August 2005

Greetings to all,

Each month, as we put together the "Wanderings," two question come up: "Did you really do all that?" and, "Can it get any better?" The amazing thing is the answer to both questions is always "YES!" Here's why --

This was our first full month researching the National Forests in Oregon. We started with the Rogue River, picked up a beautiful piece of Six Rivers located along the Oregon and California state line, moved on to the Oregon coast and the Siskiyou, then back to the Rogue River. Next, was the National Forest, and we ended the month by completing our research of the Winema National Forest. Statistically, we surveyed some 50 campgrounds, drove a total of 2055 miles, camped in three private campgrounds, five Forest Service campgrounds, one county campground, and one Oregon State Park named Cape Blanco. We also visited one National Park, Crater Lake, one National Monument, Oregon Caves, and two wineries.

On the way to Cape Blanco State Park we saw seal lions body-surfing in the waves. And Grey whales, a whole herd/school/pod/whatever it is called, paid us a visit while we ate lunch on the Park's beach. It was amazing to see their water spouts as they surfaced and then we watched their massive tails wave "Bye-bye" to us poor landlocked souls as they slipped back down into the watery depths. Now, how's that for lunch-time entertainment?

Did we mention we did a lot of hiking in August? Most was to spectacular waterfalls along the Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway (Routes 230 and 238). The reason for the number of waterfalls is the area's volcanic history. Massive amounts of lava, ash, and such flowed from volcanoes (the largest being Mount Mazama, its empty core now holds Crater Lake) and covered the land time and time again. But as mighty a force as is a volcano, it can't compete with the tireless force of water. Many of the waterfalls we visited were carved by small rivers plunging over a 100, 200, even 300 foot edge of lava flows. Seeing such magnificent sights made all the huffing and puffing and sore muscles worth it.

Of course, Ralf and Dani took all the hikes with us. Ralf finds some more challenging than others but was always game. He still prefers pavement and assumes a resigned and very business-like attitude as soon as he sees a trail's leaf litter, dirt, and rocks. Dani, on the other hand, has yet to see a trail she didn't enjoy. One caution we must observe with her is, if there is any water, be it lake, pond, river, stream, Dani will jump in with no regard to danger. The silly girl thinks she is half duck. Another difference between our two puppies is Ralf will walk, tail up and in a straight-line, along the trail, while Dani runs here and there, tail acting as a rudder, only crossing the trail occasionally. The result; Dani runs five-times the distance Ralf walks and both are pooped by the time we get back to the car.

Crater Lake National Park is as beautiful as you have heard. It is a place everyone should see but it is like visiting a museum. You go there, enjoy what you see, and can touch nothing. To find something to do you must go to one of the two wonderful National Forests, either the Rogue River or Umpqua, that surround the Park. Each forest features the above mentioned Scenic Byway. In the Rogue River, the Byway (Rt 230) follows Union Creek and passes through a cathedral formed by Sugar pine. The Umpqua portion of the Byway (Rt 138) has a very different beauty to it. The roadway follows the steep wall canyon of the Wild and Scenic North Umpqua River. We camped, hiked, and played along both routes and would be hard pressed to say which is better. If asked, we would recommend trying both and making up your own mind. As for us, we would happily revisit both. (We do suggest trying the pies at Beckie's Cafe on Rt. 230 and a Klutzburger at the Steamboat Inn on Rt. 138 super yum!!!)

Our visit to the Oregon Caves National Monument included visits to two area wineries. Bear Creek Winery was the younger but had good selection of wines. Bridgeview was much older and better established. Bear Creek featured a two-story building, wine making on the first floor and tasting room above, surrounded by manicured vines. Bridgeview looked ready for a big party. It had a large pond with two snowy white swans and a huge deck with flower pots, tables and lamps. Between exploring the Oregon Caves and discovering some delicious wines, it was a great day. But this month had a lot of great days.

One of the greatest events we experienced (along with the seal lions and whales) happened on the return from a day's work when a full-grown cougar/puma/mountain lion walked across the road in front of us. He was magnificent and the first lion we have seen in the wild. We later learned the state feels the cougar population in Oregon has reached dangerous numbers and has approved hunting cougars with dogs. Now, that seems to us like an extreme solution and very sad.

You may not realize it but this was the first month this season when no one in our little family had a medical need. Additionally, except for the heavy fogs we experienced at Cape Blanco, the sky has been cloudless. Nights were chilly during our stay at Diamond Lake but the days were glorious. Every National Forest visited was, as usual, beautiful and, in general, their campgrounds delightful. No serious problems with the RV or car and the month just sped by.

September will see us wind down our efforts with visits to the Fremont and a piece of Deschutes National Forest and then we're off to see Suzi's daughter and her family, their new business, and new home in Ennis, MT. So, what could possibly happen next month to top all that occurred this month? We haven't the faintest idea but can't wait to find out. Until then,

Suzi and Fred