightful anniversary celebration in this wonderful suite.  A truly pampering and romantic time. . ." B&L

"We join the enthusiastic ranks of Anniversary-observers who have enjoyed this elegant suite.  Thanks. . ."  L&C

Both couples planned their romantic getaway Oregon style to our little town in Eastern Oregon.  Both couples live within a 2-hour drive of Joseph Oregon, making our location an easy drive.  And both couples had plenty of time to explore the town before heading home.

Even if you don't opt to have a nice bottle of sparkling wine from Argyle Winery awaiting you in your guest room, or even if you don't ask us to order in a bouquet of flowers for your sweetie, chances are good you'll have a very nice stay for your anniversary celebration.  But if you'd like to opt for sparkling wine (or cider) and flowers, we'll be happy to take care of the details!

What to do for Presidents Day Weekend: Snow, Avalanche Awareness and a Great Film!

Thursday, February 4, 2010 by Heather Tyreman

Still wondering what to do for Presidents Day Weekend?  How about enjoying the Wallowa Mountains and the great snow we have here in Eastern Oregon?  And while you're at it, start the weekend really early, support a good cause, and see a spectacular film. (That's the teaser from the 2008 movie "The Fine Line" posted above and one of the movies that'll be shown at the event)

The Wallowa Avalanche Center Fundraiser is scheduled for Thursday, February 11, 2010.  Here are the details:

Who: Wallowa Avalanche Center
What:  Fundraiser featuring "entertaining & educational" avalanche films.  Terminal Gravity beer and Embers Brewhouse pizza.  Drawings for some great raffle prizes.
When:  Thursday night, February 11, 2010, starts at 6 pm.
Where:  OK Theater on Main Street in Enterprise, OR
Why:  Teach & entertain about ways to be safe in the snow, plus raise funds for a group dedicated for this purpose.
Price:  $5 per person (such a deal!)  Kids 6 and under are free.

And here's a preview of some of the raffle prizes:

  • Backcountry Safety Package worth ~$700 from BackCountryAcccess: (New backpack, shovel, probe, and Tracker Transceiver)
  • Black Diamond 165 Kilowatt Skis from Wallowa Alpine Huts
  • 2 nights/2 skiers at Wing Ridge Ski Tours Huts from Wing Ridge Ski Tours
  • And, of course, more prizes too numerous to mention

Our Eastern Oregon lodging is completely booked for Sunday night, February 14th (it is Valentine's Day), but come early for an impromptu Eastern Oregon vacation.  Hey, maybe even start your vacation at our bed and breakfast, head out to the backcountry for a day or two, and stay with us again before returning home!  We're flexible!  Call us toll-free at 1-866-520-9769 and we'll help figure out what works best for you.


 

 

 

Wallowa Avalanche Center and Wallowa Mountain Snow Conditions

Wednesday, February 3, 2010 by Heather Tyreman
If you're looking for snow conditions in the Wallowa Mountains then look no further than the new Wallowa Avalanche Center.  This nonprofit organization of local folks fills an important gap of knowledge--there's no official avalanche advisory, forecast or prediction that covers the Wallowa Mountains of Northeastern Oregon.   But the Wallowa Avalanche Center staff and its qualified contributors provide their own observations so you, the winter outdoor adventure person, can make you own decisions about safe travel in the Wallowa Mountains.

And there's a treasure trove of information on this website.  You can learn about current snow conditions and see some excellent photography of the Wallowa Mountains.  Information about upcoming Avalanche Awareness courses.  Local weather conditions.  And there's a public forum

Aneroid Basic Ski Conditions by Julian PB as posted on the Wallowa Avalanche Center website January 31, 2010On Sunday, Jan 31st, "Julian" posted a report of conditions at Aneroid Lake (above Wallowa Lake):

"We skied into Aneroid on Saturday and found some great snow conditions. We hiked up the service road to the diversion dam which is very icy under a thin layer of snow. I used some light-weight running shoe crampons on by ski boots and that seemed to help a lot! We were able to put our skis on at about 5500 feet elevation, about a 1/2 mile or so below the bridge. Our skin track from last week was still visible, though it didn't look as if anyone else had used it. The trail above the dam has good snow cover, except for a couple of spots where it crosses a small side creek. You will have to navigate over a couple of down trees as well, but they don't present any major problems. Above about 6600 feet the trail snow coverage is great along the trail. Although temperatures have reached the low 40's during the day at the SNOTEL, we did not see any significant crusting action. In the meadow below Aneroid Lake we measured snow depths in several places and found numbers ranging from 90 to 150 cm. From the meadow we climbed south easterly up the ridge that sits just to the east of the lake. We climbed up to about 7800 feet and dug a snow pit where the total depth was about 165 cm. Keith will report more on the the snow pit information later in the week, but suffice it to say, there was nothing too startling to report! The profile was consistent with what we have been seeing elsewhere."

(Don't confuse a Snotel with a Hotel as there's definitely a difference!)

Now and then we have winter guests here at our Eastern Oregon bed and breakfast who are looking for some outdoor activity: backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling.  Information from the Wallowa Avalanche Center is a wonderful resource even if you're not going to pack in for an overnight stay in the Wallowa Mountains.

If you're planning a winter Eastern Oregon vacation, check out the Wallowa Avalanche Center's website in addition to calling us!

Our Joseph bed and breakfast turns 200 (blog posts)

Friday, January 29, 2010 by Heather Tyreman
We've been steadily blogging about the Bronze Antler Bed and Breakfast since November 2008.  I stopped to count the number of posts recently and we're now at 212 posts!

If you search this blog (see the Search This Blog field at the right?)  --->
you'll find information about subjects like:
  • Joseph Oregon and what to do in Joseph Oregon
  • Wallowa Lake and what to do at Wallowa Lake
  • Joseph Oregon and Wallowa County events
  • Planning an Eastern Oregon Vacation
  • Hells Canyon Scenic Byway, Highway 39 and Hells Canyon Lodging
  • Recipes from our Joseph Oregon bed and breakfast
  • Guest rooms at the Bronze Antler Bed & Breakfast
  • Planning a romantic getaway Oregon style at our B&B
You can also click on the various "Categories" (again, to the right on the template) and move right into specific areas like Joseph Oregon Hotels (there aren't any, but we'll tell you about it).

Or you can just wander through the blog and learn probably more about us, our bed and breakfast, and Joseph Oregon than you thought you'd ever know!

Madigan, Bill, Joanna, Elizabeth, Tiffany and I hope you enjoy reading our blog.  If you have some suggestions about what we can do to improve it, you know we're all ears!

Only one room left for Valentine's Day at our Eastern Oregon lodging!

Tuesday, January 26, 2010 by Heather Tyreman
My goodness!  Only one room left for Valentine's Day at our Eastern Oregon lodging!  If you're planning a romantic getaway Oregon style to Joseph Oregon, our Sawtooth Mountain Room is still available for Valentine's Day and President's Day Weekend 2010.

Sawtooth Mountain Room at the Bronze Antler Bed and Breakfast in Joseph OregonHere's a little about the Sawtooth Mountain Room at the Bronze Antler Bed and Breakfast. 

This guest room lodging accommodations at any fine hotel.   Highlights include:
  • Queen-sized bed with Simmons Beautyrest mattress, topped with a Sensus latex dense foam topper (very comfortable!), fine linens, down comforter and lots of pillows.
  • West-facing views of the Wallowa Mountains.  The mountains are a little farther away so there's more of a sweeping panoramic view looking out these windows.
  • Attached ensuite bathroom, complete with deeper style soaking tub and bidet.  Oversized microfiber bathrobes and slippers.  A two-sided, wall-mounted adjustable lighted makeup mirror (our guests love this).  North-facing window over the Wallowa Valley
  • Free Wi-fi access and a combination clock radio/CD player/environmental sound machine.  CDs in the drawer.
  • Art Nouveau period artwork and decor.  My favorite item is the Ecole Nancy parlor stove we brought home from France that now serves as a tabletop.
  • Warm burnt orange walls adorned with hand-painted Arts & Crafts period stencils painted by decorative art professional Amy Miller.
  • Full bed and breakfast service including sherry upon arrival, chilled water, restaurant menus (and our recommendations), wine cellar selections, concierge services, activity planning, maps and reservations.
Wallowa Mountain views through the Sawtooth Mountain Room windows are serene in our Joseph Oregon Lodging.  Photo by Unique Angles Photography 

Still no television or fitness center on premises at the Bronze Antler Bed & Breakfast.  But with views like these and the Wallowa Mountains at your doorstep, who needs TV or a treadmill?