August 6, 2007: Burnt Cabin Creek, Malheur National Forest, Grant County, OR: A coyote serenade just outside our tent flaps woke us early in the morning. Lucy joined in… little did she realize she would have been on the menu for a coyote breakfast.
After a cup of coffee and an oatmeal cookie we packed up our camping gear and prepared to head for home. We took Lucy for a hike up the Dark Canyon before leaving.
Chris spotted an interesting caterpillar which we have since identified as a Tussock moth larva of Orygia pseudotsugata.Those of you familiar with the scientific name of the Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) will recognize the reference in the species epithet for the caterpillar.
Fritillary sp. butterflies were numerous and nectaring on bull thistle blooms. White winged butterflies were everywhere and seemed to be interested in the trees, mostly white fir.
Using forest service roads we crossed to the Izee highway, heading for Paulina, Post, and Prineville. We stopped for lunch at Elkhorn Forest Camp in the Maury Mountains and then pointed our noses toward home.
byLarry
