Day 6.

Early start to begin our journey to the Redwoods. While looking at her National Park Companion guide, Lily found the Oregon Caves National monument, and so glad she did. The road was straight up and windy, not for those with motion sickness. We made it up, checked in and went on the cave tour. We were educated about white nose syndrome that is plaguing the bats. Apparently if you have been to a cave east of the Rockies, you carry a fungus on clothes, shoes, camera, that may kill the bats. We went on a mile hike up and down, 500 stairs, and 1 mile. This is a very unique cave of Marble, much of it is still active and growing. The tour was very strenuous and challenging, with small corridors, slick walkways, and uneven hand cut stairs. But the adventure proved to be awe inspiring, mysterious, and majestic. The natural lighting showed the beauty of the stone and demonstrated the forces of time, and nature.  We enjoyed yet another road side lunch thanks to prep and the road trip meal document. This time we had Caprese tortellini stack. Mmm. After the long road down, in Cave Junction, Or we came to The Great Car World Park. If you have ever been to the Renaissance Festival in Larkspur, Co, and attended Endangered Cat Show, this is the home of those cats. This facility works like a zoo, specializing in breeding and educating to save certain species of endangered cats. Lily learned that the species Amur Leopard only has 23 in the wild. Mason learned the smaller the cat the more aggressive they are. And Servals are the third fastest cat in the world. We watched Sugar and Spice the white  tigers swim in their new pond, Sugar slashed and tried to bite the water. Spice was chatty and chuffing expressing playful behavior with the handler. We were introduced to Shaka (shaw-ka) a 20 year old male Lion, he was asked to "be strong" and roared so loudly that everyone jumped, shrieked, and the lady behind me yelled "Oh Sh*t!" Then Shaka went back to sleep like the king of the jungle should in 90 degree weather. We ventured down to the beach to find our camping spot. We settled in Del Norte coast Redwoods National and State Park. We set up camp with the Lovebird, made dinner, and took in the whole experience. We attended a ranger presentation to find out more about our area. The portion we are in is considered new growth Redwood forest, only 100 years old due to logging in the 1920s. The Redwoods have the capacity to connect to each other, and grow other trees off their branches. When cut down the reseeded themselves in groups called fairy circles or Cathedral trees where they were very close together. We learned there are entire eco systems in these giants in which some species live that do not ever touch or see the ground. Such creatures as the Tree Vole, Wandering Salamander, and Marbeled Murrelet. The area and the State Parks are making an effort to educate and conserve this species making it a "crumb free zone." Fyi. The tallest Redwood is 380 ft. We had a canopy covered evening in a wild and wonderful surrounding with only a glimpse of stars. It seemed that the world under the Redwoods was full of Fraggles, unicorns, and of course Banana slugs.

Day 5.

Another excellent night sleep provided by our dearest friend Linda. She invited us in due to the heat, as nighttime might still be warm. It was supposed to be 100 yesterday but ended up in the 90s. Linda is an amazing storyteller, speaker, writer and runs a book club out of her home. She was having 18 people over to read and discuss so we went off to explore Ashland, Or. We found Waffle Barn for breakfast, and the famous Lithia Park. Lithia Park was built in 1892 and seems it is right out of a storybook. The designer, John McLaren, who also designed Golden Gate park in Ca, was commissioned in 1914. He created a community place, including all normal park aspects, but with an enchanting flair. A bit of the forest was preserved in the center of town, where we were sure we would see fairies and unicorns but instead found ducks, turtles, and dragonflies. The park is 100 acres and 1.5 miles long. We walked for an hour and only made it halfway. The name comes from a local spring found in 1907 that contains Lithium or "happy water." The city piped the Lithium water in to the park, and yes we tried it. It's horrible. Very salty, bitter, alkaline in taste. It did not make us happy. Back in town, we found Tree House books, with an actual secret vault of young adult books in back, the kids loved it. We had a simple roadside lunch and found a swimming hole at the end of the park. The water was fresh and cold, a good reprieve from the heat. And Good Luck to the poor soul that had built a cool little cave of tree branches and set up camp there. While we played he was asked to pack up and move on. I actually did enjoy the butterfly art he made and hung in the tree, and at least they let him finish his lunch. Later that night, out to brewery dinner and we attended a free concert "On the Green" by Eight Dollar Mountain. Bluegrass and pretty groovy. These shows are the preview for the outdoor play that takes place at the replica of the Globe Theater. The plays are Shakespeare and otherwise and are a destination for people all over the world. The evening ended with games and catching up back at the house. Thank you Linda for your hospitality and everything you have done for me. You are a treasured friend and I hope to see you again soon. I owe you a trip to the tea house.

Day 4.

Started with a lovely cup of coffee and chat with Greg looking out on their beautiful view of the Three Sisters. The kids were giggling, and playing devices in bed upstairs. Compared to staying at the Crystal Hot Springs campground during a hot wind storm this was a luxurious lodge with all the amenities. We were so grateful to be able to stay and visit. We left to go to Crater Lake and had some delay due to some construction on the Rim Road. Some of the pull outs were closed and at times one way traffic was alternated. The day was clear and gorgeous. 90 in town was 70 at the top. This made up for the last time I took Chris to Crater Lake. 19 years ago, also in July, I did not have a website to check, and did not think to call and check the weather. But when we got there, both sides of the road were packed with snow like a tall white corridor. We got to the top and the power was out at the gift shop, purchases were cash only. And to top it off the lake was impossible to see, a cloud had set in out so all we could see was a wall of white. His picture of Crater Lake was only a postcard. Today the view was spectacular and I can't wait to frame one of our very own photos. The kids got their stamp in their national park passports. We had our family photo taken by a lady who was on the PCT. She and a friend were traveling from Canada to Mexico. This takes 5 months on average. Back in the car, and on our way to Ashland, Or to visit with our friend Linda and explore. One of Chris's wishes was to see Rogue River, so we see an overlook sign and stop. This is called Natural Bridges on the Rogue River trail. We follow a path into the woods, lush and thick with undergrowth. Mason says, "Now, this is the Oregon I know and love." :-) The path opens up and meets the river, and here we see a unique phenomenon. The old lava flow has become the path of the river, the river looks as if it appears and disappears. The water is taking the lava tubes and becoming an under ground river. It bubbles up through holes and swirls into caves. A natural bridge of solidified lava flow completely crosses this raging river and the water comes spouting out down below. A beautiful, mysterious demonstration of nature's power. On to Ashland, we arrived at Linda's and had a lovely visit. She made dinner and we enjoyed each other. We took a walk, taking in the rolling hills, horses, wild blackberries, and setting Sun.

Day 3.

The family welcomed us with open arms and a delicious dinner. Greg and Cindy's home is even more beautiful than I imagined. The view, the stars, the lizards in the garden of lavender. On Monday, we decided to hike with Greg and explore one of the Seven Wonders of Oregon, Smith Rocks. 4.5 miles round trip, Misery Ridge trail. When we reached the top my eyes filled with tears with the beauty of Oregon. My heart was filled, exhausted but happy. We all took it in, reached Monkey Face rock a frequent climbing area, and then proceeded with our decent. The scenery with the Three Sisters, Black Butte, Three Finger Jack, Mt Jefferson, Mt Bachelor, and Mt Hood were just incredible, it felt like the top of the world. We drove into the town of Bend, to Deschutes Brewery, sampled and toured the facility. Did you know that local artists compete annually for label art of Central Oregon for seasonal winter ale Jubelale? Also, Deschutes is opening a new location in Virginia. And soon will also start a canning line. (Good news for river folk!) Next, we drove into Sisters, Or. Chris and I figured out that we had visited this same area on a road trip exactly 19 years prior, after dating for only 3 months. Even then we spoke of our love for this region and retiring here. This time, we walked the shops, found local fudge of course, and took in the local scene. The annual Quilt festival had just taken place and Rodeo happens every June. After much great conversation with Greg and Cindy we found out about the Sisters folk festival every September. Chris and I agreed to make that a priority. Spaghetti dinner, ice cream, and the most comfortable beds made our evening. A Great visit with family, you will always be near and dear to our heart. Thank you Greg and Cindy, Alan and Elizabeth. "In the end, only kindness matters." -Jewel

Day 2.

Utah never disappoints. Last night, the hot springs were to die for. Highly recommended. 7 different temp pools. Water slides. Open until 11pm. Oh ya, and ice cream! We were worried when we pulled up, wind and dust storm came in, it looked as if our luck would be lightning delay. We warmed up pre made chicken, rice, and bean burritos for dinner and set up camp. Kids were so eager to check out the springs so we took a chance and walked over. Wind was so high the pool had white caps! But most importantly it was open! We swam for four hours total with a small break all the way until closing. What a fantastic place. Lily said "I have to come back here in my lifetime!" Today, we did not rest well but made sure we started early for the next leg. The big push through too Sisters, Or to see Greg and Cindy V. And their gorgeous home. Chris and I drove through Sisters 19 years ago, and even after dating for just 3 months, both said we would retire here. Idaho was plentiful with produce. Wished we could have stopped to see baby Preston, or his parents. But we only stopped for gas and bathroom. Long day. Eastern Central Oregon state, like Colorado, is a little bland. And it would really be nice to know that you could quite possibly be going 300 miles without services of any kind. Thank goodness for a sweet old guy about 200 miles in to help us refuel. Towing the Lovebird (trailer) is quite an undertaking! I hear there is chicken on the smoker tonight and family gathering, with 30 minutes left, we are ready! Thank goodness for kindness, generosity and beer when we get out of this van.

Road Trip 2017. Day 1.

Day 1. Happy Day! Finally, the time has come, the teacher schedule is paying off. Not financially but with time freedom. Took a few weeks to prepare for this journey. New tires, New spare, repacking the bearings, New security tow chain, tow package on van. Planning for 3 weeks of meals. Itenerary and camping planning. Reservations. Scheduling and confirmation with the many family and friends. National parks pass purchase. Chris even stayed up late making road trip mix cds for the dead spots. I know you Sirius people are like, What? Cds? Hey now, I still have my Walkman and favorite cassette tapes from high school. I think I lost some of you at tapes. Anyway, the morning consisted of a couple stops for coffee, gas and well you know. Lunch worked with sandwiches, fruit and veggies followed by frisbee at the rest stop. We met a family of 7, 4 boys and a girl from OK on their way to the Tetons. They asked about the trailer and the journey. I over heard the mom talking about the story of Lewis and Clark. She told the kids about Sacagewea, and how she helped the travelers and spoke with the natives. She told them they would be visiting her grave in Wind River Indian Reservation in Fort Washakie, Wy. This made my heart so happy that American history was not only shared, but visited, and made relevant to them and their lives. A special reminder to share history with your children. So much is lost along the way, busy lives, different priorities, instead of having meaningful personal interactions between each other. Deep thoughts. Onward, Co, Wy, Ut.  Destination Crystal Hot Springs, UT.

Long time no blog

Getting back in to document the long road ahead. Bear with me...