Florence, OR on way to Newport

Finally, I get to see the Free Willy aquarium.  The Coastal Girl, Robin, has invited me to go to the Aquarium today near Newport, OR.

Yesterday, driving up I-5 out of northern CA… I noticed metal animal sculptures along the highway.  A cow and a dragon.  This incredible dragon sculpture is on the right side of the road (heading north on Interstate 5, it is on the east side of the highway just north of Yreka, California). It's made from scrap metal like mufflers, pipes, and corrugated sheet metal.   The cow was a little ways before the dragon but I couldn’t stop. They are impressive. 

Applegate Trail, OR

Interpretive Center in Canyonville, OR

Restroom in little rest stop park in Canyonville, OR.  Nicest restroom I have ever seen on the road.  Giant saw blade with nice painting.

Ladies room… dig that sculpture.

Men’s room… ever see anything like this?

Bear drinking fountain.  This rest area is around the block from the bead shop I found.  I am not sure about overnight camping, but is it a nice little town to take a break in.  I’d like to spend some time there.

But yesterday, it was just driving, except HOWEVER, I did discover the neatest bead shop I’ve ever seen, in Canyonville, OR.  This is a must stop… for anyone trading beads.  Called Bead Mecca… Your Pilgrimage is Over.  The owner, Pamela Landell is delightful… and loved my story about the bead necklace… and one bead representing each vandweller I meet on my travels.   She even had wire-wrapping supplies and various classes.

Of course, riding along so many miles, I listen to a lot of radio… and these lyrics really hit me yesterday:

“What do you say to taking chances”… “jumping off the edge”… blah blah blah…. Oh, BOY is that ever me.

Also… another song with phrases like : “unbelievable sights” “indescribable feelings” from I think A Whole New World. That’s what I am feeling now.. like I’m in a whole new world… well, not Oregon, I’ve been here before… but just the state of mind… of being free and beginning a whole new phase of my life.  So freeing and wonderful.

I got off I-5 at Sutherlin… and headed west on 138… which later become 38.  Wonderful drive, kind of a step back in time… pastoral lands, horses and cows grazing… and sheep… and even elk.  I really enjoyed the drive between I-5 and the Coast, as I have enjoyed other routes off of I-5 to the Coast.  I’ve done at least four different transverses through OR like that.  All were wonderful.  At times I was driving through a “green tunnel”… where the tree canopy was completely over the highway… and it was so dark I had to pull off my sunglasses.

Highway 138/38 follows along the Umpqua River.  Along the way, I saw campers right down on the river with their vehicles.  I think camping free.  The Umpqua River valley was inhabited by several different bands of Indians: primarily the Athabaskan speaking Upper Umpqua, Takelman speaking Cow Creek Band of Umpqua, the Yoncalla (a Kalapuyan people) in the north, and the Quich (Lower Umpqua) from Scottsburg/Wells Creek to the coast. The Quich spoke a language distantly related to Alsea/Yakonan and the Coos Bay languages. (from Wikipedia)

This is also the Roseburg Historic Scenic Bypass / Umpqua Scenic Bypass.  At Yellow Creek this is a boat ramp.  Lots of place to pull off the road and rest/park. I even thought I had a glimpse of some buffalo, but there were too many trees and no place to park.

Elk Herd along the tree line.

Reaching Florence OR, I found the Laundromat with $3 shower and indulged myself (in the August 31, 2009 post I have photos of the place).  I spent last night parked next to the Laundromat were I got a very good night’s sleep. 

After I kayak all 50-states, I will return and explore northern California and Oregon extensively.  Very beautiful areas.  I’m “jumping off the edge”… and seeing “unbelievable sights.”

Map of my travels…

 

Follow along with the map.... http://mytripjournal.com/swankiewheels

California to Oregon

I’m in Medford, OR tonight.  Today was less “UN” eventful than yesterday.  Decided against visiting the Shasta Caverns.  They are just a short way out of Redding and by the time I got on the road I didn’t want to stop again so soon.  Decided that there are lots of things I’d like to see in this area and AFTER I complete my 50-state kayaking adventure, I’ll return here to see these things:

Shasta Caverns, and Shasta Lake

Mount Shasta

Castle Crags

Travel on Historic Rt. 99

Visit the Railroad Park

I think I’ll store my trailer in Redding… and then make loops around. I’d also like to see Crater Lake but didn’t want to make a 150 mile detour to do so this week and sight-seeing just isn’t a lot of fun with a trailer in tow. My son Chris and his wife Jenelle hiked through there on the Pacific Crest Trail before they were married.  Besides, I’m too eager to see granddaughter, Zoey and her baby brother, Will in Wenatchee, WA (children of Chris and Jenelle).

This afternoon, my sister phoned and left a frustrating-sounding message hollering at me to pick up the phone.  I think it was in the car and I was not.  She had chemo today and was complaining how bad she felt.  She feels so alone… and with me in CA/OR/WA… and her in FL, I’m not much help.  So, I suddenly got the urge to do something in support of her and hopefully cheer her up.  I then spent the next couple hours trying to find someone to help me carry out my plan.

 

Yreka, CA

Finally, I found someone. Her name is Cassie Amdur-Willis at Total Image in Yreka CA.  Told her I needed a sympathetic hair cut in support of my sister’s battle against cancer. 

Me (before)

My sister (before)

My sister (after)

Me (after)

WELL, I guess we look like sisters, now!

Me (after) and Cassie  (Thanks Cassie for working me into your busy schedule.)

My sister is very sad about loosing her long silvery locks… and thinks she looks awful without hair.  So, now she isn’t alone.  I love my sister… better nobody ever doubt that.

On The Road Again - Dinner

If you haven’t lost your appetite from the above photos, I’ll tell you about dinner next. I have a nice dinner planned tonight.  Roasted corn on the cob in my RoadPro stove… the stove cooks, I drive.  What a partnership!

My RoadPro Oven and corn, butter and foil…

 

Shuck the corn…

Slather it with butter…

Wrap it up, add a little water to the RoadPro Stove… and drive.

…and just ate that.  Very tasty.

Next I’ll finish a Cobb Salad I got for dinner last night… enough for two meals. 

Tomorrow, pushing on toward Portland, OR hoping to see a friend there.  May detour over to the coast and see another friend and take a horseback ride on the beach… something I’ve always wanted to do.  Will have to wear sunscreen on my head and a hat to boot. 

This weekend I’m planning on catching up with my granddaughter Tori in Westport, WA… where she is performing in a Pirate Festival.

My son, Richard, his daughter, Tori, and Rich’s wife Rhonda.  Rhonda’s photos.  Tori graduated high school this month and is heading off to college.

Are we having fun yet?

Redding, CA

A fairly uneventful day.  I stayed in Los Banos, CA last night… and drove up I-5 to Redding, CA today.  I stopped before dark at the Win-River Casino because I was beginning to have shoulder and neck spasms.  Guess I’m pushing my shoulder surgery recovery a little too much.

These California hills remind me of the sand dunes in Southern California.  I like having the trailer in the rear mirror.  Yesterday I stopped at the San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area.  Looks like this would be good paddling.  The exhibit was a little boring except for this one…  an old-timey van-dweller?

I-5 is rather boring to me.. but am happy to finally be heading north again.  And when you begin approaching Redding, suddenly snow-capped mountains appear on the horizon… and I was thrilled with that.

I pulled off the highway and crossed a river and went down to a picnic/boating area.  Thought I’d walk along the river, and stretch my legs but it seemed to be a local redneck hangout, blaring loud music and even making passes at me, probably old enough to be their mother.  So, not a relaxing place for me and I drove on.  

Tomorrow I’m going to check local Redding CA stores, a framing store in particular, to see if I can find the Plexiglas for my US map and stickers.

I and a bit sore from the driving… the shoulder/arm, that is.  Guess I’m working the muscles a bit too much to fast, but I got to go kiss a baby.

It was 90 degrees in Redding today and suppose to be 95 tomorrow… so I’m heading up the mountains as soon as I can.  Plan to stop and see Shasta Caverns… which I always just drive past.  It is located on the McCloud Arm, northeast from Holiday Harbor marina on the east side of the arm. Houseboats stake up to the shore line, small boats and other watercraft may park on the provided courtesy dock. Tickets may be purchased from the small gift store located along the shoreline. Tickets may also be purchased over the phone by using your credit card.  Cost is $22.00 which includes a boat, bus and guided tour of the caverns.