Mystic corridor of Oregon

This is the name given the stretch of 199 from Crescent City to Crater Lake, a road filled with redwoods, orchards, scenic rivers, pristine forests and oh, what a beautiful drive it is.


An early morning drive through the redwoods on the scenic byway along the Smith River was breathtaking, especially when I looked down the sheer cliff inches from the edge of the narrow two lane road.


And then in Grant's Pass we discovered the Rogue River. We stopped in Riverside Park, a beautiful park with people enjoying the warm sunny day and beautiful roses blooming, as we wandered along the shore of the new found river.


One of the commercial jet boats, full of passengers, were just taking off for a river run. After I picked up my first Oregon geocache we were headed north again, driving alongside the majestic Rogue River, a wild and scenic river as is the Smith.


At one point we got a great view of Mt. McLoughlin, 9495 feet, topped with snow.


Shady Kate in Shady Cove sure knows how to attract customers with all the vintage artifacts outside and a couple of trees full of men's neckties.


She is an interior decorator and the inside of her shop was filled with treasures. She was quite delightful to visit with and told us where we should stop for pie. A fun roadside stop it was. FYI: In 1940 Ginger Rogers settled in the Shady Cove area and lived there for 50 years.


A fabulous campground in the Siskiyou National Forest, Farewell Bend, greeted us soon where we picked a spot right alongside the Rogue River. The water hides any nearby noises as it rushes downstream.


Finally we got the bicycles off and had a nice ride in the campground but one tiny hill was almost too much. The berry pie alamode nearby at Beckie's Cafe a cute rustic cabin, was as delicious as we had been told it would be. I doubt we rode enough to offset the calories.


At the nearby Rogue River gorge all I could say was "oh, my!" The water rushes through this deep gorge at a rate of 410,000 gallons a minute, enough to fill an Olympic size pool, and the average temperature is 44 degrees, about our expected low for the night. A stop in Union Creek is a must along highway 62. The only thing missing is a phone signal.


At the natural bridge the water disappears as it flows through a lava tube created by an ancient volcanic eruption. This is where the water exits the tube.


This bridge allowed the Indians and settlers to cross the river. The power and beauty of this river is almost indescribable.


We are so thankful to be out of California and their expensive campgrounds, although the coast is beautiful. We are nestled into a national forest for $9 a nite. This is why we are traveling in a van!  I immediately pulled out the camping gear and fixed a tasty meal. Well, in the forest ever meal is tasty!


A nice campfire was the end to another day in paradise.