More Potpourri

Today’s exercise consisted of a drive into Oakridge, then unloading the bikes for a run up Salmon Creek Road. Nice ride through trees/ferns (what else) along Salmon Creek. Fairly gentle hills until the 8 mile mark, where a looming monster hill convinced us that it was time to turn around. The Salmon Creek Campground (USFS) was nice. In our next incarnation when we return as tent campers, we’ll be there for sure.

It’s a small world… A few days ago we met fellow Casey’s RV-guests, Bill Brown and Susan Dona, current full-timers who lived in Sacramento, less than a half-mile from our home, as the crow flies. (Actually the crows aren’t flying there much anymore—West Nile Virus is knocking them out of the trees—aerial spraying is underway!). And don't worry, they're not shacking up in that motorhome--they are married! We shared a dinner together and then “campfired” (without a campfire—just the wine) last night. Discussions were curtailed at 10:30—we could have easily gone into the wee hours. Much in common. Like us, both are former CA state employees. We know his sister, whose son used to hang out with daughter Julie at our former church. Bill and Susan are road warriors. (http://www.CoolJourney.net). Their RV travels have taken them to many of the spots we have visited. Plenty of fodder for campfire chatter. They departed this morning. Hope to cross paths with them again. Sure get to meet some nice people ‘on the road.’

Yesterday we drove the vaunted Aufderheide Scenic Byway, a 65-mile drive through the woods north to Hwy 126, the McKenzie River Highway. We listened to a loaner CD that provided information about the route (from the USFS) as we drove through miles and miles of Jurassic Park-like greenery. So much greenery that I longed to see cactus before it was over. In the course of advancing the CD, we missed about 20 miles of narration. It was a yawner anyway. Lunch at Cougar Reservoir.

Weather has moderated a bit after hitting the mid-nineties earlier this week. Will be meeting Janice’s cousin (and wife) for dinner in Pleasant Hill, a burg 30 miles distant on the way to Eugene.