Oregon at last

Prospect, OR Oct 1 – 7, 2012

We finally made it out of California, it seems it is as hard to get out of as Texas.  We are staying in a fabulous RV park in a little town called Prospect which is 30 miles south of Crater Lake.  The couple that own the park (Pam and Jim) gave us tons of maps and things to do in the area and we had a great time.  The park is on the Rogue River which is definitely the most beautiful river we have ever seen.  There is a great swimming hole for Calcite and Zoe has even enjoyed the walk to it through the forest.  This entire area is made up of volcanic lava tubes and basalt mountains.  Peg is in science teacher heaven.  We drove the Crater Lake rim drive which is 33 miles around the top of the caldera that forms Crater Lake.  It is magnificent.  We have hiked to several of the waterfalls in the area, all uniquely beautiful:  Mill Creek Falls, Barr Creek Falls, Toketee Falls, Watson Falls, and Fall Creek Falls.  We have also hiked to and seen Rogue River Gorge, Natural Bridge, Avenue of the Giant Boulders, Mt Thielson, Mott Bridge, the colliding rivers and several geological formations.  Yesterday we rode our bikes around Diamond Lake – what a great ride.  Oregon is a beautiful place with dense, lush forests with moss covered boulders and rivers everywhere.  There is evidence of volcanic activity everywhere… lava tubes, columnar basalt, pumice ash it is truly remarkable.  Oregon knows how to do their state parks!  All of the maps have been perfect and all of the trails clearly marked!  We haven’t been lost once!  California could learn a few things.

We finally feel like relaxed, happy, retired people.  We are enjoying our days and seeing beautiful things.  It has taken a while, but I think we can do this!

Zoe Update – She has been up and down over the last couple of weeks, but I am happy to report that she is eating two normal meals a day and has gotten some of her old spunk back.  She is still very weak and super thin, but we are hopeful and thankful for the improvement.  

Coming soon… Bend, Eugene and Willemette Valley

Crater Lake - this picture doesn't do it justice.

Ave of the Giant Boulders and these were the small ones

Toketee falls with columnar basalt

 

                                                                              Rogue River - crystal clear.