On the Road with Beth

5/6-12/2013, County Line Park near Cathlamet, WA

At County Line Park, looking across the Columbia River to OR

Sitting here reminds me so much of my favorite place that I lived in a s&b … which is when I owned the Grandview in Ferryville, WI which was on the Mississippi. Views are very similar. This is just so peaceful for me.

But the Columbia River had tides and the shore can be dangerous.

I’m not used to tides effecting a river, and boy do they here. Our little beach area grows so much smaller. But when the tides are out, it grows and so does the area along the river than can be walked.

Peaches was straining to get to that water.

As much as Peaches loves water, she loves water and sand even more. She loves to play in both.

Ahhhh

Boats that cause the high waves at shore.

An Osprey nest to watch

I believe this pleasure boat stayed the night near our beach.

Well, it was still there when I came in for the night … was gone in the morning, but I didn’t get up early.

I believe this cat belongs to the camphost ...

And barges come by frequenly, but often only one barge ... not at all what I was used to on the Mississippi

Osprey Nest

Flowers in the campground.

Flowers in the campground.

I know I saw some type of mammal swimming up river one day. However, I didn’t have my camera and couldn’t see well enough to know for sure what. I’m guessing it was a sea lion, but can’t be sure. Of course, there were plenty of other birds, but most of my concentration has been on the osprey nest. Did take this fellow, though…

And let’s not forget the beautiful view of Mount St. Helens.

Mount St. Helens

The view sitting at my picnic table looking to the southeast…

Columbia River, Osprey Nest, Mount St. Helens

Hazy day, Mount St. Helens and a flock of birds

The closest town to the park is Cathlamet, WA – about 10 miles to the west. (Longview is about 15 miles to the east.)

Museum in Cathlamet (museum name is the name of the county)

Strong Park and the Waterfront Trail are next to the museum.

Totem Boat

Totem Boat info

Six Spot (train)

Squint really hard and you can read the info about the Six Spot

View from Strong Park

View from Strong Park

Gull perched watching us on the trail.

Marina and camping in Cathlamet

With a small rig, the camping meant for tents and small rigs (no hookups) would be nice. Their hookup camping is not my cup of tea, and it didn’t look like many others, either, as no one was there. But it would fit any size rig and might be good if someone was there for the fishing. They do have a dump station available.

Their bathhouse.

I don’t know if they have showers. Don’t know where I’m staying, either. Those of you who know me, know that I rarely use bathrooms or showers other than my own. That’s one reason I have an rv … I like to have my own facilities!

And flowers

Their rv sites - $24 a day or $141 per week, two week maximum

Now I’m only 10 miles away, with electric (not electric and water … those might have sewer also, didn’t check) but am paying $10 a day. Yes, the site I’m in is close to my neighbor, but looking directly on the water … I’ll take this one! But sure enjoy walking the trail in Cathlamet and again do like the camping sites … but those are $18 a day, $100 a week or $300 a month. High for dry camping in my book.

View from the trail again.

I could hear more in the marshy area than I could see ... this pair must not be sitting on a nest.

Part of the trail over the marshy area.

Cathlamet

Cathlamet

Wahkiakum County Courthouse in Cathlamet

Hotel Cathlamet

There's a toll ferry between Cathlamet and about 10 miles north of where I stayed in Clatskanie, OR

I’ve not taken that ferry.

Mount St. Helens

Osprey Nest

Osprey Nest

I’ve had some really great neighbors here and in Clatskanie. My next door neighbor for a couple days here brought his inflatable kayak and went out one afternoon. These waters are just too strong for me to consider going where he did – my arms would have been killing me. He did say that it was much easier coming back, but he had to be vigilant because of the tides trying to bring him to shore.

View from my site: one neighbor fishing, the osprey nest, my neighbor kayaking, and Mount St. Helens

The ospreys ignore most of the boats, but did not like how close he came with the kayak.

Both adult ospreys left the nest and circled, circled. One went back to the nest while the 2nd continued to circle until he was much further away.

Yesterday I caught this boat with just a bit of lumber on it.

Paddle boat passing by.

And just this afternoon, a better opportunity for a photo op with someone ….

Just swimming by

For my friends who have asked about what size rig will fit in County Line Park. A couple 34 foot Class A’s were here. Not much bigger will fit … I’d say 34-35 feet maximum. This is mainly a paved parking lot with lines for sites. The sites have electric and are wide enough for putting out slides, but not really for awnings, although a few have. The best site to pull straight in is one of the end sites, and then the awning could be put out. I was hoping to get one of those sites in particular, but didn’t. Could have changed when the folks in it left, but was comfie where I was at at that time. There is a camphost here and bathrooms. There is also a dump station. There is no place to hook up to get water. And where there is water at a couple locations, I don’t like the water here. So I recommend coming in with a full tank! And I will come back. $10/night for electric. Talked to the camphosts today and learned they have been here many years. I think they said 14. Kind of like the couple in Clatskanie – they found someplace they like and moved in. This one has a 2nd 5th wheel on their same site with their daughter and family also. Nice gig!

I start the trek to Alaska in earnest in the morning. I’ll stop for some staples and I intend to make a Barnes & Noble stop, will overnight tomorrow at a casino lot NW of Seattle, then will be heading into Canada for my mad dash to Valdez. The rains are supposed to come in here overnight tonight, so I expect I’ll be doing a lot of traveling in the rain now. I’ve been expecting rain most of this trip from Arizona, so this sunshine has been a delight. With the expected rain and cooler temps, I just finished making a second pot of soup so that the next week it’ll be easy to have a warm bowl of soup for dinner.

Now, to just hope that the rains aren’t too bad in the morning when I go to leave. Actually thought (am still thinking) of pulling out this afternoon… now THAT’s lazy lol … and I’ll probably wait. Water will not hurt me hooking up. I’ve gotten just a tad too used to this wonderful sunshine. And I’ve truly enjoyed my time in OR and WA this spring. I always do, but it’s different when the sun actually shines more than not. Clouds are covering Mount St. Helens today. I could see a glimpse of her among them earlier, but not now.

So looking forward to Valdez and my summer there again…

4/29/13-5/6/13, Clatskanie (overnighting) with visits to Astoria and Seaside, etc.

I headed up to the Clatskanie City Park NW of Portland, about 30 miles east of Astoria. I stayed here for a couple nights on my way south last fall and it’s a good location for me. So back I came. This time I elected to pay their dry camping rate of $5 per night. (Electric and water is $10/night.) I still was able to access water to fill my holding tank, and before I left, the camphosts moved a truck so that I could get to a place to dump my tanks. This park does not have a dump station, but does have a couple full hookup sites. They are all right next to one another next to the camphost and really only one is accessible for use, in my estimation. That said, I would rather park on the field as I did in the fall and this time. And the camphost offered me use of the sewer … nice of him. They are a super couple. Came there the summer of 2005 to host and haven’t ever left!

Walking Peaches, looking back across the field to my site and beyond.

The Clatskanie River is on 3 sides of the park – yes, it’s a winding river. Walking around the park and the town is nice because of that.

Gazebo to left of where I'm parked, with house behind.

Looking behind where I'm parked, down - or up - the river to houses on the bluffs

One of the blooming bushes.

I did some drives (including to the park I would stay at next) but my highlight would be the day I’d go to Astoria, then on to Seaside and to my friend Kitty’s art exhibit. I actually can say now that I SHOULD have taken two days to do all I crammed into one … and I knew that in advance. Ah, the best intentions of mice and men, eh?

Peaches got to come with for this tour, and we stopped whenever I wanted to.

First wayside on the road to Astoria

First wayside on the road to Astoria

This wayside is near Westport, OR. Westport is named after “Captain” John West. He was a native of Scotland who settled near the Columbia River in early 1850′s after having tried his luck in the California goldfields. He was literally a man of all trades: he built and operated sawmills, ran a general store and post office, built and managed a salmon cannery, developed and improved the canning industry and exported lumber! If you stop at this viewpoint, you can find out lots more about him!

I’ve been to Astoria a few times to visit my friend Kitty. I love the town. In most of my past visits, however, it rained … and rained … and rained some more. Kind of like most of my trips to OR in the past. So it was delightful this time to see Astoria with the sun shining beautifully upon her. My first stop in town was to go look for the sea lions.

Sea lions

I remember in past years walking with Kitty down closer to the boat piers where the sea lions have taken over. Now, those piers are blocked except to those with boats there. I do understand. And the sea lions were around in abundance.

and so were ducks

But mainly sea lions at this spot.

Let's not ignore the bald eagles soaring and fishing also.

Fishing under a pier.

I moved down and parked near the Maritime Museum to walk along the waterfront and enjoy the beautiful day.

Gorgeous views (looking towards Washington)

If you aren’t family with Astoria, it is located at the mouth of the Columbia River where it meets the ocean.

Peaches checking out the scent of the flowers.

The bridge from Astoria to WA

Trolley Stop and the boat in the parking lot of the Maritime Museum

I drove a few blocks and stopped again for the …

Viewing Platform

I believe it’s there to view the bridge and waters, but there are also great views of the houses of Astoria.

Looking back to Astoria and the homes

Peaches wanted this picture to prove how I torture her.

Peaches tiptoed up that stairway, but if I went, she was going … and go she did. She hates those kinds of stairs, and cattle guards, and she walks around sewer covers … so yep, she believes I was torturing her!

But what is mostly being talked about here is the Columbia River Bar (also known as an Open Gateway). Currents, tides and weather can be extreme here. Fog is common. The Bar forms where the river rushes into the ocean, building up a series of shifting sandbars that often have rough waves breaking over them. In times past it was difficult to find the channel, as the wind, waves and current changed it constantly. Today the channel is well-maintained. Jetties stabilize the mouth of the river and specially licensed pilots assist vessels in crossing the bar and navigating the Columbia River.

Huh? Enough, just enjoy the water!

The Astoria Trolley

And then it was off to Seaside … where I took Peaches for a walk on the beach and went into town and got myself an ice cream cone. Seaside is a tourist trap. Oops, lol … but it was crowded on this Saturday in May before the tourist season is in full stream. I was amazed. Yes, the weather was awesome. So I’m guessing the locals were out and about before the town gets hit by all the tourists for the summer. I didn’t take pics … not sure why … but was headed back just this side of Seaside in Gearhart to the Art Show of my friend from Astoria, Kitty Paino.

Some of Kitty Paino's works

Some of Kitty Paino's works

Some of Kitty Paino's works

Kitty was also doing a demonstration for those interested. Some of us were aghast when she took a work that looked completed and started cutting it up. She wasn’t happy with it, so it was going to end up in a collage. Okies …

Kitty Paino destroying one piece of artwork to make another.

She really is good. My pictures do not do her work justice. You can see better images of the work at the gallery by going to the Trails End Art Association website – or to Kitty’s website: http://www.krpgraphics.com/

Trails End Art Association

Many of you know that I love Great Blue Herons … among many other birds and animals. So it will be no surprise to you that I got a small copy (greeting card size) of this artwork of Kitty’s:

Great Blue by Kitty Paino

My little version is already on my wall … love it.

And while I would have loved to have stayed, and gone to dinner with Kitty and others of her friends and family, I headed on back with other stops to make. Peaches and I headed to Fort Stevens State Park, not too far west of Astoria and easily on our way back through to Astoria, then Clatskanie. I could have spent a day or two or three to see even part of what was there. We did a quick look at

Beach at Fort Stevens State Park, OR

And yes, Peaches did make it into the ocean.

We toured

Battery Russell

Fort Stevens has the longest history as an active seacoast defense installation on the Pacific Ocean north of San Francisco. It began it’s 84 year tenure with the construction of a Civil War earthworks fort in 1863.

Just a few stairs!

Climb those and you get here.

Battery Russell was named after Major David A. Russell. It is common for military buildings to be named after senior officers. Russell became a senior officer in a special way. He was a Brevet, meaning he served at a higher rank without receiving additional pay. That was common during the Civil War. Prior to the Civil War he served as the Commander of Fort Yamhill, OR. He was transferred to the 8th US Infantry during the Civil War and died in action in VA, in September of 1864.

I also drove through part of the rv campground section of the state park. It’s nice. This is a very, very large park … and there was much I didn’t get to stop and see.

Driving back into Astoria

Astoria

No more stops … headed on home to the rv and collapsed for the night.My original intentions had been to leave Clatskanie Sunday morning … but while I did dump and was ready, that 30 miles seemed like forever lol … I stayed one more night. To be honest, the traffic on Saturday was horrendous and Sunday was another beautiful day. I figured everyone would be out and about again and while my original thoughts were Sunday would be the better travel day, after seeing things Saturday, I rethought it and changed. I love being able to do that!

4/27-29/2013, Polk County Fairgrounds and Nesmith Park, Oregon

I moved closer to Salem and to Dallas, OR for 2 nights. Polk County Fairgrounds has water and electric sites for $15 per night. I had an appt on Monday, the 29th for an oil change at Ford in Dallas, so moved close. Next to the fairgrounds is a nice little day use park.

Parked at the Polk County Fairgrounds

Peaches and I took all our walks into Nesmith Park.

Nesmith Park

Nesmith Park History

Nesmith's buried in the Nesmith Family Cemetery

Nesmith Family Cemetery

The trail through the park.

There was water down below us and I didn’t know if we’d get to it … until …

Guess we have access

Hurry up, Mom! I'll take the risks!

And, yes, she played in and around the water.

Both the park and the fairgrounds had lovely bushes and trees. I should have taken more pics all through OR of everything in bloom.

Beautiful blooms

And birds were singing

Ford took care of the oil change; saw no other concerns, so I went back and got the car and was on the road before noon on Monday.

4/27/2013, Salem, OR

I got to spend the afternoon with Laura from my rv forums. We finally met last fall, and she is a native of Salem, so it was interesting, after so many trips here, to see the city through her eyes.

We met at the Farmer’s Market. No pictures but we both bought bread. I bought a loaf of Jalapeno-Cheddar that I think is the best I’ve ever had. I won’t have any trouble finishing the loaf, and my hips will just expand a tad more, unfortunately! Totally worth it. We then toured her office. Her current office. Over the course of the afternoon, she pointed out several places her office had been previously, including in the building about to be discussed for a time.

We headed over to the Oregon State Hospital.

Oregon State Hospital

Many of you will remember it as the location for the filming of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Laura was involved extensively in the remodeling of the hospital while keeping it’s historical value. It would have been much less expensive to tear it down, than it was to have it declared a national historic landmark and work within those confines. But they did, and it’s still a mental hospital with all the updates. There is a museum within the hospital now and we took that tour, also.

Oregon State Hospital

That cupola had to be removed to be restored!

Statue - I forget what they call him!

Oregon State Hospital

There is a lot about the history of any mental hospital that we’d rather not know. What I appreciate about OSH is that they don’t try to hide that history. And hopefully we learn from it. I read while there about the housewife who spend almost all her adult life there, commited because she had epilepsy. She’d had it since girlhood, married, had children, and it got worse. She was having seizures just about monthly. For that she was committed. And spent her life there. It makes me want to cry. They talk about different treatments, and reasons people are there, and again, I just hope we have learned from out past mistakes. But I sometimes wonder. I won’t get into my feelings too deep here … as I’m so anti even some of the drug therapies today … we may be just as barbaric now as we were then … and hopefully our future ancestors will be able to look back and see that we’ve made progress. I hope.

Drawing of the original building

How you can end up a patient ... past and current

Cooking for the multitudes

Those dippers are each bigger than any pot I’ve ever owned!

Patients were given a chance outside the hospital to become a part of the world

In the late 70′s and 80′s it was seen that maybe by being a part of the outside life, the patients could respond in ways they couldn’t within the walls of the hospital.

Patients were given a chance outside the hospital to become a part of the world

It was proof that times, they were a’changing.

And the making of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest was another chance for change … great change.

Barred Doors

Barred Doors

Hydrotherapy Machine

Hydrotherapy Machine

To most of us, electro-shock treatment is something we consider barbaric. Today a patient has to request it. And some do, believing it will help them. More people in a year have electro-shock treatment than get knee replacements. I couldn’t believe that … but it’s true. I do know it has come back “in vogue” in places. And that scares me … but at least it cannot be given involuntarily … at not at any scrupulous hospital.

Doctors used as patients; patients as doctors

I thought I knew a lot about the making of the movie, but hadn’t been aware of the above fact. Love it.

What people will do to be in a movie.

Was Dean Brooks in favor of the movie?

To his decision to let it be filmed at OSH

During the remodeling of the hospital the remains of over 5000 cremated patients were found still stored in the basement. That was a story that hit the headlines and became a Pulitzer Prize-winning series by The Oregonian newspaper. Again OSH did not try to hide what had happened. While in the museum I was able to read the account of a woman who had been doing genealogy on her family. They discovered a female relative who had spent most of her life at the hospital. After contacting the hospital and asking for the woman’s records they were amazed to be asked if they were interested in receiving her cremated remains which were still stored there. Some good comes out of what was seen as something horrific. The family was glad to have them, along with copies of all the woman’s records.

Laura was pointing out to me much of the physical challenges they had in remodeling the building. That was fascinating also. But I must admit, with my background being psychology, I kept getting lost in the patient records and all the information that they were allowing us to have. I will never accept lots we have done … in all of medicine, not just psychiatry … but I’m glad to be able to see it in it’s historic perspective. And to see it freely shared.

OK, I’m getting off on a tangent here … and thank you so much, Laura for taking me here. I’ll never forget it and probably come back to the hospital museum next time I’m in Salem. Laura tells me they change info in the exhibit as they only have so much space … and I could still read much more that was there now!

Laura and I moved on and I got to see her beautiful new travel trailer. It’s a dream. Truly is. I know she can’t wait to be camping more! Then off to lunch and talk over Mexican food and before you knew it she was dropping me back at my car by where the Farmer’s Market had been held.

Another wonderful day … thank you Laura for sharing it with me. Unfortunately (or fortunately for Laura) I never did get any pictures of the two of us. See you in the fall!

April 25, 2013, Woodburn, OR, Tulip Festival

Come tip toe through the tulips with me, pretty please!

Beth and Alice in the Tulip Fields

Just before that pic was taken, Alice told me to put on my sweater (which was tied around my waist) as between it and her colors, we just belonged in that field!

What an awesome day. Alice and I attended this festival in 2002? Alice, is that right? Anyway, I was here then for a week and we did all the touristy things and got wet the entire time. This time, we got to do this in the sunshine, on a beautiful, beautiful day … and while I thought it was awesome before, well, words can’t describe … so pictures, hopefully will. Of course, Alice found a sunrise picture someone else took the same day we were there that surpasses any of mine … but I’ll take these with no complaints. Enjoy. Oh, and the pics with the snow-capped mountain in the background? That is Mt. Hood. I’ll do my favorite of that next, then the others are simply in the order taken, as usual for me.

Tulip Fields, windmill, Mt. Hood

Mt Hood and the Tulips

Mt Hood and the Tulips

The Ugly Duckling

Mt Hood and the Tulips

Tractor pulling kids around the tulip fields

Mt. Hood without the tulips lol

Hamilton Tulips

Each of these had a different name. Sorry, only remember the yellow Hamilton so far!

Fancy Frills - I think

Blue Heron, I think

The West Point!

The West Point!

The colors and varieties were an assault on my senses. Such beauty. I went in the gift shop and looked at their post cards but thought I would like some of my own pictures better, and I do!

A big, big thank you to Alice for being so patient with me and all my picture taking. I was so glad to spend the day with you. After this we managed to almost get lost, went out for lunch, then back to Alice’s house for home made rhubarb pie with strawberry cheese cake ice cream. Yum!

Thank you for tip toeing in the tulips with me….

4/21-27/2013, Driving from California to west of Salem, OR, Visiting in Salem and area.

After that wonderful tour of the Lower Klamath NWR, I probably should have looked to see how close I was to the Lower Klamath NWR in OR … probably passed right by or near it. However, I didn’t look. Bad me. I didn’t get nearly as far on the 21st as I intended, but shortly after driving through Klamath Falls, OR, I saw a sign for a park. I turned in and it looked like a great place to spend a night.

Hagelstein Park, Klamath Falls, OR

Hagelstein Park, Klamath Falls, OR

I never did find out if this was “legal” camping. There was a sign which said camping at only certain county parks, but didn’t say if this was one. The spots were numbered. There was no place to pay. Someone else did also stop for the night. As the are pull-alongs (as I call pull-throughs that are along the side of the road, any size rig could fit in some of them. It was right next to the road, but I can sleep through anything. Well, almost anything, lol

Peaches thought it a great place to stop.

Blurry pic of some serenading birds

I caught this pic after they moved across the road, having visited in the park with us prior.

Deer visited

There were 4 - one hung around to say goodbye as we drove off.

Scenery driving down the road.

There were signs on the road that it would be closed from 8 pm to morning for construction with possible waits of 20 minutes when open. I got to the stop and turned off the engine, grabbed my book, and never read a word, as we were signaled to go. Lucky timing.

Road construction at a tunnel

I just love my two lane beautiful drives.

Sure beats the interstates, for me anyway.

Next stop a visit at:

1945 Lowell Covered Bridge

This is a really neat place to stop with info not only on this bridge but on lots, if not all, the covered bridges in OR. Very informative. I loved reading all about the use of this one (it was built for logging trucks!) and it’s maintenance, etc over the years. Unfortunately, trucks got bigger, and the bridge became obsolete.

1945 Lowell Covered Bridge

The original Lowell Covered Bridge was constructed in 1907. Increased wear and damage from the trucks required it to be rebuilt – or replaced – in 1945 by the covered bridge you see in these pictures. In 1953 the bridge had to be raised 7 feet because the COE constructed a dam just downstream which would have endangered it otherwise. The calculations of 7 feet were accurate – as the water has never come closer than 2 feet to the bridge since.

Walking around the area, I discovered these flowers.

Posting these flower pics has me kicking myself because of some gorgeous flowering shrubs that did not get photographed. I told myself I’d go back with the camera, didn’t, and haven’t seen the same ones again. Maybe yet, as Oregon is in bloom everywhere!

I drove on and decided to stop for the night near Junction City when I stopped at this picnic area for a break. I felt safe and it was time.

Picnic Area near Junction City, OR

The next morning I took a drive through the William L Finley NWR. It was a nice short drive, but nothing like the last NWR I was at.

Canadian Dusky Geese

I saw and took that picture before entering the refuge. Hmmm, guess they were along the road instead of in the refuge lol

Gotta love the signs through the refuge.

There was another refuge I drove past several times in the last few days. It’s a small one I’ve been to before, with just one viewing area. But like those geese above, most of the geese at this one are visible from the road right now.

I headed on to the Spirit Mountain Casino where I would boondock with their blessing for 4 nights. I did a little bit of gambling and if I hadn’t gone in for awhile my last night would have left a winner. Instead I think they got to keep about $20. But from that I also got two meals and lots of entertainment.

I am so lucky to be able to visit friends throughout the country. One I’ve seen several times now is Alice (and her hubby Tom) who live in Salem. In fact, they are the ones who came to AZ this winter and went to the concert with me. Alice and I went to the tulip festival (and that is getting it’s own post) and then Alice, Tom and I went to an art gallery to see a collection of Salvador Dali work. I had my two favorite pieces, and then the one piece from what I call a period of hell, that kept drawing me in. I definitely couldn’t live with it in my house, lol, I’d be bonkers. Well more bonkers than I am. My favorite was this:

Salvador Dali - Bullfight with Parrots

Actually, I had a 2nd favorite, as the time at the gallery passed. I think it was Tom’s favorite.

Dali - 1914-1918 War

Looking at one of the Dali books there, the above was started to be about music, which can be seen in the lines. But Dali’s publisher had him change his direction to war. Hmmmm … from music to war … but it worked.

I’m not showing the one that grabbed me every time I was near it… nope. Is ok if I never see it again.

Now, the gallery had lots of other art and artists. Above our heads was this very, very neat train that made me think of my artist friend Tom who does lots of train art. Not the best picture, but this is for you, Tom:

Train, by a man named Jones, I think

The artist who built this train is no longer living. He was from California and I think they told me his name is Jones. However, I couldn’t find this or his name on their website. However, I have to say, this was truly amazing and they told me that every single part on it that should move, does. Everything works as it should. It’s really neat.

There were also some soft sculptures in the gallery that I fell in love with. Very whimsical works by Roxanne Sienkiewicz. They are all crows in whimsical designs with names to fit … the picture here is not the one I saw, as the one I saw had colors in it, but was my favorite design called “Crowhabitating”.

Roxanne Sienkiewicz Soft Sculpture Crow Habitating

OK, yes, I have eclectic tastes. Just discovered last night that my friend Kitty who lives in NW Oregon is having an art show next week. If all goes well, I will be able to attend that before heading further north. It means turning west first, but I think I can manage that. Am so excited that I might be able to not only see her, but be here for her art show!

Next up … the Tulip Festival.

4/21/2013, Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge, California

Just a few assorted ducks and other water birds

I missed the driving route for the Tulelake WR because of how I drove in and out of Lava Beds NM. But on the way out I did pass an overlook to it and the above picture is from that.

Showing these neat NWR locations and the dot for the overlook I was at.

I had absolutely no clue that I was going to be in the right place at the right time. Had I known, I would have backtracked to do the driving tour of the Tule Lake NWR … again a hindsight is 20/20 moment.

3 deer crossed the road in front of me, 2 allowed their pictures to be taken.

I believe I'm along the Lower Klamath NWR now.

Yep, proof! Lower Klamath NWR

Enjoy the pics, not going to caption all of them …

It's not all water birds

What a beautiful backdrop. Mt. Shasta, maybe?

Splish Splash and we're takin' a bath

And you never know who you might have to stop for on the road

and scare into flight

I'm so pretty, so witty and gay!

Hey, so are we!

The American Avocet's head is only that rusty color during mating season.

Black-necked Stilts

OK, just was proud of myself for remembering that one lol Love both those above birds. Well love all of them, as the pictures attest to. Just figure I don’t post 1/10th of what I take …

So, is my head blue?

Or is my head green?

The section of road that goes past where the nesting bald eagles were was closed from viewing. I can just imagine how many more pictures I would have taken! They had that posted at the entrance, but when I got to that intersection, there was no sign. Had I not been in the rv pulling a car, I might have chanced trying that section, but was nervous that I’d be stuck without being able to turn around, so I bypassed it.

What a wonderful place. I spent a long time doing my drive through and could have spent even longer. Of course, it meant I didn’t drive very far this day … but oh so worth it! And what a wonderful reason to come back through this way again.

4/19-21/2013, Lava Beds National Monument, California

Lava Beds National Monument

I was expecting mainly volcanic activity, but didn’t realize it was all caves due to the volcanic activity. Very interesting. But I learned that while I’m fine doing most sightseeing by myself, I wasn’t very comfortable going into the cave on my own with just a flashlight. Dogs weren’t allowed, so I didn’t go far in any of the caves except the lighted one with info. Too bad… but a good reason to find a buddy to meet me here another time. Because it really is fascinating.

My campsite at Lava Beds National Monument

I believe the website says that they can accommodate rigs to 35 feet. Be careful if you have a toad beyond that. I think I was in one of the longer pull through sites … maybe the longest. Yes, there was some extra room, but not a lot. Just a word of warning to those who have bigger rigs … since it is first come/first served, you might not find a campsite. That said, I liked the cg. It was built by the CCC in the 1930′s and I don’t think it has changed much, which explains the smaller site (they were really thinking tents back then). Water was readily available. Know in advance that there is no dump station, so come with empty tanks and don’t overstay your tank capactiy!

Mushpot Cave

Mushpot Cave is the one with some lights (not enough for good pictures) and signs to explain lots that you’ll see in this and other caves. So, it’s really a must-do.

Mushpot Cave

Signs help explain what you see.

Even with the lights, it's hard to take pictures.

Indian Well Cave

Mushpot Cave had a family with obnoxious kids in it. When I left and went to Indian Well, no one was there. I thought, yippee. But I quickly discovered I didn’t enjoy the total dark with my balance sensitivity, and then, omg, here came the obnoxious kids. I turned around and got out of there! And with my next cave I decided going into caves, for me, wasn’t going to happen. Another trip hopefully with a companion to do them with me, and I’ll give them a go again.

That said, I still went and checked on lots of the others … and did some hiking …

The entrance to Indian Well Cave

I was all the way inside where the light was dim from behind, when the kids screams entered and sent me to hit the volume down on my hearing aids. Ouch. And turned me around.

Scrub Jay

These jays were all over the cg. And, in fact, have been following me everywhere … have one that just was walking around outside my rv a little bit ago, here in OR where I’m sitting typing this.

Ice Caves

I think it would have been neat to go into this cave … but I was thinking safety and didn’t do it. I cannot remember it’s name right now, but would have no trouble finding it again.

Ice Floor Closure info

Very Loudly singing bird above the cave with the ice floor

I had to look up my info … this is Skull Cave. One of the ones I really would like to explore. And not far from it is the trail to Big Painted Cave which I definitely want to go to next time.

Skull Cave entrance

Skull Cave is one of the very open caves. It’s a remnant of 3 very large lava tubes, one on top of the other. This allows the cold winter air to be trapped inside, thus creating the year-round ice floor on the lower level. It’s named becasue of the bones of pronghorn, bighorn sheep and two human skeletons which were discovered inside.

Skull Cave entrance

It gets dark immediately at the entrance.

Before heading out to see things on this morning, I talked with a ranger. I wanted to hike the Three Sisters Trail and asked him if the distance (7.5 miles) was accurate. He said it was and that it had very little elevation change. So, I took Peaches home and prepared myself with water, etc to do a long hike. I was really looking forward to it. Then there was a knock at my door. The ranger came to find me to say he was sorry, but he had given me misinformation. The actual Three Sisters Trail IS 7.5 miles. But it doesn’t end back at the cg, it ends over by the Lyons Trail with a 1.2 mile hike then to Skull Cave parking area. OK, I could probably do that, but then I’d have a .7 mile trail to a 1.something mile trail to get back to the cg. When I started adding all the extras I decided it was just too much. Unfortunately. And I decided then to do the Lyons Trail from the Skull Cave to the Three Sisters Trail, down the Three Sisters Trail awhile, then turn around and head back to the car. I believe I hiked 5 or 6 miles, but am only guessing. As I hiked I realized I should have asked the ranger for a drive to Skull Cave. I could have then hiked the 8.7 or so miles back to the cg. Ah, too bad we think of these things when it’s too late. I’m sure he would have given me a ride.

Lyons Trail

Views while hiking

Views while hiking at Lava Beds National Monument

Views while hiking at Lava Beds NM

Views while hiking at Lava Beds NM

Views while hiking at Lava Beds NM

Views while hiking at Lava Beds NM

And some of my favorite creatures ran across the trail at various times …

Lizards on the rocks and trails

Another place I’d love to go back to. And in the spring again, where I could then go to my next posts location again following … oh what a delight.

4/14-17/2013, Fernley, NV

I checked out where I’ll be working in the fall for Amazon and made tentative arrangements for where I’ll stay. The weather was lousy so I hung around a few days (plus I had called to get some service work done on the rv and they couldn’t get me in until the 18th … so moved on the 17th to a park in Sparks, NV right down the road from the service center. And right down the road from a delightful little marina. Then off on the 18th for the service, then hit the road.

4/18/2013, overnight at Modoc NF Picnic Area (the cg was not open)

Willow Creek Picnic Ground was open

Willow Creek Campground

Peaches says that gate doesn't have to keep us out, just the rv and car.

Peaches coming back, the bridge goes to nowhere.

There was a similar bridge that led from the picnic area to the cg. However, this bridge that was in the cg, led to a field which led to the road? Didn’t make a lot of sense to me.

I won this argument, Peaches did not get to play in the water here.

In the morning we headed to Lava Beds National Monument and had lots more beautiful scenery. At one point I had a wonderful view of Mt. Shasta to my left, but missed the turn off to get the picture. However, that doesn’t mean the scenery through the windshield wasn’t beautiful in it’s own right.

Through the windshield.

Through the windshield.

My original route to Lava Beds had me coming in their south entrance. But I discovered this on their website:

“NOTE: This south entrance into the park is paved, but in very poor repair. Drive slowly and carefully around the potholes. The Forest Service is hoping to repair it if funding is available. To enter via a smoother route, continue north on Hwy. 139 and follow brown highway signs from the Tulelake, CA or Merrill, OR areas.”

So I paid attention. Me, little one who ignores all those warnings. What the sign did NOT say is that there are two roads in from the north with signs. As I headed towards Tulelake, there where big signs to turn for Lava Beds NM. So I did. Isn’t that what that quote told me to do? Well, it wasn’t terrible … well, kind of bad … had lots of this …

Road to Lava Beds NM

I have to say that when I left I took the OTHER road out on the other side of Tulelake and it was good the entire way. Nice to know.

4/11-14/2013, Walker Lake, NV

View of Walker Lake from parking area

I stopped here to check out this location, as I got to it before a couple others that I had marked down on Walker Lake. It turns out they are all managed by the BLM. This area, called Sportsman’s Beach is the only one that has “developed campsites”. The other two, Twenty Mile Beach

Entering 20 Mile Beach

and ??? (my mind isn’t working) are dispersed camping. All three have vault toilets and require small overnight fees (on the honor system). I had been headed to 20 Mile Beach and did go check it and the other area out, but after having parked above at the Sportsman’s Beach areaand walking down to the campsites, I decided the extra dollar would be well spent … this place is GORGEOUS. And it’s been so long since I’ve been on water, that my camera was constantly in use. And Peaches was in heaven.

So I headed back to Sportsman's Beach

I picked my site based on the view from my living room window … since I’d be in more than out with the cooler temps.

My site

Pull-through sites

White pelicans and other water birds

Peaches was more than willing to use it at her own risk.

Ducks Galore

And a fluffy bird

And Peaches was thinking, “enough with that camera already … let me at the water!”

Whew, about time, Peaches says

But Peaches has yet to learn that I’ll discover that if I go down to the beach below our sites, no one is usually there … and I’m able to let her off leash to romp in and out of the water … she was one very happy dog for these few days (as further pics will attest to!).

This bird was singing to us

Reflections

more Walker Lake Reflections

White Pelican

It's been so long since I've seen all these water birds!

Don’t get me wrong, I love the desert. But I also love the water and all that comes with it. And it’s simply amazing that this is only a short drive out of Death Valley!

Peaches enjoying herself

Sites are large and well spread out.

There were several types of ducks on the water.

Peaches says "I'm not a duck!"

Snow capped mountains overlooking the lake

All the birds let Peaches get much closer than they let me get.

I’m reminded of the people who tell me that walking with Peaches scares the birds and wildlife away. More often, she spots them long before me, and they ignore her. But if I get close … they are history.

Peaches ended up leaving after going right up to the bird and rock.

At one point during one afternoon, I started counting the white pelicans. I got to between 40 and 50 when I’d have to give up because they’d move around on me. They were all around.

White Pelicans

I love this picture.

This next picture had Peaches thinking about taking a swim. Those ducks were just so close … but Peaches plays in the shallow water, does not really care to swim.

Almost thinking a swim is worth it.

Sharing space

Still not tired of white pelicans

For some reason, if both brown and white pelicans are around, I prefer the brown pelicans. No clue why … just do.

The next two pics are of a couple … they never got too far from each other.

Wife

Husband

For those interested Walker Lake is just outside of Hawthorne, NV. Sportsman’s Beach is a dry camp location. Fees are (with the senior or access card) $3/night … double that without the cards. The other two beaches with the dispersed camping are $2/night with the cards.

I got very lucky. The weather was with me. Nights were cool, but the afternoons were magnificent. I left just in time to miss the cold spell that came in. Well, that’s not true, I had the cold spell, but was in an rv park. Not sure that was better … I doubt I could have come near to the cost of the rv park with propane use for heating, but it was time to head on. And time to check out Fernley, NV, where I’ll most likely be working this coming fall for Amazon. That’s done, including making a campground reservation for that time frame. Now I’m in Reno overnight before heading into a repair shop to try to get some fixes done. I think we’ll be arguing, as I know what I want, and I know what they are going to try to sell me. We shall see. Then it’ll be time to start further north.