One of our destinations in the US was the John Day Fossil Beds which we had "flown by" via car on our way to Death Valley many years ago. We had the opportunity to visit the town of John Day, and the museum, which is centered on the lives of 2 Chinese, settlers is worth a visit: the Kam Wah Chung Museum and the building is a National Historic Landmark. Failing to achieve a campsite in the National Forest near the town (fires had closed roads) we stayed at a state park and the next day went to the Sheep Rock division of the Fossil Beds. Everything is totally "free" in this area even though it is part of the National Parks. I guess this is because it is a National Monument and not a park. We had a lovely hike through the fossil beds - this picture does not do it justice. The hazy skies from the area smoke is visible. The hike had a lot of variety and a side route leads you to the popular part of the site - some actual fossils on display. At the headquarters, there is a large display of the entire area and the fossils found in it - I was impressed with all of the dioramas and the amount of work that has gone into the displays.
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