Nestled into the foot hills of the gorgeous Powell Butte area of central Oregon is the beautiful home of Phyllis and Mark Motsko otherwise know as “Fort Motsko”
They have done a fantastic job of landscaping and maintaining the property. The views of the Cascades from their dinning room windows are spectacular. We spent hours starring at Phyllis’s rock art and walking the gravel paths that wind through the junipers.
After spending 8 fun filled days basking in the sunshine (?) and wandering the backroads of the Bend area with these folks we feel very lucky to know these very special people.
Mark and Phyllis spent close to 30 years working for the National Park service in parks ranging from the east coast to Alaska. Each night we got to hear tales of hog trapping, buffalo herding, horse wrangling, leading naturalist tours, busting poachers and rescuing the lost just to name a few of their jobs. What a fantastic life so far! Now both retired and living in the land of brew pubs and great coffee they lead an active life in the high desert.
Mark is an avid fly fisherman and ties his own flies and Phyllis is a master quilter and hard core rock hound.
The dogs really enjoyed the 5 acres of fenced in compound surrounding the fort and acted as if they owned the place.
On the spur of the moment we decided to go camping on the evening of Marks birthday along the Wild and Scenic Crooked River. Its a beautiful little creek flowing under spectacular volcanic cliffs surrounded by pine and juniper trees.
Mark spent a fair amount of time throwing some of his custom flys into the creek and catching several nice trout. That night we stoked a warm fire, drank wine, told stories and laughed a lot. A great time to say the least.
Thanks Mark and Phyllis for a great time…….one that we will not soon forget.
gone with the dogs 
Denise & Tim, We are thoroughly enjoying reading your blog and traveling “vicariously” through your photos/ descriptions. Wonderful blog and awesome photos. Sorry we missed you on your way out. September was a bit of a blur to us.
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We sure wanted to stop and visit but we were trying to beat the snow that was about to hit Whitehorse. Maybe in the spring. Have a great winter, from Denise
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Looks like a fun time by all!
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We love spending time at Fort Motsko, in the Habecker suite. When will your party arrive at the Horse Creek Ranger Station?
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Donna you are on our list to visit. We have to be in So Cal in a few weeks and plan on camping the eastern side of the Sierra’s on the way there. We are trying to avoid cold weather (read The Adventure Begins, our first post) So if the weather stays moderate, no freezing temps in Montana, then we might show up. Otherwise next year for sure.
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They sound like great people!
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