Day 15 - August 14: Baker City OR

Rest day.

Rest day in Baker City OR.  I had a hard time leaving my cushy room this morning.  Actually - I used the time to catch up on paperwork, correspondence, volunteer work, and the blog.  It was almost eleven by the time I emerged out into the real world!  I took a stroll down Main Street and popped into the bike shop.  I mentioned my creaky bike and he indicated that if I brought it in he might try to lube the seat post (which I haven't been able to get off the bike in years).  Instead, when I took it in he yanked, pulled, and pushed on the seat itself until I was afraid he was going to break something.  He did not attempt to lube anything.  I thanked him for his time and escaped with it still in one piece.  By then my stomach was speaking to me, so off to the bakery for some late breakie (and perhaps a pecan/cinnamon bun) and a chat with a few other women doing the same thing.  Then it was off to the Baker Heritage Museum, renowned for its extensive rock collection donated by sisters Elizabeth Warfel and Mamie Cavin.  It is said to rival the Smithsonian.  The museum is housed in what was initially built in the 1920s as a natatorium (swimming pool), then used for various purposes over the years until the historical society rescued it from the wrecker's ball in the 1970s.  I must say that the entire museum exceeded in every way my expectations for a small town museum.  A few pics......







Who knew there were so many different types of barbed wire or local ranching brands??




I can't recommend the movie (I watched it last time I was here), but they're very proud of it around these parts.






We learned on our hotel tour yesterday that the streets were built very wide so that an 8-mule team + 3 wagons could get turned around on them.  Many of the storefronts on the main streets are originals.



The Powder River runs through town.


Lots of public art in town............






Pictures of our hotel........



And a couple of just-for-fun pics............



A little bike cleaning, a little food in my belly, and it's almost time to do it all over again.  That is, if I choose to leave these comfy quarters in the morning............



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