A Step Back in Time

Balch Hotel
Originally uploaded by Katherine H.

Earlier this week I was working in the rural town of Dufur, Oregon. Our training site was the Balch Hotel, a historic site recently renovated and opened as a bed and breakfast by Samantha and Jeff Irwin.

With a population of about 600 people, this area is predominantly focused on agriculture and also serves as a bedroom community for The Dalles, Oregon. Each August, the town holds an annual Threshing Bee where you can inspect and admire horse-drawn and steam-powered farming equipment.



On a crisp autumn day, it's hard to beat the beauty of Mt. Hood as your backdrop and the company of Kahlua and Tucker, the resident dog and cat padding about the hotel.