Bend, Oregon --- The High Desert Museum

When you drive out to the High Desert Musuem, it feels like you are in the middle of nowhere, entering vast spaces.

Things can look deceptively small, and end up being bigger than you thought. 

This was especially true of two of the exhibits, Spirit of the West and By Hand Through Memory.

It looks like you are entering a room, but then there are twists and turns and you are traveling through a space, but also through time. 

There was a lot in there, and I thought they did a good job of presenting the information.

Those are among the permanent exhibits. 

I felt some wonder, turning corners and finding still more. At times the lighting was dim.

There was also a temporary one, Sensing Sasquatch, which did more to give a feeling of the legend, which is probably the most appropriate method for that subject.

Even with all of that -- which was a lot -- there was still more.

Desertarium shows you some of the creatures associated with the area. 

You can find owls both there and at the Donald M. Kerr Birds of Prey Center.

There is also The Autzen Otter Exhibit.

And Porcupines.

There doesn't seem to be a separate name for the bobcat; is Timber actually a part of Porcupines?

Having a large campus means that they can offer many different types of experiences.

There was also some really cute statuary.

For the Portland Metro Area, it is a bit of a journey. I was comparing routes, but there is a trip through mountain and forest that just can't be avoided, not matter your approach.

It is worth seeing, though. If you are in the area, it makes sense to go.

(And also check out the last Blockbuster while you are there.)

I would say the worst part about it was that if you need to eat while there, your options are very limited. 

This is not saying the food was bad; it was fine. The prices were a little high but not gouging.

That also leads to something else.

COVID: There is outside seating, but we were there on a poor air quality day, and the outdoor seating was closed. It was incredibly crowded, and in the one place you can't mask.

There was some frustration with that. Otherwise, I masked inside. The air was not quite bad enough for me to mask outside at that point.

Accessibility: In addition to being pretty good for mobility, the museum has many sensory options and continues to add accommodations.

https://highdesertmuseum.org/accessibility/ 

There are steps in many places, but there are always other routes with ramps or flat entrances.

I did worry about some of the dark areas in Spirit of the West, but given that as an institution they seem to take accessibility very seriously, I would ask any questions that come to you.

I understand why it consistently ranks high on lists of top museums and top attractions.

https://highdesertmuseum.org/

Salem's Riverfront Carousel

We have visited one more carousel on Oregon's portion of the Northwest Carousel Trail.

Salem's Riverfront Carousel is located in Riverfront Park -- at the intersection of Front and State -- with many activities nearby.

My love for carousels is primarily the animals, and the details are enriching.

Notice the bows and colors on Glad Tidings; this is a Christmas horse, and looks so even from a bit of a distance.

Looking closer, we have a cache of toys and a wintry scene.

This carousel started with only horses, plus one zebra, Jazz. 

Actually, the original group also shows the mule, Francis, but they are half horse. He is winking at Kate, the horse in the middle.

They have been making some fun additions, including the Duck and Mr. Hopkins.

I know their names for sure, because there are nameplates for each one.

You can also look them up on the web site, including some previews for animals not yet finished. (There is a beaver coming to join the duck.)

 https://www.salemcarousel.org/meettheherd

We especially liked the deer, Blackberry.

But if you wanted a much smaller, more individual ride...

The carousel has a little library, which had free bookmarks, but not very many books.

If you visit, and you have some extra books around, maybe bring them by.

There is also a gift shop, and that is where we got the new stamps in our passports.

COVID: With some open panels, ventilation is reasonably good, but I still treated it as an indoors space and stayed masked.

Accessibility: I did not see a loading ramp, but it is lower than many of the historic carousels. That should make getting on easier, though it may still require assistance.

The wagons contain benches.

It is also interesting to note that they have a sensory hour on the first Monday of each month, and do not charge riders with disabilities, though that would involve disclosure.

https://www.salemcarousel.org/rides-hours 

I also noticed a nearby playground that looks pretty accessible. It is a large park with many activities.

We may be returning to Riverfront Park as well.

https://www.salemcarousel.org/