Autumn is in full force here in northeast Oregon. One of my favorite pastimes is getting out and around to see the brilliant colors of fall. Our corner of the state can put on quite the display and the colors seem especially intense this year.

I am fortunate to live on a cattle ranch near North Powder. Sunday afternoon, I took advantage of the wonderful autumn weather and went for a nice long horseback ride across our meadows and sage-covered hills. The thorn bushes along the river are a beautiful shade of red, the willows have turned bright yellow, and the blue sky was reflecting on the water. What a treat. See the photo page for a peak at the scenery.

Whether riding a horse, touring in a car or on a motorcycle, or enjoying the country roads from a bicycle, sightseeing in Union County just can't be beat. We are surrounded by the magnificent Blue Mountains to the west and Wallowa Mountains to the east. They had a nice fresh dusting of snow this morning, making them seem even taller above the valleys. The Tamaracks (Western Larch - a deciduous tree that looks like and lives amongst the conifers) have turned yellow, casting a golden glow across the face of the mountains. The farm ground is a patchwork quilt of plowed brown, new green seedlings, and golden wheat stubble. When you come to see this marvelous array of color, stop in La Grande to check out the gift shops and have a meal in one of our many great restaurants - many serve locally raise vegetables and meat.

For another fantastic way to see the countryside and enjoy the fall colors, catch a ride on the Eagle Cap Excursion Train this Saturday, October 25. This is our last scheduled excursion for the year. The train departs from Elgin at 10 a.m., (get there a little early for best choice of seating), and returns around 1:30. It follows the Grande Ronde River into the roadless canyon, downstream to where it is joined by the Wallowa River at Rondowa. The train then goes up the glittering Wallowa River for a few miles before reversing direction and returning to Elgin. The scenery is spectacular, lunch is delicious, and the volunteers on the train will answer all of your questions and help you have a relaxing and fun train ride. Call Alegre Travel, 1-800-323-7330 to make reservations (highly recommended this time of year), or go to www.eaglecaptrain.com for more information.