Day 72: Mitchell, OR to Prineville, OR (48.3 miles)
Last night, after dinner, we took a van trip to the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument; Painted Hills area at sunset with Matt from Spoke’n Hostel. The area is very beautiful with the colorful rock formations and the lighting was also very good. This morning, we had a wonderful breakfast of eggs and pancakes before heading out at 7:30. From Mitchell, we passed Mount Mitchell, and started to climb toward Ochoco Pass (4,722 ft) at mile 16.5. After the pass, we continued on Route 26, past Ochoco Lake, and in to Prineville, tonight’s destination. We’re staying at the Crook County RV park. As I write this, the temperature is 95 degrees F.
On the road to Painted Hills
Spoke’n Hostel, a converted church that caters to cyclists in Mitchell, OR
Painted Hills in John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
Fossil Beds
Sunset at John Day Fossil Beds
Another angle
Post sunset
Mount Mitchell
Today’s tallest pass - Ochoco Pass
Pines west of Ochoco Pass
Matt, our tour guide, at John Day Pictured Hills
