October 2018 – Adventures of Roy and Laurie

October 31, 2018

Cave Junction, Oregon Without The Cave.

After being just a wee bit busy it is time to do a catch up post regarding Southern Oregon. The town of Cave Junction is about a 3 hour drive from Crater Lake National Park and had a number of interesting things to do. The previous post regarding wild cats came from the cat preserve there. There was also a winery with a tasting room that was a really cool tree house. There were 2 disc golf courses in the town and we checked out the one completed as an Eagle Scout project a few years back.

This is the tasting room for Augustino Estates Winery in O’Brien, Oregon. We were not sure how the tree house structure would survive over time as the trees grow but it was exquisitely done!

This was the inside of the tree house tasting room. We figure it would be nice and cozy during a winter storm. They served an bone dry blush wine that was phenomenal.

We were not sure why it was called Forks Disc Golf Course but it was very nicely laid out with 9 holes of disc golf. Could it be that I worked at Chenango Forks for 32 years?

We had to go to the Dollar Store to find these two Flying Disc Dog Toys to use as Frisbees. For a buck apiece, they did the job.

Laurie had fun retrieving her disc after the “wind took it” into the bushes.

Not a hole in one but pretty impressive nonetheless.

We are not sure who did the art work here but the question mark made out of stones was well done.

Roy tries to keep the disc on the “straight and narrow”

Each hole had a corporate sponsor but we are not sure what this business deals in?

A hard-earned flight of beer at the Wild River Brewery.

Boy was this west coast pizza good. We still cannot tell why they cut them into small square inch slices?

We were not sure what prompted someone to make a huge bee-like figure for the roof of their shed but……there are many wineries and breweries in the area….

We cannot believe that someone went to all the trouble to renovate this really cool old cop car and then leave it parked on the side of the road. Maybe they figured it would get speeders to slow down?

October 28, 2018

Lions And Tigers And Bears Oh My…..No Lions Or Bears But Definitely Tigers!

After leaving Crater Lake NP our basic goal was to make it to the San Fransisco area by the 17th to visit Chris, Marnielle and our two grandchildren Myles and Harper. We spent 3 days visiting a town called Cave Junction, Oregon. We checked in to Lone Mountain RV Park and told them we would stay one night but longer if we found something to satisfy our curiosity itch. The first place we visited was Great Cats World Park. We are not sure why we paid the $15 apiece to go in and see these cats but when we came out after a basically private tour we were thoroughly impressed with their caring for these cats and their effort toward cat species preservation.

Meet Scooby the white Siberian tiger. He was the first cat we met. He is 7 years old.

Oh my Scooby is one big cat! Our tour guide conned him into standing up for us with a piece of raw meat.

We found this snow leopard entertained us with his tail. It is so long that he spent his time walking around with it in his mouth!

This black leopard is named Taboo. He is the sanctuary’s oldest cat at 19 years old. When the sun hits him at the correct angle you can see his spots.

These three black leopards are siblings. They are almost 2 years old. The male is much larger than the two females. They will soon have to be separated as they are approaching maturity.

They were very polite. Each taking a turn being given a treat.

This is called a fishing cat. This species is one of the few cat species that is okay getting wet. They dive in after their prey and use their long front legs to fish it out.

This African Wildcat is the nearest ancestor to our domesticated cat lines today. We were told that it is one of the most ferocious of all the wild cats. Generally the level of ferocity is inversely proportional to their size. This cat was small but…….

It was a tiring day for this old cat! Entertaining the Dandos is a tough job.

No,this is not a random picture of a peacock in a cat post. These birds seem to be all over the place in Oregon and Northern CA. Not part of the actual tour but neat to see all the same.

There were many more cats on our tour today so some nice photos of them are below, We are very enthralled with the mission of this place. Along with a large network of places similar to this they are trying to give these cats a good place to live and to preserve some of the species from extinction. Some of these cats are predicted to be extinct in the wild within the decade. We believe all the cats here were born in captivity and will have a lifespan nearly double a healthy cat in the wild. Not what nature intended but…….

Take a look at their website and decide for yourself if places like this are appropriate in our day and age. www.greatcatsworldpark.com

October 27, 2018

A Nice Week Near San Fransisco With Chris and Family.

As we continue our journey around the country October found us near San Fransisco and the home of Chris, Marnielle, Myles and Harper. We spent some time catching up and having some fun.

A day at the pumpkin farm netted 3 nice specimens for the Mandervilles.

While at the pumpkin farm we watched Myles and Harper ride the pedal bikes.

I would say they both won their respective races.

Chris was not trying to “roll” Grandpa in this neat “attraction” but a rolling grandpa gathers no moss!

Harper stayed upright and looked much more coordinated than the older folks.

Myles had this rolling culvert game beat right from the start.

Harper found a ghoulish friend as we entered the park.

Who is that scary looking member of the family? Don’t ask which member!

Chris helped his old man plug a puncture hole in the truck tire.

As Myles has a birthday in a few weeks we decided to upgrade his ride with a cycle computer, water bottle and pump.

As we took a bike ride around the island of Alameda, Myles celebrates beating Grandma and Grandpa on their tandem.

This is what happens when you get old! The younger you get, the larger the scoop!

Harper, Daddy and Franklin strike a nice pose for Grandma. Lose the baseball cap and make Grandpa happy or at least change the logo.

Myles made us fresh lemonade from lemons right off the tree in their backyard.

October 24, 2018

California Redwoods….Man Those Are Big Trees!

What would a trip to the National Parks be without at least one stop in a grove of giant redwood trees? This particular grove was called the Pierce Creek Redwoods and is actually part of the California State Park System. The Drury Scenic Drive through the park was much different than when we rode our bicycle down this segment. It used to be the coastal route 101 but in our 10 year absence, the state ran the highway around the park leaving this wonderful road for us tourists.

As we parked the truck next to this giant we knew it would be a special day!

This was the “other side” of the same tree that is pictured above.

This signage was a bit unnerving as we stepped into the forest!

Even more unnerving was seeing this pile of cat scat right after we entered the forest!

This poor tree was one of the unlucky redwood trees not to survive the many fires that scorch them from time to time.

Can you believe that those huge trees generally come from a pine cone this small?

Check out this root reaching for moisture. Sometimes redwoods regenerate themselves from the big burls at their base. When the tree senses danger it releases a chemical that spurs new growth. A clone you would say.

Wonder how long ago this tree became a bridge?

We could not imagine being the maintainer for this trail. Finding a sawyer with a long enough blade to handle this downed tree would be tough!

I was feeling lucky this day. Look at the crack in the parent tree that is hosting the new growth.

Laurie cannot believe these two giants parted a bit so she could walk through. Check out her pose as she tries to become the Vitruvian Woman!

These two trees fell in love a long time ago.

What an awesome root system this little redwood has. Hanging on for life to its giver of that life.

This specific tree was named the “Corkscrew Tree”. We think it looks a bit more like a praying mantis.

The root systems for these giant trees are very shallow but can spread hundreds of feet horizontally.

The sign said “trail closed due to a bridge issue”. No issue for us?

I am not 16 anymore am I. Still limber enough to do the limbo though.

Not sure this is the spot to be resting?

Can you find the 4 leaf clover? Although we did not find it we seem to be running into all sorts of good luck on our adventure!

The teacher in me has not disappeared. I will spare you most of the details of the lecture I appear to be giving here but C=Pi*D and A=Pi*r^2

What an awesome hike we had here among the coastal redwoods.

October 18, 2018

Crater Lake National Park in Oregon is Spectacular!

While visiting Crater Lake NP we chose the north end as a base and camped in a Sno-Park right outside the park for free. The temperatures are getting a bit chilly these days with nighttime lows in the mid 20s. The furnace in our little camper is working overtime to make sure we have the time to visit these wonderful places in non-tourist season.

We spent one day driving around the park loop and taking hikes and the second day walking on the Pacific Crest Trail that stretches from Mexico to Canada. On that hike we were treated to a conversation with a thru hiker who has hiked 2200 of the 2600 miles to this point. Very cool indeed!

This shot of Crater Lake almost shows how vividly blue the water appears when the sun hits it right.

This little island in the lake is called the “Phantom Ship” because, from a distance it is supposed to look a bit like a pirate ship. Check out the blue hue!

Here is a panorama of the lake on a chilly morning.

This is a close up of the volcanic cone called Wizard’s Island. In the summer there is a boat you can take out to it to hike to the top.

First hike of the day took us to the “Watchman’s Tower”. A bit windy up there but the views were awesome.

Check out the rime ice on the pine trees! It stayed around all day long even in the bright sunshine. Rime ice is formed when clouds/fog condenses and freezes on trees and other objects.

Here is a close up shot of some more rime ice. This was taken at 4pm after a full day of sunlight!

Is that winter gear Roy is wearing? It is only October 7 for goodness sake.

This poor tree has been “trimmed” by all the passers-by. The rime ice on it is spectacular.

The little tags on this tree were chemically treated and put here as a deterrent to pine beetles that try to infest all the pines in the park.

Someone else walked up this mile long hill just to take a picture of us with Crater Lake in the background.

A nice lunch was eaten at the Crater Lake Lodge. Not many visitors this time of year but what a nice old wooden structure.

Hike number two would be to the park’s tallest highest point called Mount Scott. It was a bit of a drive to get there but well worth it.

Almost to the summit of Mount Scott. A nice ridge walk is all it takes from here. Boy what wonderful weather and scenery!

We could not guess at how far we could see toward California?

A different view of Crater Lake taken about half way up Mount Scott.

The rime ice on top of Mount Scott was beautiful indeed!

We were lucky enough to meet one other chilly couple up on the summit of Mount Scott so they could take our picture.

This marker for the Pacific Crest Trail let us know we were on the right path.

It was a bit rainy and chilly but our hike but the trail was very peaceful.

This bridge wins the award for being the most cool design.

Our free campsite was only visited once by another hiker during our two day stay.

On those chilly nights it was great to have a nice warm campfire!

October 15, 2018

Mount Rainier and Columbia River Gorge Areas

This is what you wake up to every clear day in the Seattle area…..Mount Rainier proudly showing off its year-round snow-covered peak. This image was stolen from Google Images as we were not privy to many clear days while visiting the area.

While in the area we figured to find a number of nice hikes that are not necessarily part of a National Park or Monument. Our new app for our phone called AllTrails is excellent. It finds up to 250 trails near your location and gives you the map, statistics and directions. The gps then allows your phone to track your movements right on the downloaded map.

We wanted to get in a good hike on Mount Rainier as everyday life in the Seattle area finds you staring all day long at its snow-covered summit in the distance. Unfortunately the weather did not clear up but the hikes were good even with no up close sightings of Rainier.

Hike 1: Packwood Lake

This was the only sign actually telling us we were on the right path! The trails out west are so well-worn that markers are only necessary at trail intersections.

I was wondering where Laurie was? Now I know what kept her.

We had to take a picture of this poor tree that seems to have been struck by lightning and survived.

We found out later that this was the lowest point in the Goat Rocks Wilderness Area but someday we will hike the highest point on the Pacific Crest Trail that winds its way over the peaks of the eroded volcano there.

And finally…..lunchtime on the beach of Packwood Lake. Not a soul there so we had the autumn colors all to ourselves.

Hike 2: Dog Mountain in the Columbia River Gorge near the border of Oregon and Washington:

Even among all the evergreen trees there are still fall colors that make us think of Autumn in the Northeast.

There is so much rain and moisture in the air in the Northwest part of our country that a lot of dead, and many live trees, grow this wonderfully cool moss all over themselves.

More moss on a live tree but if you look closely, the Columbia River is in the background. It flows all the way from the Columbia Glacier in Alberta, Canada.

Here is a picture of the Columbia Glacier on the Ice Fields Parkway that we took while bicycling by it in 2013. This is the source of that major river that divides Oregon and Washington states.

This picture of the Columbia River was taken in the middle of Washington state as we drove across its barren desert landscape. It is amazing how much water this river carries toward the Pacific Ocean!

October 12, 2018

Mount Saint Helens….A Must See When In Washington State

When we were in Seattle a few years back we tried to get up Route 99 to visit Mount Saint Helens and the 1980 blast site. It was early July and the road was still closed due to snow! This time in early October we were treated to temperatures in the low 30s but only rain on the fist day and no snow. We took 2 separate hikes around the area. The first led us up 386 wooden steps to a viewing platform where we could see the inside of the crater and then along a narrow path that featured great views of Spirit Lake. The second was the Truman Trail that led us down close to Spirit Lake and then up to boundary of the crater, or at least as close as we could legally get.

We highly recommend checking out this youtube of the eruption and its discussion of the magnitude of it by clicking the link below:

We knew we were in for a treat when the clouds parted and we saw the rim of the volcano’s cone and the road cutting across the landscape that would take us closer to the blast site.

We did not take this picture of the mountain but the information kiosk shows a before and after eruption picture of the volcano. We still cannot believe that this blast occurred while we were teenagers!

This kiosk shows the pre-eruption height of Mount Saint Helens. That must have been one heck of a large blast!

This picture of Spirit Lake shows the log mat still remaining after 38 years! We figure no one is going to clean it up in the near future. We could not believe that the blast instantly raised the surface of the lake by 200 feet due to all the debris being blown into it.

We love this panoramic shot of Spirit Lake we took during our hike.

Our trail tread was comprised of volcanic pumice. Not too easy to walk on but it sure did make for an easy to follow path.

After hiking in toward the crater for a few miles we found our trail du jour.

Our view shortly after rounding a bend in the trail. Gorgeous!

This was as close as we were allowed to get to the actual crater. Very eerie feeling.

This view during lunch made us wonder about whether we should follow the trail into the clouds?

Here are some other pictures we snapped whilst walking along on a beautiful afternoon:

There is an elk herd in the distance but our camera didn’t have the zoom power to prove it.

We passed by a plate boundary observation station and read the placard displayed there. We could not believe the accuracy to which these devices measure the Earth’s movement…..up to 1/1,000,000 of an inch!

October 9, 2018

A Few Weeks In Seattle….Collin And Ethel

A bit earlier this summer we got a call from Collin announcing that he and Ethel were engaged to be married. They were on a “road trip” to Salt Lake City to drop Zak off at college before heading back to life on Wrangell Island in Alaska. While in Seattle we got to congratulate them in person and see the customized engagement ring that we had only seen in pictures.

The happy couple at lunch back on Wrangell.

Such a beautiful and unique ring. Congrats again!

We met Collin and Ethel in Arlington, Washington for a nice brunch before their flight back to Wrangell, Alaska. We look forward to a visit with them around Christmas time.

October 8, 2018

A few weeks in Seattle with Friends and Family….Part 1

After Three months on the road and what seems like a million miles of hiking done we arrived in Seattle. Seattle is the home of our son Ray and his family Julianna, and daughters Melanie and Brittney. We had a great time catching up with them and their goings on.

Proud Grandparents of a truly wonderful family!

Proud Daddy of two wonderful girls…proud Mommy is taking the picture!

Our rig in the driveway of Ray and Julianna’s house in Washington. The rig fit nicely in the driveway.

Laurie and the girls making lemon squares.

Melanie and Brittney were the ping pong champs but underneath the table was an air hockey table. Different champs there.

Grandpa cannot believe that Brittney scored another goal!

The budding artists making surprise birthday gifts for their mother.

My boyhood friend John with his two boys North (15) and Daniel (8) getting ready for a 3 mile hike straight up Mount Pilchuck in the Northern Cascade Mountains.

Here is John pulling up the rear as we reach the summit.

The views were very nice although it was rainy and cloudy at times.

The happy crew having lunch at the warming hut at the summit.

October 2, 2018

Another amazing bicycle ride…The Route of The Hiawatha

While camping at the “Merry Widow Mine Campground” we met a very interesting guy. Wayne had many campfire stories to share with us but the one that stuck with us is how he remembers bicycling an 18 mile long railroad line downhill all the way. He claimed to ride through many tunnels that had no lighting (with one tunnel being almost 2 miles long) and over many really high trestles. He pointed to Lookout Pass in our atlas. It is located on Interstate 90 near the Montana/Idaho border. We looked it up online and found that it was called the Route Of The Hiawatha and it was still open for another 3 days this year. Talk about good timing!