Creation Encounter
2012 Tour Schedule

Catherine Creek Hike

Catherine Creek is an excellent place to study flowers, birds, and the general ecology of this beautiful pine-oak woodland east of Bingen. We will discuss the uniqueness of Gorge microclimates, vernal pond life cycles, endemic and endangered species. The interesting geology includes the general sequence of events, mima mounds, evidences for Noah's Flood, and a granite boulder carried here by the Ice Age Missoula flood.

Central Gorge Day Trip #1

There are several spots between Hood River and Lyle where we take short hikes, find petrified wood, and collect quartzite cobbles transported over 400 miles by Noah's Flood. We see first-hand evidence that a recent catastrophic Flood laid down most of the rocks and the fossils, and not millions of years of natural processes. We will also discuss wildflowers, monarch butterfly migration, and other marvelous life that reveals the hand of our Creator.

Deschutes Wildlife Hike

We will find plentiful wildlife and interesting geology in this (usually) sunny area. We will also discover some petrified wood and portions of the old Oregon Trail, but the emphasis will be on the abundant bird life. The 4-5 mile hike passes through beautiful streamside and sagebrush habitats and amidst exposures of the Columbia River basalt which contain erratic boulders. Bring binoculars.

TBA

Details coming soon.

Central Gorge Day Trip #2

Same trip as #1 April 7, with the possibility of seeing a few more birds and wildflowers.

Seven Wonders of the Columbia Gorge Bus Tour

The Seven Wonders Bus Tour, so popular last year, will be repeated again this year with guides Dennis Bokovoy and John Hergenrather onboard a comfortable 24 passenger tour bus. Besides enjoying the spring wildflowers and birds, highlights include the Deschutes River crossing of the Oregon Trail and a Native American archeological site. Examine giant current ripples left from the Missoula flood as well as evidence for the Global Flood.

Wonders of South-Central Washington Bus Tour

On this one day sightseeing bus tour we will explore the wonders and beauty of the Klickitat River and nearby Glenwood Valley. Bring binoculars for Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refuge where elk and sandhill cranes are often seen. Explore a pioneer homestead and logging railroad history, ponder a huge dry waterfall near the Klickitat River, collect quartzites transported from the Rocky Mountains, and discuss other mysteries of this scenic area.

West Gorge Day Trip

With Steve Haley, explore Gorge biology, history and geology including evidence for the Bridge of the Gods, the Missoula Flood, and the Genesis Flood. We will find petrified logs and discuss their formation from the standpoint of biblical history.

John Day Fossil Beds 2-Day Bus Tour

On this 2 day bus tour we will travel comfortably in a 24 passenger sightseeing bus. Rich fossil deposits and fascinating geology and scenery make the John Day area an excellent outdoor classroom. Find fossils, examine pictographs and the beautiful Painted Hills, and the new visitor center at Sheep Rock. This tour will make use of and include the guidebook co-authored by your guides John Hergenrather and Dennis Bokovoy.

John Day Fossil Hunting 4-Day Camping Trip

On this four-day camping adventure we will find new fossil hunting areas and have plenty of time for fun and fellowship. Learn creation explanations for the fossil beds and the famous "horse series." Swim and ponder Indian pictographs in Picture Gorge. Our base-camp will be at the very nice Fish House Camping and RV Park in Dayville, OR reserved entirely for our group.

TBA: Joint Camping Adventure with FIGI (Foundations in Genesis in Idaho)

Central Oregon 3-Day Camping Adventure

For two nights we will camp or stay in a yurt (your choice) at Tumalo State Park. On day trips we will examine Newberry Craters, the log casts, the High Desert Museum. Explore ancient Indian encampments and a huge dam breech near Horse Ridge.

Central Gorge Day Trip #3 (North Side of River)

Same trip as #1 and #2 in the spring.

Central Gorge Day Trip #4 (South Side of River)

Similar discoveries as #3 except from the perspective of the other side of the river.