Pictures of the Week 2009-5
Hello All,
It’s raining outside so this seems like a good time to start catching up on writing one of the many Pictures of the Week that we are behind on.
In mid August we hopped into our little car and drove to central Florida where we visited with friends and then caught a flight to Oregon. On the drive down we passed this lovely barn in central Alabama.
It’s raining outside so this seems like a good time to start catching up on writing one of the many Pictures of the Week that we are behind on.
In mid August we hopped into our little car and drove to central Florida where we visited with friends and then caught a flight to Oregon. On the drive down we passed this lovely barn in central Alabama.
Dave’s fifty-year high school
class reunion was taking place in southern Oregon. It was fun seeing all his
classmates and reliving all the “war stories” of the past. It was a three-day
affair with most activities scheduled during the evening hours. So, that
provided us the opportunity to explore the old stomping grounds during the day.
There are so many scenic areas in this part of the country that photo
opportunities come easy.
One of our first trips out of the Rogue River Valley was following the river to its source high in the Cascade Mountain Range. It was a beautiful day and we stopped periodically just to take it all in. There were lots of fishermen trying their luck and many families enjoying a float trip downstream in rafts and kayaks.
One of our first trips out of the Rogue River Valley was following the river to its source high in the Cascade Mountain Range. It was a beautiful day and we stopped periodically just to take it all in. There were lots of fishermen trying their luck and many families enjoying a float trip downstream in rafts and kayaks.
On our drive we stopped and
hiked into Mill Creek Falls. The creek is one tributary that flows into the
Rogue River.
Our next stop was the amazing
Rogue River Gorge. The gorge was likely formed by the collapse of lava tubes
and the force of the river as it followed fractures between layers of
lava. The river begins 27 miles upstream
when it comes out of the ground on the slope of Mt. Mazama. Almost 7,000 years ago Mt. Mazama exploded, resulting
in the present day Crater Lake (Crater Lake National Park). Approximately 410,000 gallons of water passes
through the chasm of Rogue River Gorge every minute at a speed of 6 feet a
second. With an average temperature of 41F it’s not a place you would likely
want to swim, but it is awe inspiring! This is Mother Nature at her best.
Another interesting fact is
that on the flat surface of the lava away from the gorge wall, the trees live
as a group rather than as individuals. The roots of the Douglas fir trees have
grown together, providing each other with nutrients and water. Before it was cut, the roots of this tree had
grafted onto those of a neighbor. Because of this, the stump in the following
photo continues to live.
There were lots of chipmunks scurrying around
looking for a free handout.
Our next stop was about 15
minutes downstream from the gorge to a place known as Natural Bridge. This is
where the Rogue River disappears underground becoming the “hidden river.” It flows into a lava tube, taking 35 seconds
to travel the 200 feet to the tube’s outlet, thus forming a natural bridge.
From this point the river flows another 184 miles before reaching the Pacific
Ocean. If you are ever in this part of our beautiful country it is an area we
would highly recommend you visit.
Our next venture out of the Rogue River Valley
was over the Coastal Mountain range to northern California and Jedediah Smith
National & State Redwood Park. There are at least three Redwood parks where
the State of California and the Federal Government have joined forces to manage
these wonders of the world. The drive
into the park is restricted to vehicles under 22 feet in length--no commercial
vehicles, motorhomes, trailers and so forth. It is easy to see why as the road
is narrow, dusty, and winds around the majestic giants.
We stopped at the Stout
Memorial Grove and walked the loop trail through the 300-foot tall trees. No
matter how many times we visit the Redwoods we still find them overwhelmingly
inspiring. They are truly colossal giants.
Fire will often burn out the
center of the trees but it doesn’t seem to have much of an effect on them. Here
is Miss Barb standing in a burned out tree.
We had a wonderful time
exploring many of our old haunts. The reunion was fun and when it was over we
traveled north 100 miles and spent a few days visiting with Dave’s cousins
before flying back to Florida.
In Florida we spent a couple of days visiting with our friends the Foxes before driving back to Alabama. Their neighbors had an unusual flower growing in their yard. It was called “Pride of Barbados.” We found it to be quite lovely.
In Florida we spent a couple of days visiting with our friends the Foxes before driving back to Alabama. Their neighbors had an unusual flower growing in their yard. It was called “Pride of Barbados.” We found it to be quite lovely.
Until next time,
Dave & Barb
The Traveling Browns
Dave & Barb
The Traveling Browns