Oregon, 1 & 2 July 2011

Today was the last full day on this trip, and our 44th Anniversary. So we planned a relaxing day of wine tasting, and dinner at the Village Green resort. We had a very nice suite, with breakfast included. So after a leisurely breakfast, we headed out for a day of wine tasting.

We started with one in town almost across from the hotel. We had mapped out a few, all within a fairly short distance of Cottage Grove. Most we had not been to before.

Lunch at King Estate

We timed our stop at King Estate to have lunch, where we sat on the deck overlooking the vineyards. They do a good job of both the wines and the meals. Yes, we had more than a glass of wine!

King Estate vineyards

We stopped at a couple more wineries after lunch before heading back to Cottage Grove for dinner and the evening. Dinner was included in our package at the resort, including a bottle of good house wine from Chateau Loraine, one of the wineries we visited. Not a bad deal at all.  

Saturday morning is was time to head home. After a leisurely breakfast, we packed and headed home. It was a wonderful ten days of reunion, Yosemite, Crater Lake, and anniversary celebration.

Crater Lake & Umpqua River, 30 June 2011

Mt Shasta from Southern Oregon

We left fairly early (for being on vacation) since we planned many stops on the route to Cottage Grove. We headed north along Klamath Lake and then turned west toward Crater Lake. We had a last view of Mt Shasta from the north.

About then, we could also see the remains of Mt Mazama, which holds Crater Lake. From that perspective one cannot really tell the geology, but can see peaks which are on the rim of the lake.

typical sign along rim

As we entered the park and drove up toward the rim of the lake, the snow became deeper and more consistently covering the ground. At the rim, there were still drifts and snowbanks as much as 10 or 12 feet high. (We didn't measure them, but are estimating.) Only the road to the south rim and around the west side to the north entrance were open. All else is still buried in snow. 

The water of Crater Lake is an incredible blue. The day was clear, and the sky and water contrasted beautifully with the snow. We had not been here to Crater Lake for a long time (like Yosemite) and very much enjoyed visiting this wonderful place. And it was very interesting to see it in almost winter conditions. We took advantage of all the views we could along the south and west rims.

West Rim and Wizard Island

Phantom Ship along East Rim

Wizard Island and East Rim

Dear crossing snow field near Crater Lake Lodge

It was hard to leave this place, too. Seeing it with all the snow, contrasting the white and intense blue, made it even more magical.  

Mt Thielson

We drove through the Pumice Desert to the North Entrance. Leaving the Park, we headed toward Diamond Lake and the Umpqua River. We didn't drive down to Diamond Lake, but stopped at a park area at the base of Mt Thielson.

Then we continued on Hiway 138 along the North Umpqua River to find several waterfalls on the river and tributary creeks. Dick's brother, Terry, had first told us about many of these falls. It is a beautiful collection of falls and cascades. We stopped at several along the way. (I hope a got them all labeled correctly.)

Whitehorse Falls

Clearwater Falls

Watson Falls

Little Falls with Steelhead jumping (right center)

Toketee Falls

After we came out of the mountains and reached the freeway (back on I-5), we headed north to Cottage Grove. We will stay there at the Village Green the next two nights.

California - Oregon, 29 June 2011

Last night's drive back to Jamestown was an experience we don't need to repeat. It started raining lightly as we finished dinner, but became a fairly violent storm as we were driving. Very heavy rain, wind, thunder & lightening. Karen started the drive, and Dick took over part way back. We made it OK.

When we left this morning, it was still cloudy and storming looking, but no more rain. We headed through the California gold country back toward Sacramento to catch I-5 north toward Oregon. It turned out to be a pretty nice drive. Heading north on I-5 took us back over our route south as far as Weed. Mt Shasta was clouded in and not visible. In fact, only the bottom 2/3 of Black Butte right next to the highway was visible. We could see some of Castle Crags as we passed near Dunsmuir. At Weed we turned off I-5 onto US 97 north to Klamath Falls.

We stayed the night in Klamath Falls and ate dinner at a Sizzler next to the hotel. Hadn't been in one of them for a long time. Tomorrow it's up to Crater Lake and the falls along the Umpqua River.

Yosemite, 28 June 2011

This morning we left Jamestown a bit earlier, and without having breakfast. Our goal was breakfast at The Ahwahnee. Since we can't afford to stay there, a meal will have to do. It was all very good.

Mt Watkins at Mirror Lake

Next on the itinerary was Mirror Lake. Last time we were there there was no lake left, only a filling-in meadow. With the high water this year, the lake is back, but flowing, so the reflections are not smooth. But they were very interesting.

Running Bear

A bear showed up near Mirror Lake. We watched it till it ran away. In the area were also many lupine, beautifully in bloom

Relaxing on the porch

At the old entrance for old times' sake

From Mirror Lake we headed to the base of Yosemite Falls by way of Camp Curry (now Curry Village). It was time for a Midday glass of wine with spectacular views. 

Yosemite Falls

We had never seen so much water in Yosemite Falls. In the Upper Fall the iconic bounce near the top was missing for all the water coming over the cliff. Walking up to the base of the lower falls got us very wet.

Bridal Veil Fall

Bridal Viel Fall was the next stop. Here, too, there was so much water one got very wet getting near the base. This time the wind did provide some of the iconic spray.

Ribbon Fall

Across the valley, Ribbon Fall was now in sun. It was a real treat to see this waterfall in full water, a rare occurrence.

Hetch Hetchy with Mt Gibson

We now said farewell to Yosemite Valley and headed to a much less populated part of the park, Hetch Hetchy. It is a second, though smaller, Yosemite Valley which was dammed and flooded for a reservoir for the city of San Francisco. It still provides some spectacular scenery.

Wapama Falls

Tueeulala Falls

We hiked across the dam and up the valley a ways. Dick went further than Karen, and for longer than she expected. But it was hard not to keep going for the spectacular views up the valley. He went as far as the trail junction into the high country and down the valley, but not as far as the two big waterfalls on the north side of the valley.

Dinner at Evergreen Resort

Since it was now toward evening, we very reluctantly said Goodbye to Yosemite, and headed out back toward Jamestown. We stopped at Evergreen Resort just outside the Park for dinner. It would be an interesting place to stay some time. Of course, that made it late enough we drove back to Jamestown in the dark. But it was a wonderful finish to a glorious visit to one of our favorite places.

Yosemite, 27 June 2011

Breakfast was at a local restaurant in Jamestown, one that was obviously frequented by many locals. And it was good. After breakfast we headed to Yosemite, about an hour and three-quarters away.

Upon our first view into the Valley we could see Half Dome and El Capitan. It was like seeing old friends. The first falls we came to were the cascades on Tamarack and Cascade Creeks. It was our first hint of how much water was in the Valley and the falls.

As we drove into the Valley it was confirmed just how much water there was. Bridalveil Fall was still mostly in shadow except for the very top, and seemed to have so much water there was not much of the spray it is known for. Across the Valley was Ribbon Falls running full. It is the tallest single drop in the park, but usually dry by late June or early July. It was fuller than we had ever seen it.

Upper Yosemite Fall reflected

Our next stop was at Swinging Bridge picnic area, with great views of upper Yosemite Fall. The high water provided some wonderful reflections. This was a perfect spot for a picnic lunch.

After lunch we headed to Curry Village to catch the shuttle up to Happy Isles. If we didn't have a lot of time for hiking, we at least had to go as far as the bridge and rock views of Vernal Fall. The trees have grown, and we had to go farther up the trail to get a full view of the fall. But we found "the rock" for the best views. Dick went a bit farther up the Mist Trail to the beginning of the mist for a closer view. This is still one of our favorite spots, and most people pass the rock without realizing the great view.

Vernal Fall from "The Rock"

Illilouette Fall

On the way up to this point, we also had views of Illilouette Fall up the side canyon. It, too, often does not show in late summer or low water years.

Half Dome from Yosemite Village

From there we headed over to the Village. Dick wanted to find the spot he had taken a picture with his mother's camera many years ago, and try to recreate it. The Ponderosa Pine is still there to frame Half Dome over the meadow.

Climbers on El Capitan

Tunnel View

Nevada Fall from Washburn Point

Half Dome from Glacier Point

On our way to the next destination, Glacier Point, we noticed people looking at El Capitan, When we stopped, we saw several people scaling the cliff. One person said she saw 11. We only saw 5. On the way out of the Valley we stopped at Valley View and the Wawona Tunnel. Those are wonderful viewpoints. Just before we got to Glacier Point we stopped at Washburn Point. From that vantage there are great views of Vernal and Nevada Falls and the High Sierra, with Half Dome prominently in the foreground. It's a short trip from there to Glacier Point for more of the same views, plus down into the Valley.

On the way back down into the Valley we once again stopped at the Tunnel View to
watch possible color changes on Half Dome from the setting sun. It never turned bright colors, but it was interesting to watch the color change as the sun set.

The trip back to the motel in Jamestown was uneventful, including no stop for dinner. We did stop one place, but they only took cash and we
didn't have enough left. So supper was nuts, bars, and candy. Remember, this sort of trip is an adventure! :)

Sunset on Half Dome from Tunnel View

Southern Oregon & Northern California, 25-26 June 2011

Saturday was the main day of the CCC reunion. After breakfast at St John's Lutheran Church, we met in the church for Morning Chapel. It included the Healy Willan Te Deum, a favorite from the Oakland days.

Following Chapel, Rod Gehrke gave a mini recital. Yes, the kid can still play very well! (Not that he's much of a kid any more.)

Class groups then met. Our HS class of '62 had been assigned its own room, but a different room for the college '64 year with a couple of other years. So we combined them. It made for a large group, but was great to hear everyone's story. We also shared news of other class and school mates not there.

The afternoon began with a Chorister rehearsal, just like in college (Prof Gehrke always said on tour they fed you a big meal and then expected you to sing a concert, so get used to the pattern.) The director was the musician from St John's. We quickly learned about six pieces, most of which we had sung before in Choristers.

Following the rehearsal, an alumnus gave a talk about his experience going to a Mt Everest Base Camp. It sounded interesting, but he advised against doing it.

The Alumni Choristers at the Banquet

We gathered at the Hyatt Hotel for a banquet. The meal was good, and the bar was open. The program was reminiscences of the history of CCC. A little long, but interesting. The Choristers then sang three of the pieces we had rehearsed. It was overall a very good evening.

Sunday morning we all went to Trinity Lutheran Church for a service. The alumni choir sang. It was a bit long, but a very good worship experience. After church there was a reception for some final sharing with friends and classmates before heading out.

We headed east toward the Sierra Nevada mountains for a three-night stay in Jamestown, which will be a base camp for us to revisit Yosemite after too long an absence.  On the way here, we stopped in Murphys to try a couple of wineries on friends' recommendations. We found a couple quite good ones. We stayed there for dinner at a bistro, which was very good.

We are now settled in for the night, ready to head to Yosemity Valley in the morning!

Southern Oregon & Northern California, 24 June 2011

Today was mostly a long drive from Medford, Oregon to Sacramento, California. The only stops were for lunch at a rest area near Shasta Lake, and for gas. The day was clear and brightly sunny all the way. The mountains in southern Oregon and into northern California were beautiful. The highlight of that were the views of Mt Shasta.

Mt Shasta

It was quite warm (lower 90's) in Sacramento as we checked in to our hotel. Dick took a walk around the neighborhood before dinner just to explore. Our hotel is a block from the old California Governor's Mansion in a mostly business area, with a number of old houses, all in pretty good shape.

The opening reception of the reunion was a fun evening. Heavy appetizers, enough to make it supper. And plenty of good California wine to wash it down. And, of course, lots of good conversation with "old" friends and classmates. It was a truly fun evening!

Southern Oregon & Northern California, 23 June 2011

We are off on another small trip. This time headed to Sacramento for an all-years reunion of California Concordia. We're looking forward to seeing friends.

On the way south today through most of Oregon, we stopped at a few wineries in the Umpqua River  valley. That was after lunch in a rest area on I-5 south of Eugene. Found some pretty good wines (and bought too many, if that's possible).

We are in Medford tonight and had dinner at Wild River Handcrafted Food & Ale. It was very good, ale and burger and pizza with house-made root beer.

Tomorrow it's into California and on to Sacramento.

Vancouver to Portland, 12 June 2011

Today we headed home to cap off a great week. After packing up, we headed out on our way home by way of Tacoma. The GPS, however, didn't know about a road closure due to construction in Vancouver, so we took a slightly round about route to Highway 99 to Blaine, Washington. Also, we didn't know (nor did the GPS) that the Peace Arch crossing was closed for a "friendly border celebration." So we, and everyone else, headed a bit east to the alternate crossing. Since it's a smaller operation, it took just under an hour to get across the border.

Once in Washington, we headed south on I-5, stopping in Ferndale for "lunch": a scone and a coffee. It was good at a local place. From there it was simply down I-5 with the obligatory slowdown in Seattle. Even on a Sunday afternoon.

We were to meet the rest of the family at the Harmon Brewpub at 4:30 for a birthday dinner with the whole gang. We got there a little early and walked about a bit. It was a great gathering to celebrate Dick's birthday, and the Harmon is always good.

After dinner we gathered at Tim & Venessa's for drinks and cheer. Tim has gotten pretty good at making cocktails. We then headed home, with Karen driving and the usual stop at the Chehalis Starbucks. It was a great conclusion to a wonderful week of holiday.

Whistler/Vancouver, BC 11 June 2011

Saturday in Vancouver on a day that became sunny by early afternoon. Our plans consisted simply of being tourists.

Stanley Park totems

We headed first to Stanley Park, one of the largest and most beautiful city parks we know.  Our first stop in the park was at the totem pole collection. They have made some landscaping changes so you can't get right up to the poles, but all are clearly viewable. Several of them are "newer" ones placed in 1987 for the world's fair here. We walked around the point at that end of the park past a light house and the 9 O'clock Gun back to our car.

As we continued our circuit of the park, we stopped a couple of places for the views, notably at Lion's Gate Bridge. There is a new parking lot and viewing area since our last visit. For lunch we revived an old tradition and stopped at Lumberman's Arch for Fish 'n Chips in the park. That's where Dick first had (and learned to like) fish and chips many years ago.

Siwash Rock

Our next stop was at a spot to walk along the seawall to Siwash Rock, the site of a native legend that we had never before gotten to. It was an interesting short hike. After we returned to the beach and parking area, Dick headed up the path to a spot overlooking the rock for a different view.

Gastown Steam Clock

From Stanley Park we headed to the Gastown area, first for a stop at Murchie's Tea to replenish our supply of tea. With that accomplished we walked around the Gastown area, stopping at the steam clock, and visiting a couple of shops and galleries. We timed our walk to be at the Steam Clock at five o'clock. This unique clock runs on steam, and "chimes" the time with steam whistles rather than bells. It makes for an interesting sound.

Since our parking permit for Stanley Park was good till nine o'clock, we headed to the edge of the park to park for dinner at a Malay restaurant nearby on Denman Street. It was very good, and we got there just ahead of the crowds. There was a waiting line when we left. After dinner we walked to the beach area, and just sat and enjoyed the view.

Nine O'clock Gun in Stanley Park

Closer to 9 o'clock we headed back to near our first stop in the park, to view the 9 O'clock Gun. Interestingly, a wedding party came to do the same. We guess they wanted to celebrate the wedding with a bang. The gun fired right on schedule.

After another stop at Prospect Point near Lion's Gate Bridge for sunset views, we headed back to the hotel, capping a great day in Vancouver.

Whistler/Vancouver, BC, 10 June 2011

This morning it was time to pack and head out of Whistler to Vancouver. Leaving Whistler about 10:30, we headed south out of the mountains and along Howe Sound to Vancouver for a couple of days.

Brandywine Falls

On the way we stopped again at a couple places. First was at Brandywine Falls. The light was much better for pictures than on the way up, so we retook a bunch. As we were leaving the falls, the daily train to Whistler went by. After a quick stop for gas in Squamish, we stopped in Britannia Beach for lunch.

Vancouver to Whistler train

Galileo Coffee is a funky local spot with good coffee and good food. It's in an old house by the highway near the mine (now a museum) that is the main feature of the town. We then went back into "town" to a native art gallery and center. There was some beautiful artwork. But all we walked out with was a notepad the proprietor gave me for my birthday.

at Porteau Cove Provincial Park

Howe Sound

Our last repeat stop was at Porteau Cove Provincial Park. It was interesting to see the mountains around Howe Sound with clouds flirting around them. There were also some very pretty little birds with red heads and blue backs.

On into Vancouver, with a major traffic jam in North Van leading to the highway bridge, which is under reconstruction. We reached our hotel in Vancouver fairly easily once on the south side of the inlet.

For Dick's birthday dinner we drove in to Vancouver to an Italian restaurant near Stanley Park. It was very good, but not real quiet, as the Stanley Cup hockey finals were on the TV. We did see the only goal of the game, at least. Our waiter said we should not go back to the hotel the most direct route, as that would be right by the hockey arena, with the streets filled with fans. So we took a nice slightly out of the way route. After we got back to the hotel, we knew the game was over because for the next 2+ hours people drove around honking in celebration. (And they haven't won the series yet.)

After all the honking, it was a quiet evening "at home" in the hotel.

Whistler, BC, 9 June 2011

It was a lazy morning. We are on holiday (vacation, to you Yanks) after all. After a late breakfast, we wandered into the village a little past noon, and found a recommended coffee place for lunch. It was full, so we went across the way to another (probably related) one.

After lunch we wandered past Rogers Chocolates and made a small purchase. The next planned stop was Lost Lake, a fairly short hike. On the way we saw a black bear on the main road into the village. It headed into the woods by where we planned to walk. An officer came and fired a couple of blanks or flares to scare it away. Of course, it headed in the direction we were going. So we headed back to the condo to get the car.

On the way out to Lost Lake, we saw no bears.

Stocking Lost Lake

One of the yearling Rainbow Trout

 

Lost Lake is a small lake with a swimming beach and picnic area. There were many tadpoles in the water near the edge at one point. As we were standing there, a rather large truck drove in and onto the beach. It was delivering yearling Rainbow Trout to stock the lake. So we stayed around to watch that very interesting process.


We continued our exploration by heading further out Highway 99. We stopped at one of the area's golf courses, but did not play. The trail from Lost Lake goes out there, so we walked a little way on it. There was a floatplane terminal on the lake there.

On the way back to the village, we turned in to one area, with many very large houses. We saw a couple of cars stopped ahead of us where there were two black bears feeding on the roadside vegetation, mostly dandelions. One soon wandered off, but the other stayed, happily munching away and ignoring all the spectators. We stayed a while to watch.

Don't mind me. I'm having lunch.

After being satisfied that we had more than enough pictures of the bear, we headed back to the village and "home" to our condo.