Friday, 28 August 2009
Road Trip Day 9
Well, it was a fond goodbye to the beautiful Redwoods today. I started with a hopeful trip out to a lookout point above Crescent Beach and got a very atmospheric view of the Ocean and shoreline. This was my last look at the Northern California coastline. I never did see it bathed in sunshine.
It was now time to strike inland for my upcoming visit to Crater Lake. Happily this coincided very nicely with one last scenic drive and loop trail amongst the Redwoods. I drove along Howland Hill Road heading out of Crescent City and stopped at Stout Memorial Grove for one last stroll (and a hug).
Domestic Matters
I took the fastest and, coincidentally, most attractive route towards my next hotel in Medford as I had domestic matters on my mind. It was high time I did a load of laundry so needed to arrive in good time to find a laundrette. I did make a couple of stops though.
First was a quick one at the California-Oregon border where I stopped for a shot of the "Welcome to Oregon" sign. We stopped for several of these on the Trek and I wanted to carry on the tradition. I also made sure to yell the familiar "Welcome to [insert state here], you guys!" which Kate would heartily wake us with when we entered each new state. The announcement would be followed by a list of fascinating facts (or factoids) so I sent a request by text and Kate replied with some corkers.
Oregon is the US's largest producer of Hazelnuts and Christmas Trees. Also, the state motto is "She flies with her own wings." Thanks Katelin!
The Oregon Vortex and House of Mystery
When I was casting around to my gaming buddies for ideas on what to see, one that came up was the Oregon Vortex. It was right on my route (though I almost missed it) and was an absolute delight. Americana at it's very best. The Vortex is an area discovered in the 1930's to have mysterious gravitational effects and to cause amazing phenomena. Most striking is the way people appear to shrink and enlarge as they move south to north and back again.
This comparison clearly (sort of) shows how simple by reordering ourselves along the north to south line we go from roughly the same heights to much taller at one end and shorter at the other. If you can't see it, squint...
I know what you're thinking, that's all optical illusions but it's really cool and if you take the time to suspend disbelief it's a real treat. Our guide for the day was great; really enthusiastic and did her best to whip up the rather reticent group I happened to join.
Also, on the same site, but not necessarily related is the House of Mystery. It's an old shack that slipped in a landslide and now shows some amazing properties which really mess with your head.
I had a great time there and recommend it to anyone passing through the area.
However, my dirty clothes wouldn't wash themselves so I pressed on to Medford. Tonight motel is so much better than last night's and when I asked at reception for a laundry close by she said there were machines available to guests on site I could use and even gave me some detergent. For a little over 3 bucks I have done a huge wash and dry and have a case full of clean clothes once more.
Fly in the Ointment
One minor issue has developed this evening. It appears my blasted mobile phone is on the blink. It worked fine when I made a call and sent texts today but when I got back from the restaurant tonight the screen was blank and has stayed that way. It can receive calls, I can hear the buttons working but not a sign of life from the screen. Annoyingly that means my first stop tomorrow will be to a phone shop for repair or replacement. I could do without that to be honest. Still, nevermind eh? Stuff happens.
Goodnight.
Stats - Day Thirty-Five
Distance travelled - 112 Miles - Crescent City, CA to Medford, OR via Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park and The Oregon Vortex and House of Mystery.
States entered - Oregon
State count - 17 + DC
Room numbers stayed in - 203, 1, 148, 212, 205, 210, 246, 118
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