Flying Kites and Spinning Rides

The weather is beautiful again and was perfect for a Saturday afternoon ride into the Applegate Valley for a little wine tasting. I had already been to three of the larger vineyards, so Karen and I decided to try out the small vineyards. The first was wonderful. A breeze was blowing, a man was playing a guitar and singing, and the view of rows of grape vines with the mountains in the background was beautiful. Each wine had a story behind it and the owner gladly shared this with us. I was not crazy about the second vineyard but the third had tons of charm as it was small and family owned. This owner also shared many fascinating details about the history of the vineyard. I was informed that in late September, during harvesting of the grapes, I could possibly stomp some grapes. Lucy looked like she had fun doing it, why not?


Saturday night would not be a bore either. I was somehow talked into going to the county fair. While listening to Joan Jet sing "I love rockin' roll" was a highlight, the "people watching" was far better. Why is that county fairs bring out the cream of the crop? I felt special to have all of my teeth and not one tattoo on my body. I also learned that apparently as you age, you do not tolerate fast, spinning rides that flip you upside down. I felt nauseated more than once that night...or maybe it was the fair food.

Sunday had to be my favorite day. Several of us went to the coast to Brookings (pop. 6,000) for the Annual Kite Festival. I really didn't know what to expect as I had never been to a kite festival, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed myself. There is something very relaxing about sitting and watching these beautiful kites sore through the air. The fact that the ocean was right behind us didn't hurt either. The amazing thing is the passion that these people had about their kites. Met a man named Rob Craw who has traveled around the world to International kite festivals, and he was very kind to let me fly one of his kites. Who knew this was so popular. They also had people performing to choreographed music. It was actually quite fascinating to watch this group of four men make formations and trails with their kites. My favorite was "Big Bear" a forty foot kite that took a lot manuevering to get into the air.


After the kite festival we all went to the beach. The Oregon coast is absolutely gorgeous. You really need to see it for yourself. The water was warm enough to play in and the beach had plenty of shells and rocks to comb through. We had all worked up an appetite and of course had to have some seafood before we left.


After a long weekend of fun, I was exhausted and crashed very quickly. It is finally time to go home. I am very excited. This will be a much needed vacation. I have become quite accustomed to working for three months and taking a break. Hope to see some of you soon!!

House of Mystery

So my last weekend started off low key. Went to a chic flick with the girls on Friday night. Saturday, I set out on an adventure (since I haven't been on one lately and was itching to do so). Found the House of Mystery at the Oregon Vortex. Let me try to explain...supposedly it is a spherical field of force, half above the ground and half below. There are certain spots that you can't stand erect due to the magnetic fields. You could roll a golf ball on a downward slope and it would roll right back up. Brooms stood upright. Although I witnessed some of these things myself, I am a little sceptical or maybe just a realist. Maybe there is something to it. Anyway, traveled on and drove up a curvy but scenic road to reach the Oregon Caves. This is a national monument, designated by President William Howard Taft in 1909. As soon as you stepped in front of the entrance, the temperature dropped to 40 degrees, and it stays that way inside the cave year round. The caves were cold, wet, and in many spots the narrow passages and low ceilings required you to bend and squat down while you walked. The caves are made of marble but are mostly covered with calcite, which creates fascinating sculptures. At one point, we were standing there after we had walked deep into the cave, and the dim lights that helped guide our steps along the way were turned off. Total darkness...really couldn't see the hand in front of my face. Very eerie. I think it is safe to say that I will never be a spelunker. Returned home, took a power nap, and headed out to eat with some friends.


Sunday was full of adventure too. Drove up past Crater Lake to discover some waterfalls. The first was Toketee Falls. What it lacked in height (90 ft) it made up in beauty. From the top the water cascades into a small pool which continues on and falls into a much larger pool of clear green water. Will post a picture. The second waterfall, Watson Falls, is the tallest fall in Southern Oregon. While not as impressive as Toketee, it was very majestic and mysterious as the mist from the water crashing onto the rocks below floated through the air. Was going to try to go view and possibly take a dip in the hot springs. However, after over-hearing a family (that was also viewing the waterfall) make the statement that they were going to go get in the hot springs, I quickly decided against it. It was not that I was concerned about overcrowding but more about what I would consider an extremely excessive case of "grocery store feet". The whole family was filthy. Maybe another day.


Things have cooled down this past week. The sky is a still bit hazy from all the forest fires. Thought our concert was going to get rained out, but it didn't. Went back to Britt Festival Wednesday night with some friends and listened to Lyle Lovette and k.d. lang. Both were excellent. I don't ever think that the setting and venue will ever get old. I know I have described it before, but the sun setting and then the lights from the city appearing from the valley are beautiful. While the music was good, I will not soon forget our cherry pit spitting competition. Yes, that is correct. We had a spitting competition (mom I know you are proud). Sad to say that even with my competitive nature, I lost by one. You truly had to be there to understand.

Heading home next weekend. Can't wait to see everyone!!!!

STARS AND STRIPES:

What a busy week. I don't know if having a day off in the middle of the week is such a good thing. Went to the Ashland 4th of July Parade. It was so much fun. This is a big event here. People place tarps and chairs in the medians and on the sides of the street a day in advance to reserve a good spot for the parade. You can see a little bit of everything...from politicians to scantily clad tattooed women walking with carousels to bald eagles to colorfully decorated cars complete with legs, troll dolls etc. attached to them. Point is, not what you would expect from a 4th of July parade but lots of fun!!! A day of kayaking followed the parade. About 8 of us paddled our way down the Applegate River. Good thing the river was so cold because it was very hot (but still no comparison to the south and our humidity). A little side note: I have learned that when talking to people here that I have to specify that the "south" I am referring to is the "deep south/south shall rise again" and not Southern California. Okay, back to kayaking. Wrapped my kayak around a rock and had to get help getting it off. Even though the current we were in was not significantly strong, it is amazing how powerful it is when your kayak is submerged in a rapid. Anyway, no injuries...made it out okay. After a day of paddling in the sun, we were all beat. Had just enough energy though to purchase some sparklers, crash a cookout, and catch a somewhat limited view of some fireworks. All in all, a fun but exhausting day.



Friday night had to be one of the highlights of the week though. Went back to Britt festival and heard Allison Kraus. I can't begin to explain how peaceful and relaxing it is to sit back and recline on a blanket, partake of a picnic and some local wine, and listen to great music all while watching the sun set on the mountains in the distance. It truly doesn't get any better than that. A big thanks to Eric for scoring some tickets!! Saturday was a cleansing day. By that I mean I cleaned up and did laundry. Had a cookout by the pool with several friends and played "washers"(a fun yard game). Sunday went to church and met a friend for lunch in Ashland. Walked through the arts and crafts fair and finished the day with some ice cream.



It is starting to heat up here. The job is a little busy since I am the only therapist right now, but I do love the overtime pay! Summer is in full swing and I am looking forward to all of the festivals and recreational activities. Hope you are all doing well. Miss you tons.



Daphne

Kayaking on the Applegate

The weeks seem to fly by here. Kinda had low key weekend. So, it would seem that my new fun sports (tennis, ultimate Frisbee) are creating some over-use of my muscles and I now have shin splints. I am having difficulty running more than 5 minutes. Now I must decide what to eliminate to give my legs a rest. Spent the majority of my weekend moving into an new apartment. Long story short...my neighbor smokes and it was coming into my apartment. I couldn't handle it any more and since the maintenance guy's idea of a quick fix (cardboard/duct tape covering a hole in the wall in the closet) did not work, they had no choice but to move me. Had a cookout this past week for some of the other travelers who are about to leave. Lot of fun...yard games, food, music.

Saturday was a long, fun and active day. Started off with a bike ride in the Applegate Valley and then went kayaking down the Applegate River. This was my first time to go kayaking. Luckily, only had one accident and got stuck under a tree, but I was able to get out with a little help. It was so peaceful and serene for the most part.

Got up and went to church this morning. It is so pretty. It is an outdoor service in an amphitheater. There are enough trees to provide shade so it is comfortable. I have never experienced a service like this...surrounding the stage area are beautiful flowers, plants and a waterfall flowing into a small stone pool. This is where they baptize. It not like what I am use to where you schedule when you are going to be baptized. Instead, when you walk down and make a profession of faith, you are baptized right then and there. Very neat.

I hope you are all doing well. I miss you all. Come visit. It is beautiful here!!!