Dear readers, send in your wildlife photos, as we (aka “I”) need them.
Today we have an unusual series: the world from above, taken on a plane by David Jorling. David’s comments are indented, and you can enlarge the photos by clicking on them.
This series of photos were taken from a non stop flight from Phoenix to Portland. These pictures were taken as dawn was breaking on December 2, 2024.Based on the coordinates recorded on my iphone, this appears to be the Osgood Mountains in Northern Nevada, near or at the area where it has been reported a large Lithium deposit has been found.
This I believe is the Santa Rosa Range in Northern Nevada, near the town of Paradise Valley:
Now over Oregon, this is Steens Mountain, which is about as remote an area you can find in Oregon’ and also one of the most beautiful. I highly recommend a visit if the reader has not been there. You can drive to the peak and look east for miles. There is only one place to stay nearby which called French Glen, where good meals are served family style.
The plane is now approaching Portland from the East over the Columbia River Gorge. My window is facing south which provides a nice view of Mt. Hood looking south.. I have climbed to the summit, but that’s not saying much, as it has been reported that it is the most climbed peak in North America. The best place to stay is Timberline Lodge, which is on the south face of the mountain:\
A closer look at MT Hood. The peaks on the horizon are from left: Mt bachelor, neat the City of Bend, Two of the Three Sister peaks, Mt Jefferson directly above Mt Hood, and I believe Mt Washington: on the right.
This is one of two reservoirs known as Bull Run, which supplies Portland with mosy of its water. This is a few miles east of My Hood:
The plane went past the Portland airport and is turning to approach it from the west, just as the sun was rising:
Beautiful photos! And, if you wish to visit Steens Mountain and the adjacent Malheur NWR (and I strongly suggest you do) there is another local place to stay: the Hotel Diamond, located in Diamond, Oregon (population: 5). Established in 1898, it is run by the friendliest group of folks you’ll ever know and their food, also served family style, is incredible!
Thanks – we plan on a visit later this summer. I will try the Hotel Diamond. dj
Frenchglen looks like my kinda place!
That closeup view of Mt. Hood is spectacular. Great photos!
Fantastic! Once on a flight I was able to see Mt. Shasta, Mt. Hood, Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Adams, Mt. Rainier, and Mt. Baker all at once—a view from Northern California almost to the Canadian border.
Spectacular.
ALWAYS get a window seat!
Thank you.
D.A.
NYC
Thanks for these beautiful photos! I didn’t know you could have your phone on to get the coordinates.
Thank you! It was fun seeing these photos and your descriptions.
Gorgeous colours! Nice set.