Does anyone remember back in the 90’s when sand art was a thing? I think everyone at one point had some sort of sandscape sitting on their desk idly taking up space. You know what I’m talking about, the glass picture of layered colored sand that kind of looked like landscape of sand dunes or mountains. If you know what I’m referring to you know it was the biggest waste of money, and whoever invented it probably retired early with a smug grin on their face knowing they’d conned millions into buying dyed beach sand. If you don’t know what I’m talking about I quite possibly have just outed myself as being a child mega nerd?!
Well when you travel to the Painted Hills, you can see millions of years of history revealed in the layers of mountains of earth, one color at a time which let’s be honest, look exactly like those sandscape 90’s toys. It could be a case of life imitating art, but the more I think about it I guess life came first. If you’re totally confused I’m including a picture ref for anyone too young or cool to remember the 90’s.
Heading south east from Portland, OR you will find the Painted Hills, part of the John Day Fossil Monument. Based on the time of day you go you’ll see layers of reds, yellows, golds and blacks and even lavender in its soil. The unique colors that streak the clay rich hills and mounds were formed over 35 million years ago by different volcanic eruptions and changing climate patterns. Over time the landscape transformed again and again responding to the powerful forces of nature. Layers of ash and different types of soil mixed with minerals and plant material and eroded causing the unique coloring of the Painted Hills landscape you can see today.
While not a huge monument, the Painted Hill’s are certainly an experience, if only to see what crazy colors this earth can create. And if you’re like me, a kid from the 90’s you will just enjoy seeing the crappy toy you had on your desk that never did anything actually come to life before your eyes.
Out Of Office 