We always do.
Thursday June 20th, all attending the rally (except for the Collinses who joined us in Medford) converged at Mazama Village Campground in Crater Lake National Park. With strict instructions not to arrive before check-in time at 1PM, there ended up being a bottleneck of large coaches with nowhere to park while waiting to check in at the office. We knew our site number and bypassed the backup, proceeded to our spot to park first, then returned to the office to find a much shorter line at the check-in counter.
Our coaches were scattered throughout the only three loops that were open. There was snow in the other sections of the campground, throughout areas in the park, and hiking trails were mostly still buried under snow.
The scenery surrounding us was spectacular and every campsite, though not without challenges for leveling or avoiding tree limbs, was spacious.
Thursday June 20th, all attending the rally (except for the Collinses who joined us in Medford) converged at Mazama Village Campground in Crater Lake National Park. With strict instructions not to arrive before check-in time at 1PM, there ended up being a bottleneck of large coaches with nowhere to park while waiting to check in at the office. We knew our site number and bypassed the backup, proceeded to our spot to park first, then returned to the office to find a much shorter line at the check-in counter.
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| dry camping at Mazama Village campground |
The scenery surrounding us was spectacular and every campsite, though not without challenges for leveling or avoiding tree limbs, was spacious.
This was true dry camping in natural surroundings, without hookups or other amenities.
We spent three nights at Crater Lake, gathered in the mornings for breakfast goodies outside at the Polks and Schierholtzes who were our hosts, and for "BYOB Cocktails" every afternoon. At an elevation of 6,000 feet, it was freezing in the mornings, literally, but bundled in layers and with the sun shining brightly most of us were comfortable enough to gather outside. And with cocktail hour gatherings at 4PM, we were able to catch the last of the sun and escape the menacing mosquitoes that attacked us mercilessly as the sun set. Getting back inside the coach was a challenge with a cloud of mosquitoes dive bombing us.
We spent three nights at Crater Lake, gathered in the mornings for breakfast goodies outside at the Polks and Schierholtzes who were our hosts, and for "BYOB Cocktails" every afternoon. At an elevation of 6,000 feet, it was freezing in the mornings, literally, but bundled in layers and with the sun shining brightly most of us were comfortable enough to gather outside. And with cocktail hour gatherings at 4PM, we were able to catch the last of the sun and escape the menacing mosquitoes that attacked us mercilessly as the sun set. Getting back inside the coach was a challenge with a cloud of mosquitoes dive bombing us.
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| gatherings at the hosts' camp site |
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| hosts Marlena S & Tom P with our breakfast spread |
During the day we were free to explore on our own.The first morning we stopped at the Visitor Center to watch the movie but there were long lines of tourists so we chose to move on to the focus piece of the park, Crater Lake. We have been here on previous trips but the sight of the piercing blue lake is still wondrous (Crater Lake 2016). And in the clear and cold temperatures, with snow hugging the crater sides, the colors were even more vivid. Every few steps along the rim trail, I decided that THIS was the perfect photo spot, with the result that I ended up taking dozens of photos! And each one from each vantage point was worth the click.
The East Rim Drive was still closed because plowing had not yet been completed, though pedestrians and cyclists could access some of the loop. According to the brochure, the park received 36 feet of snow this past winter which was 7 feet less than average.
We continued along the West Rim Drive and stopped at Watchman overlook. There was still plenty of snow surrounding us.
The East Rim Drive was still closed because plowing had not yet been completed, though pedestrians and cyclists could access some of the loop. According to the brochure, the park received 36 feet of snow this past winter which was 7 feet less than average.
We continued along the West Rim Drive and stopped at Watchman overlook. There was still plenty of snow surrounding us.
Friday also marked the Summer Solstice so several of us decided to gather at Crater Lake Lodge to watch the sun set. Warmly dressed, we relaxed in the rocking chairs on the porch to gaze at the lake and the waning daylight. However we were in the wrong vantage point to actually see the sun setting but my boy scout husband went for a walk along the trail and had a far better view. He captured the event for us.
The next day we drove with the Johnsons to Union Creek to explore the Rogue Gorge and Natural Bridge.
This attraction is all about lava tubes created during volcanic eruptions eons ago.
The natural bridge turned out to be different from other natural bridge formations that we saw on previous travels, created by erosion of softer sandstone or limestone rock leaving a bridge across the eroded opening.
This natural bridge is the remains of a lava tube formed eons ago and as the molten lava drained out, it left behind a long hollow tube. Eventually a river of molten lava was replaced by a river of water and now the Rogue River flows through a 200 foot section of the tube, disappearing underground and then reappearing again. It takes the river 35 seconds to travel the 200 feet from the inlet to the outlet of the tube. Indians crossed the Rogue River across the natural bridge that the lava tube formed above ground.
On Sunday, before moving on to our next destination in Medford, we took one last drive to see Crater Lake in the early morning light. The purples and deep indigos were spectacular.
Here is a link to Michael's video clip of the Crater Lake weekend:
Crater Lake
We traveled in convoy a short 75 miles to Southern Oregon RV Park in Central Point to continue the next leg of the rally.
After breakfast we carpooled with the Johnsons to Dutch Bros Coffee roasting plant for a tour. Founded in 1992 by two brothers of Dutch descent (hence the name), Dutch Bros Coffee first began as a coffee stand and now is the the largest privately held drive-through coffee chain in the US. This is in fact a "From dairy cows to coffee beans" story. After three generations of being in the dairy business, changing government regulations created challenges forcing a change in direction for this family run enterprise. They were exploring options until one of the brothers returned from a visit to Seattle, already known for its coffee culture, and decided that coffee should be the new direction and venture for them. The family was already familiar with milking machinery and began exploring options for coffee roasting machinery instead. There is a slight tie perhaps: Milk in your coffee anyone?
Inside the immaculate plant, we saw the beans, imported from South America, the various state of the art machinery that sifts and sorts, roasts and packs.
Following the plant tour, we all drove to gather at the downtown Coffee House and Dutchwear Store which sells all manner of coffee, beans, and much more. Of particular interest to the ladies in the group were a variety of items carrying the Dutch Bros logo, especially their line of clothing .
By then it was lunch time so the Johnsons and we walked across the street to have a sandwich at the deli bakery.
Along the trail leading to the gorge, we viewed the Living Stump. Before it was cut, the roots of
this tree had grafted onto those of a neighbor. Because of this the stump
continues to live, receiving nutrients from its living neighbor.
The natural bridge turned out to be different from other natural bridge formations that we saw on previous travels, created by erosion of softer sandstone or limestone rock leaving a bridge across the eroded opening.
This natural bridge is the remains of a lava tube formed eons ago and as the molten lava drained out, it left behind a long hollow tube. Eventually a river of molten lava was replaced by a river of water and now the Rogue River flows through a 200 foot section of the tube, disappearing underground and then reappearing again. It takes the river 35 seconds to travel the 200 feet from the inlet to the outlet of the tube. Indians crossed the Rogue River across the natural bridge that the lava tube formed above ground.
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| this is the section of the lava bridge where the river disappears for 200 feet |
From the gorge, we continued into the little town of Union Creek where we stopped for icecream.
We returned in time for Happy Hour, then headed back to our coaches for dinner on our own, fending off the pesky mosquitoes along the way.
On Sunday, before moving on to our next destination in Medford, we took one last drive to see Crater Lake in the early morning light. The purples and deep indigos were spectacular.
Crater Lake
We traveled in convoy a short 75 miles to Southern Oregon RV Park in Central Point to continue the next leg of the rally.
After setting up and plugging in, the group gathered for 5 PM BYOB cocktails in the Patio Area. The wind had picked up and was still blowing hard enough to create challenges while erecting the "wind barrier" and the club banner.
That evening we enjoyed a catered dinner served from the Wok Star Food truck, my first experience ordering from a food truck! The couple worked very hard to accommodate our long hungry line as quickly as possible and served us a tasty meal.
That evening we enjoyed a catered dinner served from the Wok Star Food truck, my first experience ordering from a food truck! The couple worked very hard to accommodate our long hungry line as quickly as possible and served us a tasty meal.
After dinner we gathered for a movie at Frank’s coach. The movie, "Pleasure Seekers”, was about an elderly RV-ing couple, though the subject matter was rather depressing. Sometimes growing old is not a lot of fun or without its challenges!
Tom Polk has a reputation for serving innovative and interesting breakfasts at his rallies. The next morning we were duly treated to bacon cheddar scones personally delivered to our Alpine. Apparently this is a favorite from the local Buttercloud Bakery.
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| Frank's outdoor Alpine Theater with bring your own chairs and libations |
After breakfast we carpooled with the Johnsons to Dutch Bros Coffee roasting plant for a tour. Founded in 1992 by two brothers of Dutch descent (hence the name), Dutch Bros Coffee first began as a coffee stand and now is the the largest privately held drive-through coffee chain in the US. This is in fact a "From dairy cows to coffee beans" story. After three generations of being in the dairy business, changing government regulations created challenges forcing a change in direction for this family run enterprise. They were exploring options until one of the brothers returned from a visit to Seattle, already known for its coffee culture, and decided that coffee should be the new direction and venture for them. The family was already familiar with milking machinery and began exploring options for coffee roasting machinery instead. There is a slight tie perhaps: Milk in your coffee anyone?
Inside the immaculate plant, we saw the beans, imported from South America, the various state of the art machinery that sifts and sorts, roasts and packs.
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| listening to the history of how Dutch Bros originated |
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| coffee beans |
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| state of the art equipment |
By then it was lunch time so the Johnsons and we walked across the street to have a sandwich at the deli bakery.
Our next stop on the day's itinerary was the Wildlife Images and Rehabilitation Education Center. But on the way there, we first stopped at a couple of quilt shops in downtown Medford. One familiar from watching their You Tube videos was Jordan Fabrics. It was fun to see the inside of the store that features on their videos, even if the owner did not come in that day.
We continued on to Wildlife Images and took the self-guided tour through the grounds. This non-profit facility was founded in 1981 by wildlife expert J. David Siddon to provide care and treatment for sick, injured and orphaned wildlife. Today, the center also provides educational programs on wildlife, conservation, and the environment to schools, organizations and the general public. 
There are over 80 permanent resident animals like wolves, bears, cougars, reptiles, and birds of prey. I marveled that there were so many different animals that need rescue and at the effort involved in transporting them to this animal hospital.
I was most drawn to the black bear. He loped up and down and through his woodsy pen and along the fence that separated us. It's the closest I have ever come to a wild bear and was thankful to have the fence between us. His paws and claws were enormous.
Back at camp, we gathered for dinner catered by Wild River Pizza and more group camaraderie.
Tuesday morning we met bright and early for breakfast goodies before heading with the Johnsons to Harry and David's in Medford for a factory tour.
This premium gift and food producer and retailer operates acres of orchards, manufacturing facilities, and a distribution center in Medford.
After the tour, Debi and I popped into the quilt shop that was conveniently located two doors down from the Harry and David's store. We didn't get up to too much mischief as we took a good long look around but the boys who were waiting for us did. Sandy and Michael returned to the Harry and David's store to look around and came out with a couple of cartons of assorted Moose Munch popcorn packets . They couldn't pass up this steal of a deal!
The story began in 1910 as Bear Creek Orchards when an entrepreneur named Samuel Rosenberg traded his Seattle hotel for orchards in southern Oregon that grew the distinctive fleshy red and green Comice pears. The orchards date back to 1885 and some of the original trees still remain. After Rosenberg's sons, Harry and David Holmes took over (they changed their name fearing anti-semitism during WWII), they began marketing the pears as high-end gifts and sold them to affluent city folk. The company and its growing reputation prospered, expanding its mail-order business to include other sweet treats like their Moose Munch popcorn and various cookies and chocolates . As of 2014, Harry and David's is owned by 1-800-Flowers.
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| viewing the irresistible Moose Munch being made...that's vats of popcorn and gallons of butter with various added toppings |
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| the butter cookie line |
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| Harry and David's iconic pear logo in the grand foyer |
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| the Moose Munch assembly line |
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| I was surprised at how labor intensive the process is for assembling the gift baskets ... this employee is hand tying the ribbons on each basket |
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| an assortment of fancy gift packages with personalized tags and the employee whose sole job is to embroider names on the embroidery machine |
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| inside the Harry and David's store that in addition to their line also carries gourmet groceries and fresh produce |
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| We all received a gift package with some of the more popular treats |
That evening the group gathered for drinks and a catered Hawaiian dinner at Bob and Cindy's home. Bob and Cindy were at this rally with us and graciously agreed to host us at their lovely home while we were in Medford.
After several days of non-stop touring, we all welcomed a day to ourselves. Several of us remained in camp on Wednesday, taking the opportunity to kick back or visit with friends. Others went off to other attractions and shopping in the area. After all, there is no sales tax in Oregon which makes it a great venue for shopping and saving!
Happy Hour that afternoon was followed by a potluck dinner. We certainly do not lack for food on these rallies. And as always, the variety and selections of the potluck dishes left us well satiated.
After several days of non-stop touring, we all welcomed a day to ourselves. Several of us remained in camp on Wednesday, taking the opportunity to kick back or visit with friends. Others went off to other attractions and shopping in the area. After all, there is no sales tax in Oregon which makes it a great venue for shopping and saving!
Happy Hour that afternoon was followed by a potluck dinner. We certainly do not lack for food on these rallies. And as always, the variety and selections of the potluck dishes left us well satiated.
Our surprise breakfast the next morning was egg and bacon scones, also a local treat. Next on the agenda for the day was a drive to the historic small town of Jacksonville for a trolley tour, followed by peeks into a couple of quilt shops.
Steeped in history, the entire town of Jacksonville is designated a National Historic Landmark. The gold rush of the 1850's first attracted folks to this area and the town prospered and grew to become the second largest city in Oregon. Eventually a railroad that bypassed the town caused its sharp decline until it was rediscovered as a tourist attraction and a bedroom community to nearby Medford.
Our trolley driver took us past several very pretty old homes as he narrated the colorful history of this western town.
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| Country Quilts |
Always mindful of our patient husbands, Jacksonville kindly offers a place of refuge for bored husbands while their wives shop. I liked this sign outside a bar-restaurant.
Back in camp,dinner that night was catered by Rosario's Italian Restaurant. We have certainly enjoyed the wide variety of local restaurant menus in Medford.
Friday was another designated free day although this time we did not kick back. In fact, we kicked it up a notch by going on a Hellgate Jetboat Excursion. And what a ride it was! Three jetboats of eager toruists (some more anxious than eager) set out on this fine morning down the Rogue River. For sixty years, this company has provided a thrilling ride through southern Oregon's natural scenic panorama. The Rogue is described as one of the most dramatic rivers in the US. It winds its way through thrilling water stretches that alternate with mild riffles, placid pools and narrow canyons flanked by towering cliffs. If you are very lucky, you may even spot some of the wildlife as you float along. Otter, bear, beaver, deer, elk, cougars, osprey, bald eagles, ducks and wild turkey make this their home. We saw several eagles atop some of the tall trees.
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| heading down the Rogue River to Hells Gate Canyon |
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| a good old fashioned chicken barbecue meal served home style |
Hellgate jetboat ride
After such an exciting and eventful day, we were happy to relax and have dinner on our own.
The next morning off we went again after a burrito breakfast from yet another local favorite restaurant. The morning tour was to the Lone Ranch alpaca farm in White City. The Gyuros, a husband and wife team, run the farm and breed the alpacas. Their famous Kimaree has developed a reputation for her friendliness to strangers and for her oh! so soft tuft of alpaca hair. She loves to be petted and groomed and was happy to pose for pictures with several from our group. The other aplacas checked us out from a distance and preferred to be left alone as we walked among them.
The Gyuros live in a beautiful log cabin house which has one room dedicated to all things alpaca, including alpaca stuffed toys, alpaca yarn and alpaca hand created wearable items like scarves and hats, all for sale of course. And should you be tempted to buy an alpaca or two, they have those for sale too. Except for Kimaree.
That same afternoon we had a tour scheduled at the Oregon Vortex House of Mystery in Gold Hill. Described as authentic, scientific, natural and historical, the Oregon Vortex remains a local phenomenon that has amazed visitors from around the world ever since opening to the public in 1930. Someone in the group remembers coming here as a child. Others in the group had heard of the Vortex. "Amazing" is what it was…you can take that any way you wish...depending on whether you believe...
Though the phenomena are optical illusions the attraction illustrates them as the result of paranormal properties.
House of Mystery was an assay office and later used as a tool storage built by the Old Grey Eagle Mining Co in 1904. The building slid from its foundations coming to rest at an odd angle.
During our 45-minute tour, we observed people grow and shrink while exchanging places along a level platform. The guide who presented these experiments to her captive audience had a level with her to prove the accuracy of what she demonstrated. At the crooked house, we watched a ball appear to roll uphill, watched a broom sweeping and the same broom remaining upright all on its own.
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| look ma...no hands! |
For a quick recap of our Medford excursions, here is Michael's video summary:
Medford rally
In the morning, we waved our goodbyes as our friends continued on or headed back home.
We were looking forward to our next destination in Anacortes, Washington, where we would spend the next two months. Anacortes is our favorite small town on the Sound (and one we hope to retire to eventually). This time the appeal was more special because Kathleen, Aaron and 2-and-half year old Aidan would be joining us for a week!
I couldn't wait. But we would first spend one night at the Kelso Elks in Longview to break up the long trek north to our final destination.
Anacortes here we come!