What would turn out to be a week spent in Oregon, would start with a trip to Crater Lake National Park, but not without some truck issues. After checking out, I decided to take the route through town instead of the highway based on the recommendation of the hotel clerk. Another driver on the road that morning alerted me that I had a shock strut hanging down. I thanked him and then pulled into the nearest parking lot to check what was going on. No damage, but I was familiar with what happened after the same thing occurred in Utah. As quick as I could, I made the necessary fix and was back on the road.
It was a gorgeous drive up to the National Park along the Rogue River and through the forest. It was smokey but we made it and enjoyed the views. Having planned to drive the entire rim, I decided to stay closer to the entrance and make a few jaunts to popular overlooks, noting some famous views.
Knowing we wouldn’t make it to Mt Shasta due to the distance to travel late in the day, I decided to head back to Ashland and stay another night with the plan to get up early. Stopping at Caldera Brewing off what else, but a recommendation, I had a pretzel and pizza with some tasty brews.
Rising to the sound of rain pelting the window of my hotel, I checked the weather and radar and came to the conclusion that hiking in unfamiliar territory may not be the best idea. I was not going to join the ranks of the unprepared hikers who every year become lost, disoriented, injured or worse. Laying in bed trying to formulate a new plan, I checked some emails and messages on social media. Fortunately I had been invited to camp with some new friends closer to the Oregon Coast. Stressing a little over the added resources I would spend, I committed to see more of Oregon. Most of the parks in California were either on fire or catching fire so I wouldn’t be able to see much on my way south.
First stop on my trek through Oregon would be the Oregon Vortex. Not far away, I headed through the rain to The House of Mystery. What makes this space so interesting? What is affecting the land in the area? Will I be trapped in some vehicular version of Gilligan’s Island? Probably not, but to be honest, it is a little weird how it seems physics is defied in this spot.
Making my way back toward the coast, I followed the Rogue River Route back to Crescent City and north to Oregon. Stopping at the state line at All Star Liquors, I was intrigued by the sign noting highly discounted prices up to 70%. This does not hold true for everything. I still spent nearly $200 on 3 bottles, but happy with my finds. Heading north, I had planned to stop in Brookings and visit Chetco Brewing. While there, enjoying my beer, a patron came in yelling “Who’s Scout is that?” My first thought was, what the hell happened to my truck? But it turns out he was just another scout fan, but unfortunately had totaled his years earlier. We talked for a while and he mentioned he’d buy me a beer if I came back later. After visiting another brewery (Misty Mountain), I checked into the hotel and took a quick shower before heading back to Chetco Brewing for some live music and scout talk.
Waking the next day, well rested, it was time to get moving. A quick shower to wake up, I was packed and checked out, heading up the Oregon coast. Making our first stop at Natural Bridges for a short hike and some photos.
Continuing on, I stopped at Pistol River and made a cup of fresh coffee. I needed to do some work on my driver window, so I got my tools out and went to work. Realizing, I was one tool short, I put everything back and made a plan to stop at ACE Hardware later. Taking a walk down to the river, I found a good spot to sit and enjoy my coffee, while I caught up writing about the last few days. Taking in my surroundings, I noticed out of the corner of my eye a dark shape slide down the dune into the river. A few seconds later three otters popped up, swimming towards the bridge. Finishing my journaling and another short walk with my coffee, I packed up and headed to Gold Beach to finish my repair work.
For lunch, I stopped at a spot near the water in Gold Beach; opting for Fish and Chips, I washed it down with cold Hamm’s beer on draft. What a treat! Belly full, it was time to fuel up Pearl, for the final leg of the day. But I couldn’t forget stocking up on some Hamm’s pints for camp. Heading up river, I was set to meet up with Barbara and some other friends at a campground next to the river. We had fresh salmon for dinner caught that morning, rice, and roast veggies, finished off with some whiskey. Later, we all watched the fog roll in. and saw the night sky come alive as stars twinkled. We even saw the biggest and brightest shooting star I have ever seen.
The next morning we gathered for coffee. Barbara and her friends Dakota and Olivia worked at the campground and store, so they had to report for duty later in the morning. I decided to accept their hospitality and hang out for a few days, enjoying staying put and making new friends. The rest of the day, I practically had my own channel on the outdoor network. I could watch fisherman in the river (even commentating like a narrator to pass the time), birds flying by, and the excitement of jet boat tours making their way upstream. I had plans coming up in November that I needed to finalize so I took the opportunity to contact our Canadian Outfitter, Devin, and book our hotel rooms for arrival and departure.
Watching nature at work all day, made me quite hungry. When everyone was off work, I joined them at the lodge restaurant for dinner. They did a decent job with bbq, but as a southerner and diehard Eastern North Carolina whole hog bbq fan, its hard for me to truly enjoy it elsewhere. Later we shared some beers and whiskey, before calling it a night.
The next morning, we made coffee and took a trail ride up one of the local logging roads. Oregon is strikingly breathtaking, even after fires burn and scar the landscape. Its a good thing we didn’t try this at sunset; I’m sure it would be easy to get lost up in the hills after dark. Having a couple days off from work at the campground, I joined my new friends and headed up the coast to the small town of Port Orford. Over the next couple days we would see some amazing views, dine on delicious food, and enjoy wonderful camaraderie with new friends. I am grateful to have made a connection with Barbara, Dakota, and Olivia.
Having plans to stop in the Sonoma Valley before heading back to Pacific Grove, I made my way south back to California, while everyone else had to report back to the campground for work. We said goodbye and were all on our way. I made a stop in Brookings for coffee and a bagel and topped off Pearl with oil. A new noise and slight vibration gave me caution for our ride south, but we pushed on. This would turn out to be a mistake. Making my way back into California, I stopped for a moment and called Dad & Heidi to wish them a happy anniversary. Continuing south on 101, the vibrations underfoot become more aggressive and ultimately more violent. Pearl had enough. Cruising down the highway with an abrupt feeling that we should pull over, I made it to the shoulder to finally hear and feel the drive shaft fall out and bounce off the blacktop. Coming to a stop, my heart racing, I made sure I was far off the road as I possibly could. On a highway as busy and narrow as the 101, I was glad to be driving a right hand drive vehicle. Hours later, I had watched the sun set behind a vineyard, got Pearl on a tow truck and was checked into a hotel for the night. Formulating a plan to get her fixed, the first step was to get her back to the Monterey Bay Area so she could be looked over by the shop that had seen her before. Frustrated with myself, over pushing her to the limit, I finally went to sleep after letting everyone know that I was ok.
Week 18 Mileage – 892