Oregon

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

When I plan a trip,  I like to leave time to explore or just hang out.   This was one of those days that I didn’t plan anything,  but I did have a few ideas.

I had seen that there was something called “Wildlife Images” which specializes in helping animals rehabilitate.   As we drove to the facility, we passed Rogue Creamery, a dairy farm which makes cheese and serves grilled cheese sandwiches.   This was going to be our lunch stop after Wildlife Images.

Animal and ocean parks talk about conservation, research and education but I am generally opposed to using animals as entertainment.   I also question how much parks are driven by profit and at what point do we exploit animals.   I love going to a zoo and seeing the animals, but I cannot help but think, would these animals be happier in the wild?

There were plenty of animals to see at this stop – wolves, bears, eagles, vultures, owls and many more.  I think I spent the better part of an hour watching the bear play in its pool.  It seemed to be having a great time. Continue reading →

Tuesday, July 22, 2025

We had breakfast in the main lodge and then went back to the room to take care of a few work-related items.  We then headed into Grants Pass.

We had driven through Grants Pass so I didn’t go with a lot of expectations.  I wanted to get a picture of the bridge over the Rogue River and to walk around the historic part of the town.

As we drove into the park, I couldn’t help but feel as if I could have been back in my hometown.  The John Deer mower was mowing the lawn; a bunch of moms were gathered at a gazebo where they were doing an event for the children. As we approached the river, there as a large group of Canadian geese.  I knew better than to mess with them; I also know that they make a mess wherever they go.  I was also glad to see mallard ducks.   It sounded and smelled like summer.

We then drove into town to walk around.  There was plenty of parking.  It is a cute town.  We found a couple of antique shops which were fun to look at as well as a gourmet store filled with kitchen gadgets.

Continue reading →

Monday, July 21^st, 2025

I am really enjoying my stay at the Weaksu Inn, last night they had appetizers and later freshly baked cookies.  This morning, they had breakfast.  It is so peaceful and compared to where I am from, it is very green.   I feel like I could sit on the deck of the main lodge or in the alpine chairs on the lawn for hours.

After breakfast, we headed out to the Crater National Park.  Earlier this year, I bought a national park pass. It was the first time I had purchased one and I am making it a point to visit and enjoy our national parks and forests.

Crater lake is the only national park in Oregon and was about a 2-hour drive.  A portion of it was through a national forest.  As we got close to the park, we started the Guide Along App, which provided an excellent tour through the park. Continue reading →

Weaksu Inn

Sunday, July 20, 2025

Yesterday, we headed to Grants Pass, Oregon.  Our first stop was to have lunch with Sophon’s aunt who lives in Visalia, CA.  In honor of our upcoming birthdays, she took us to a very nice lunch at a restaurant called the Vintage Press.  Even before Sophon’s Aunt said that the restaurant had been around a long time, I could tell.  It felt old school; the waiters were dressed in uniforms, the tables had white tablecloths, they brought out bread and butter before the meal.  It was very nice.

We continued to Sacramento where we spent the night.  I drive fast but I like to take my time and stop along with way and I don’t like a long day of driving. Continue reading →

Monday, June 23, 2025

We woke up early and went down to have breakfast at the hotel. As we walked to to the main building, I was suprrised at how cold it was.  Along the coast, it rarely gets hot and at night, the temps drop downinto the 50s.  Although it is summer, the highs for the day were in the 60s.   That doesn’t stop vacationers from dressing as if it were summer, we walked by a family in shorts and bathing suits headed towards teh pool.

After breakfast, we decided to head North to see more of the Oregon Coast. Our Guide Along Audio or the Oregon Coastline started further north.   We made stops along the way to view the coast.   We had lunch in Florence, Oregon, a very picturesque old town.

As we headed north, our Guide Along tour kicked in and the tour guide started talking about how that Florence was the home of the first viral video and it happened long before the internet came about. Continue reading →