Fall Sunset from the Deck

Fall Sunset from the Deck
Fall Sunset from the Deck

Saturday, November 9, 2024

10-31-2024 Oh October!

Even though fall technically begins on September 21, October opened with summer-like temperatures and clear skies. Except for a very few scattered showers on June 16 and again on August 16, there has been no real rain at our home since early May. This isn't unusual for Southern Oregon, but each year it seems like such a long dry spell and we wait impatiently for the winter rains to arrive. Once they do, we can turn off the sprinklers, quit worrying about having enough water to keep the trees flowers, and grass from frying in the dry heat, and relax into the next 6 to 7 months without stressing about the water situation.

October was completely dry until a beautiful midnight deluge dampened everything on October 21. By the time we woke up, it was gone, and by ten AM, the skies were a gorgeous clear blue. The good thing about this time of year is that the days are much shorter, the nights are much cooler, and the temperatures are usually below triple digits.

The plants respond accordingly, with roses blooming again and zinnias exploding with their early fall color. Zinnias are native to the grasslands of Mexico, Central America, and the southwestern United States and they love the heat. Still, the zinnias in my gardens don't come into full brilliant color until late in the summer when the temperatures begin to cool a bit.

Early in the month, we were treated with a visit from middle daughter Deanna and her husband Keith. It is more than 600 miles for them to drive to visit us, but they made the effort to come so that they could share the joy of daughter Deborah's new home. It was a short visit, just two nights, but we packed it with as much as we could. They stayed with Deb and spent much of the time with her, but came to our house on Saturday afternoon for drinks and flower walks before going out to a family dinner.

Mo Sue Deborah and Keith on the back deck

The Northwest Taprock Restaurant has always been a favorite here in Grants Pass in the past, but we heard some negative comments from folks visiting after it recently sold. Because of the location, we decided that even if the food was mediocre and the service less than stellar the setting was perfect to share with out-of-town guests. It was a perfect choice, with food that everyone loved and excellent service. As always, the view of the Rogue River was wonderful and a great spot for a late afternoon meal.

From left: Mo, Sue, Daughter Deborah, Deb's son Matthew, Deanna's husband Keith, Daughter Deanna

After we ate, the family walked down below the dining deck to be closer to the river and enjoyed the small park and grounds filled with lovely sculptures, murals, and water features. It was a precious afternoon and I was so happy that they made the trip south to visit us.

The following weekend Deb and Mo and I spent an afternoon in the gardens at a vineyard we hadn't visited often. Del Rio Vineyard is located near I-5 between Grants Pass and Medford and has thousands of acres of gorgeous vineyards extending up the slopes on the mountains east of the winery. Mo and I spent some time exploring the history of Del Rio on her birthday trip last March but we haven't been wine-tasting there before this.

Our purpose wasn't particularly wine-tasting as much as it was to enjoy the live music in the gardens at the winery. The duo that played were so much fun, with a repertoire of music mainly from the 60's and 70's. They both sang and played but woman was especially impressive with her ability to sing in French, Spanish, and her final Irish blessing song sounded exactly like music Mo and I heard in Ireland. A wonderful, warm and sunny afternoon.

I put up Halloween decorations and Mo and I finally finished a puzzle from hell that we thought would never end and started a gorgeous Halloween puzzle that was a delight to behold.

We enjoyed an evening with Deborah at the Toasted Barrel with whiskey flights and yummy foods before going to see a play at our local theater.

Barnstormers is a very small but very sweet venue and the play we saw was "Gaslight". Interesting choice for the theater people since "gaslighting" seems to be the word of choice during this election cycle and this play is where the term originated. There was a small warning that it could be upsetting for anyone who had been in an abusive relationship. Even though it was just a play, with a bit of silliness and melodramatic acting and language, I found the loud aggression on the part of the husband emotionally difficult.

Photo taken from the Barnstormer's Facebook Page

The following Saturday Mo and I enjoyed another treat as part of our season subscription to the Rogue Valley Symphony. What we love most about this local symphony company is the conductor, Martin from the Czech Republic, leading the symphony for the last 15 years. There were three separate musical choices for this performance, with a technically strong pianist playing Mozart which left me cold. Sometimes the tinkly perfection of Mozart is a bit much. But the last performance by the symphony was the symphony by the French composer Saint Seans, written specifically to include an organ.

I was so enamored with the magnificent Steinway piano on the stage that I completely forgot to take a photo of the great pipe organ when they opened the wooden doors at the back of the stage for the performance.

This particular performance was held in Ashland and the Southern Oregon College Music Building because of the historic pipe organ located here. Our local performing arts center is almost identical except for one minor detail. The huge pipe organ at the SOU auditorium was the only way to fully experience the music as it was intended. Magnificent. When that organ hit those huge notes it was incredible. Needless to say it was a standing ovation that lasted a very long time. Martin was quite pleased with himself and his musicians, obvious from the huge smile on his face as the music came to an end.

Just two days later we were packed and loaded for a trip to the coast, with reservations at Harris Beach. My long-time friend from Coeur D Alene, Laura, just purchased a new-to-her Roadtrek, and she was excited for her first "big" trip to the Oregon coast. We camped next to each other at Harris Beach State Park, which as most of you readers know is a favorite for Mo and me.

From the left: Laura's sister-in-law Judy, Laura, Mo, and of course Mattie

Our first afternoon was a bit chilly, but it didn't rain and Mo built a nice fire for us after our shared taco supper.

The next day was gorgeous, and we did our best to show our friends the best parts of this beautiful portion of the southern coast of Oregon. Laura and Judy were at the end of a trip down the coast beginning at South Beach and camping at the various state parks along Highway 101 on the way to Brookings. Most disappointing to Laura, however, was learning that when camping on the Oregon Coast your site is never actually on the beach, or not even necessarily close to the beach.

First morning on Harris Beach for Laura and Judy

I explained about coastal weather, wind, rain, tides, and soft sand, all the factors that make camping right on the beach nearly impossible.

Mo and Mattie in their happy place at Harris Beach

We spent most of the next day taking our friends to some of our favorite spots in Brookings. It is always fun walking out from the sewage plant to Chetco Point and fun to watch someone's face when we say we are taking them to the "sewage plant".

The view to the south from the beginning of the Chetco Point Trail

We drove down to Harbor, the community adjacent to Brookings where there is a campground almost on the beach. Mo and I camped at Beachfront RV Park last March during Spring Break when there wasn't a space available at Harris Beach.

Beachside RV Park may be right on the water but isn't particularly picturesque

Later that afternoon we took advantage of the warm sunshine and had a delicious seafood meal in the outside dining area at Catalyst Seafood. Mo and I have been coming here since a good portion of fish and chips was only $8.00, but this time we paid $18.00 for the same delicious fish minus the cole slaw which used to be included in the price.

Laura and Judy enjoying outside dining at Catalyst Seafood in Harbor

After two days and nights at the beach, we returned home to Grants Pass by way of Highway 199 following the route of the spectacular Smith River. The road is winding and narrow, but Laura did a great job driving her motorhome on what some of our friends have said is a road they will never drive again.

On the way, we stopped for some time at Jedediah Smith State Park for a visit to the magnificent redwoods. Both women had memories of seeing the redwoods many years ago, but it was nice to share the park and have another chance to walk among the giants.

Friends since 1984

By the time we returned home, unloaded the MoHo, caught up on laundry and household chores, it was Halloween. With no trick-or-treaters visiting our home in the last 7 years since we have lived in this house, I decided I would spend Halloween with Daughter Deborah in her new home. She lives in a nice neighborhood, not fancy or overly expensive, but nice. We thought she might get a few people visiting her door.

Deb dressed up like a happy little bumble bee. The kids loved her costume.

She was prepared with chip bags instead of candy and a few lights to welcome kids to her doorway. At first things were a bit too quiet, but before the evening was over she said there were somewhere between 70 and 80 trick or treaters visiting before she shut it down around 8:30 when the visitors dwindled and the older teenagers started showing up.

It did look inviting on Halloween here at Sunset House

I called Mo on my way home to let her know I was coming, and she answered the phone in a tither. It seems that we got a mother and her two daughters at our door and Mo had nothing to give them. She was appalled and embarrassed and had to explain to them that we had nothing. I do get a bit carried away with the decorating, so with all the lights and decorations, it is no wonder they thought there might be treats. Since we live on a rural road with no sidewalks and no access I have given up on trick-or-treaters coming to our door. Never again. I will always be sure there is SOMETHING in the house to share, just in case.

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

09-30-2024 Spectacular September

 

Spectacular September Sunset to Begin the Month

I have been ruminating about this post for several days now, thinking about September past, and planning to write about it before October is also a memory. As I sit at the computer, however, I am overwhelmed with thoughts, messages, and images bombarding my mind. Daughter Melody has in-laws in Venice, Florida. Our dear friends near Asheville were at last able to communicate with all their friends and followers about dealing with Hurricane Helene. One last bookkeeping chore to handle before I begin writing, I must call Spectrum to cancel our internet service. We at last have access to the Hunter fiber network and it was installed a few days ago and is working perfectly.

the image on my computer during my conversation with a Spectrum rep in Florida

The call to Spectrum is tedious and long, with the rep insisting that I listen to many options. After ten minutes or so, suddenly in the background, I hear a tornado siren and she exclaims, "Tornado!" "Where are you?", I ask. "Florida, near Tampa". "Why are you still working? Are you in a safe place?" "Spectrum won't let us leave. I am working from home and am not allowed to stop taking calls. I need this job. I am terrified. My house is boarded up and we have sandbags, but one window is too big to board up". We talked and cried and actually laughed together before my service was finally canceled and we hung up. I had to write about this because as I write the blog post, tornados are forming over much of Florida and Milton is bearing down like some sort of huge monster.

Labor Day afternoon with Maryruth and Gerald and their son Mike

Here, the sun shines, and the temperatures are in the pleasant mid-70s. No fires, and no smoke to mar the skies. A few solar flares allowed the aurora borealis to add some excitement to the nights. That's it. How do I step out of this mental quagmire I am in and write about my la-la-la happy birthday month of September?

I am going to try. Wish me luck. Thinking I would skip the simple pleasures of the first half of September and jump right away into the surprising magic of our camping trip to Eagle Lake, California.

I read about Eagle Lake on Nina's blog several years ago, and Mo and I have passed it a few times in our travels south near Susanville. We often thought it would be an interesting place to explore but never quite managed it. Medicine Lake is closer, and traveling that extra distance to a warmer lake in a more desert-like environment wasn't that exciting.

Last spring I finally managed to get a reservation for three days at East Lake, in the Newberry Caldera. We have camped there several times, just last year meeting with Gaelyn to share the delights of the lakes and gorgeous views from nearby Paulina Peak.

Our plans were thwarted a few days before we were to arrive with Level 1 evacuation notices for the area surrounding Paulina Lake and East Lake. On the southern and eastern side of the caldera the evacuation level was 3, go now. I called Reserve America and they would not let me cancel without paying the 18. fees despite the evacuation notice. We decided that no matter how lovely the lake was, being surrounded by fire and smoke, and not having access to cell service during an evacuation notice wasn't smart, so I canceled our reservation.

Camping at East Lake in August of 2023

We looked around a bit and decided to try something new. I re-read Nina's blog about the camping areas around Eagle Lake, California, including a free BLM campground and several boondocking areas on the north side of the lake. Looking at maps, we could see that the southern side of the lake was deeper and darker, with less evidence of a possible algae bloom, and more conducive to kayaking. Also, on the southern side of the lake, we found a few Forest Service campgrounds, administered by the Lassen National Forest. At this time of year, no reservations were required for Eagle Campground, which surprisingly had full and partial hookups available. We decided to enter the area from the northern side, check out the BLM areas, and then continue toward the southern side and the Forest Service Campgrounds.

What an amazing surprise! The campground was open and spacious, uncrowded, with beautiful views of the expansive lake. We settled into the partial hookup loop, knowing that the dump station was just across the road from the entrance to the campground. We decided to stay four nights rather than the three that we originally planned and settled in.

With a great cell signal and a cool, cloudy afternoon, I took time to read up on Eagle Lake. I have included this Wiki article because the ecology of Eagle Lake and the Eagle Lake trout which is only supported in this watershed is fascinating. I also learned a new word, endorheic, referring to a closed basin with no outflow. The lake is alkaline and non-native fish are unable to survive the alkalinity.

Mattie loved our first windy afternoon walk to the lake

In the late afternoon, before dinner, Mo and I drove the three miles or so to the Marina. We wanted to check out the launch facility and see if it would be more conducive to launching than the muddy and distant shoreline near camp.

White pelicans near the marina on Eagle Lake

As we approached the marina, we heard loud honking and a cacophony of noise that signaled the largest group of American white pelicans we had ever seen. In all our years of kayaking in the Klamath Basin, where white pelicans are prolific, we have never seen this many in one spot. It was amazing.

The boat launch was in good condition, and even with somewhat low water levels, we could see that launching our kayaks wouldn't be difficult. I was excited about the three days ahead that we had to relax and enjoy the lake and get our boats out on the water with the pelicans.

The view toward the lake from our campsite

Mo and I decided to shift our campfire time to late afternoon. Sometimes staying up late for campfires isn't exactly perfect, and marshmallow roasting is only something I do because it seems like I should do it, not because I especially love the marshmallows. We decided that Happy Hour before dinner was much more fun with a campfire, and Mo didn't have to worry about us going to bed before the fire was fully out.

campfire in the late afternoon was quite nice with a glass of vino

On our second day at Eagle Lake, we searched maps for back roads that would get us a good view of the lake from a higher perspective. We meandered around a bit on rough dirt roads toward Osprey Point and a short trail that led to the overlook for a better view.

View from the Osprey Point Trail

The back roads led us to a couple of lakeside areas with a few summer homes where we found access to a remote sandy beach where Mattie could run freely.

wide open sandy beach on the east side of the lake

The cloudy weather that we experienced on our first day dissipated and the next morning the weather was perfect for our first launch on Eagle Lake. The launch was easy with a decent cement boat ramp right next to a dock that provided me with something to hold onto when I exited my boat. No rolling down into cold water to get out!

great boat launch at the Eagle Lake Marina, no charge

The most thrilling part of kayaking Eagle Lake, however, was the pelicans. Literally hundreds of them, in addition to hundreds of Western grebes, all calling and making a huge racket. Paddling around the pelicans was so much fun, and it was obvious that they weren't the least bit concerned about us being near them.

pelicans on Eagle Lake
Young American White Pelican
Western grebe reminds me of a teenage boy

We drove the Tracker to Susanville on our second morning at Eagle Lake to buy fuel so that we could explore back roads as much as we wanted. On our original route from Grants Pass to Eagle Lake, we drove from the north side of the lake along the western shore toward the campground. The road from the tiny community of Spalding was 15 miles of kathunk, kathunk, kathunk traveling across the pavement gaps meant to protect the road from frost heaves. It was awful, and we didn't want to have to do that again.

View toward the east from the road to Susanville

Instead, the road south to Susanville was winding but reasonably smooth, with some great views overlooking the valleys toward the east into basin and range country. We had lunch at a small local cafe recommended by our camp host before traveling back north to the lake.

Even though it was about an hour longer to return to Oregon using the Susanville route, we were able to skip the rough pavement toward Spalding on the day we departed Eagle Lake.

We took the green route home via Susanville when we left Eagle Lake

Our last morning kayaking Eagle Lake was truly spectacular. The weather was perfect, the water was still, and the skies were gorgeous.

The Eagle Lake marina was charming and especially charming was the hostess, Gina. The store was well stocked, and the quality of the goods was excellent. I had to use self-control to avoid buying another cute cup, mug, tee shirt, or sweatshirt. Lots of fridge magnets and cute little things called my name but I resisted.

In addition, Gina was a wealth of information about fishing for the famous Eagle Lake trout. When I returned home I joined the Eagle Lake Facebook page and have enjoyed dozens of photos of very big trout, and many of them caught by Gina. Lots of smiles. I had to ask if they tasted good and was told they were the very best. Looking forward to taking my daughter Deborah to this lake. She loves to fish.

Last launch for our trip to Eagle Lake
Mo has a buddy
silky morning waters on Eagle Lake
The pelicans weren't the least bit concerned about us paddling nearby
Jockeying with the pelicans for landing space at the end of our time in the kayaks

On our last afternoon, we did a bit more exploring around the lake, following a dirt track to the opposite shore from the campground. The landscape in this area was much more like the high desert area we are accustomed to on the east side of the Cascades. The entire area is influenced by the volcanic rocks of Lassen to the southwest and Mammoth Mountain to the southeast.

Looking toward our campground across the lake at the base of the hill along the shoreline 

When planning this trip, Mo and I decided that we would make a loop traveling south adjacent to Mt Shasta via I-5 and then east toward the lake on our way down. On our return trip, we traveled back north toward Klamath Falls with plans to cross the Cascades toward the west via Highway 140, a very familiar route for us after so many years of living in and near Klamath Falls.

However, by Friday afternoon we were worn out and decided that we could cut that trip in half with an overnight stay at the Kla-Mo-Ya casino in Chiloquin, north of Klamath Falls. Boondocking in the parking lot used to be free, but now the casino charges $10 per night to park. However, that also required getting a player's card with a five-dollar gambling credit. Since it was my birthday month, I also got a chance to spin the birthday wheel and won another $40. to play with. I spent all that in the slot machines, winning enough money with that free money to go home with cash in my pocket. By the time we got home the next day we were well rested and ready for the usual unloading, laundry, and cleaning that usually doesn't happen until after we have been home for another day. It was a nice change.

Entrance to KlaMoYa Casino from the RV Parking area

The rest of September was quiet, with time to complete yard chores around home, do some basic gardening, and attend to haircuts, pedicures, and doctor appointments.

Daughter Deborah often comes to our house for Sunday brunch, but one Sunday she invited us to her home for coffee and goodies. It was nice to see all the work she has completed getting settled into her new home.

Deb is happy to have space to display her treasures

That afternoon a last minute decision had the three of us visiting Red Lily Vineyards where at last Deb and I joined the wine club. Even though there are several wineries in our area that we love to visit, Red Lily is the only one that has wine I truly love.

Red Lily on a Sunday afternoon is beautiful and free flights for members are nice too

The only cost is a commitment for Deb and I to buy a few bottles of wine every three months. Well worth it for the 30 percent discount we get for being members and especially nice that Deb and I could share the membership.

gin distilled on site, with fresh distilled tonic

Another bit of entertainment that we shared with Deborah was a first time visit to the Steam Distillery in Grants Pass. The venue was interesting and the food delicious. They are most famous for their on-site distilled spirits, but the food is extremely good as well. There is a food truck that cooks exclusively for the distillery and the menu varies at different times. The place was popular and quite loud, but we will return even though loud restaurants aren't a favorite.

Just for fun, check out the waitress, blurred by the camera because she was always moving so quickly it was impossible to get a clear photo. Made me laugh out loud when I looked back over the photos.

The Hiive early in the morning

As I review the month during the first weeks before our camping trip, I see a repeating pattern. In addition to having company over for snacks and cocktails, I enjoyed a coffee date with a book club friend at a lovely venue in Grants Pass I hadn't yet seen.

Great meal at El Paraiso in Medford

Mo and I combined a doctor's visit for me in Medford with a superb Mexican dinner at a restaurant new to us, El Paraiso. It was the best Mexican we have yet enjoyed anywhere in the Rogue Valley.

Our book club, now known as the KindRead Spirits met at another new venue in town, the Toasted Barrel. The snacks were excellent and I do hope to return someday when I am not driving to try out their whiskey flights.

Last but not least in this laundry list of fun for the month of September is my last birthday before I turn 80. It seemed as though I started getting cards and gifts at least a week before the actual date. Daughter Deborah took Mo and I to one of the nicest restaurants in Grants Pass for my birthday dinner which was excellent. The weather was wonderful and our outside table with a lovely view of the Rogue River was perfect, as was our meal.

I received a lovely handmade card from Loree. We have been friends for almost 20 years but have never met. I received a magical yard spinner from Daughter Melody and gorgeous David Austin roses from Daughter Deanna.

One of the beautiful David Austin roses from Daughter Deanna

In addition to my birthday dinner from Deb, she added to my shelf of favorite drinkables. Mo topped off everything with a season pass to our local Rogue Valley Symphony. How incredibly lucky I am.

Yard spinner from Daughter Melody that lights up at night
View of the Rogue River from our table
Happy Birthday to me!

I will leave you now with an image of one of the last sunsets of September, viewed from our back deck. Somehow I feel much calmer now than I did at the beginning of writing this post. Wishing the best for everyone in the path of Milton tonight.