Grants Pass, Oregon

Aloha Everyone,

Oregon is the 20th state we are visiting with Honu. Oregon shares its border Washington. California, Idaho, and Nevada on southeast. The Snake River outlines the state's eastern boundary and the Columbia River defines much or the state's northern boundary. As with other parts of the United States, many indigenous tribes inhabited Oregon before the arrival of white traders, explorers and settlers.

Oregon is the 9th largest state in terms of size but 27th in population. Crater Lake National Park which we visited two days ago is Oregon's only national park. We are staying at least two more nights in Grants Pass. J.J. and I stopped by at the Oregon Visitor Center. Katie was very helpful in answering our questions and even went on-line to research for additional information. The name Grants Pass traces back to General Ulysses S. Grant to honor his success at Vicksburg.

According to the 2010 US Census, the population of Grants Pass is 34,533. However driving along Highway 99 that runs parallel to the Rogue River, Grants Pass gives you a feeling of small town, U.S.A.

J.J. has been looking forward to enjoying seafood while we are in the Pacific Northwest. Today we had a lunch at Laughing Clam on G Street. The establishment is a micro-brewery and at 1:30 pm, it was full of diners. Fried calamari was slightly over-cooked but the clam chowder was excellent.

This afternoon, we spent some time reading travel brochures given to us by Katie. Tomorrow morning, we have an appointment to replace Honu's windshield followed by additional repairs. Yes, living in an RV has its share of maintenance but look at the view from our bedroom window.

Love -- Cathi

Basic Categories of RV (Recreational Vehicles)

Aloha Everyone

Some of you have asked me about what are RVs. Generally, an RV (Recreational Vehicles) must be mobile either on its own power or else towed by another vehicle.

Among three broad RV categories, Honu, based on its length, is classified as Type B Motorhome.

Bus conversion such as below is also in the Motorhome category and classified as Type A again based on its length.

The second category is Truck Bed Motorhome. Using standard truck bed as its base, living quarters are mounted either temporarily or permanently. Advantage of these are they are generally more affordable and may easily accommodate sleeping quarters up to 4 people. The disadvantage is that in order to access the living area, the vehicle must come to a complete stop then one has to go out of the truck and enter from the back.

The third category is towing type. Either a truck or passenger car tows the square shaped "home on wheels" around. As in this photo, this type of. "Home on wheels" usually have 3 - 5 sliders (sections that slides out to provide sleeping spaces).

Aloha -- Cathi

In Grants Pass, Oregon - Good News and Bad News

Aloha Everyone,

The good news is we are staying at an exceptional RV park called Riverpark RV Resort. Located along the Rogue River bank in Grants Pass, the owners Dean and Donna Logan originally from California  have been running this RV Park for 10 years. Donna mentioned to me that they are the 3rd owners and the park is over 50 years old. Dean and Donna are friendly, helpful and perfect for this hospitality business.

Individual pads are clean, grass is green and healthy and well-maintained, a far difference from the first RV park we stayed in Oregon. The remainder of the amenities including showers, toilets and laundry facilities are kept in an impeccable condition. Thank you Mike and Lisa for recommending this place to us.

The second good news is meeting Brad. He is staying in the RV park and when he overheard our conversation with Dean that we have not watched TV because we don't know how to operate the machine, he came over and set the system up for us. Brad is a U.S. Army veteran and very kind individual.

Okay, now onto some bad news. Our windshield was hit by a stone. The size of the angel hair pasta crack is much more serious than it first appeared. When we arrived at the Crater Lake RV park, the temperature reading of the exterior of Honu was nearly 100 degrees F. The temperature dropped overnight to below freezing.  This morning at 7:15 am, the windshield was all frozen and the crack was clearly visible. Nine hours later, the crack line has expanded.

J.J. has spoken with a Progressive Insurance claims adjuster. We will remain in this location until the situation regarding our windshield replacement has been resolved. If we have to get stuck at any place, this is a perfect place to be.

Aloha -- Cathi

Crater Lake National Park

Aloha Everyone,

This morning, we were awoken to this incessant buzzing sounds. When I looked out, it looked like enormous bumble bees were buzzing around just outside of our window. Upon closer look, however, the bumble bees turned out to be about six hummingbirds flying in and out of holly bushes in search of nectar. Hummingbirds have iridescent color feathers and flap their wings about 50 to 80 times per second. They are usually 3 - 5 inches in length. I hope to capture one in flight soon!

We took Highway 97 to 62 in the direction of Crater Lake National Park. Just as we were about to enter the mountainous area, I telephoned my Mother, emailed our children to let them know that we might be incommunicado for the next 24 hours as our plan was to spend the night in the national forest.

Roads inside the Crater Lake National Park is excellent. Many of the vista points are designed as pull-through. However J.J. says that the surface of the road is paved with rough gravel-like material to provide better traction during winter.Tough on the tire the rest of the year. At our first vista point, J.J. cleaned the windshield to remove many insects that unfortunately dove in to their demise.

Here are a few facts in the official Visitor Guide provided by the U. S. Department of Interior about the Crater Lake National Park:

1)  It is the deepest lake in the United States with approximately 1,943 feet deep at deepest point.

2)  Created as a result of a massive volcanic eruption 7,700 years ago.  

3)  The lake is actually a caldera (belly of the erupted volcano) and its water was filled by centuries of rain and snow. 

4)  Annual average snowfall is 44 ft. Yes, feet.

5)  Rim drive is 33 miles.  However due to road closures because of a forest fire and repairs, we were unable to circle the lake.

J.J. and I checked in at the Mazama Village Campground, the only available camp ground within this national park. Approximately 75% of the camping sites (RV and tent) are reserved and the remaining 25% are on a first come-first serve basis. Following the site map we were given, J.J. and I drove around each of the 6 loops to choose the site we liked. We noted the solar panels on wheels.

After our lunch of roast beef and pepper cheese from the Safeway Deli on bagel with cream cheese and yogurt, we went on a drive around the rim of the lake. Our first stop was Discovery Point where we can get an overview of the lake and Wizard Island. I have not been able to find out where the name derived from but perhaps the shape of the island resembles a Wizard's hat.

Mike and Lisa were on a week-long holiday from Torrance, CA. J.J. took their photos and we in turn asked them to take ours.

I am 5' and 1/3" per my last check-up 5 months ago. So you can figure by this snow plow marker how much snow is expected.

Due to on-going road constructions and repairs, we had to make the Phantom Ship as the last stop of our rim drive. J.J. and I hiked one half mile up to the rim where we can see the Phantom Ship. One of the visitors said, "Maybe, after 3 beers, the island could look like a ship." Will let you be the judge of it.

On the return walk, I stood on the trunk of a large pine tree that was spongy and not a very sold ground for my modified tree pose.

The temperature is expected to go down below 40 degrees F. It is peaceful and inhaling the scent of pine makes one feel alive.

Aloha -- Cathi

From Nevada to Oregon via California

Aloha Everyone,

Happy September and Happy Labor Day!

By 7:15 am, Honu was ready to be on the road. Our original destination was Lakeview, OR, but when we heard from our friends Pat and John about Crater Lake National Park, we modified our plan.

We drove on US Highway 395 N and less than an hour from Carson City, we entered California. Our first stop was at the Honey Lake Rest Area. According to a map, the location of Honey Lake should be next to Highway 395. When I asked a man working for the California Dept of Transportation where the lake is, he shrugged his shoulders, gave a big sigh and said, "Well lady, the lake has dried up and all you see is the dried lake bed.  It's mighty shame."

On the positive side, I saw beautiful desert flowers and bird trees mounted on several of the tall tree trunks at the rest area.

We passed a town named "Likely" with population of 99. J.J. and I imagine some of the jokes town residents hear when they mention that they are from Likely.

Just nearby Likely was MODOC National Wild Life Refuge area which 395 crossed right through. We saw many flocks of Canadian Geese on islets. It was probably a stopping point in their migratory route.

We sometime get very lucky. For our lunch stop, our choice was Antonio's Cusina Italiana in the small town of Alturas. The man dressed in long-sleeved white shirts and long black pants greeted us and asked if we have reservations. It was only 11:15 am and the restaurant was empty except for 1 table with a single diner.

The food was excellent. From calamari appetizer to garlic bread, salad and my choice of Minestrone Soup, it was quality food which we did not expect in a restaurant located on Highway 395. J.J. enjoyed his garlic pasta with herbs and clams. Michelle, our server was attentive and enhanced our dining experience. 

Michelle told us she has been working for 19 years. If the owners are as good as the food they serve, it must be a wonderful place for her to work. Our total for today's lunch was $25 inclusive of tip.

Getting lost is part of our adventure. Upon our entry to Oregon, we followed the tourist information signs and suddenly it disappeared. I stopped at Quality Inn at Klamath Falls and the front desk clerk, Rosa not only explained about the demise of the Klamath Falls but also provided us with a couple of maps.

Tonight we are staying at a RV park on Highway 97. It is rather rustic but after being on the road for a little over 6.5 hours covering over 300 miles, Honu and we needed to stop for the night. There is an apple tree beside us but I don't think its fruits are edible.

Aloha -- Cathi