Lake of the Woods

We interrupt our regular scheduled programming to bring you a photo array of what we like to call a little piece of paradise.  Also known as Lake of the Woods.

You’ve probably figured out by now that southern Oregon is home to a multitude of lakes; Lake of the Woods, Hyatt Prairie, Willow and Fish Lake are just a few of the ones we’ve explored.  But as far as mountain lakes go, Crater Lake is the granddaddy of them all.

We pay the obligatory fee at the entrance to Burney Falls State Park, park and step out of the car and it hits us – we’re in the mountains.  What is it about mountain air and the smell of pine trees?  I swear the air has healing power and for me, it always brings about a big sigh of happy.

Depending on which legend you’re inclined to believe $8 mountain got its name from the discovery of a gold nugget worth $8.  Or, you could go with the tale of the man who wore out an $8 pair of boots walking around the base of the mountain – as a bet.   Personally, I like the legend of the $8 boots.

Guess what?  Southern Oregon’s got beer!  Yep, it’s true!   Visit southern Oregon and hike to Upper Table Rock, ride your bicycle down the twist and turns of Mt. Ashland Road, play a round of golf or paddle your way through the white waters of the Rogue River and then cap it off with a cold beer.  Sound good?!

It should be said right up front that there are no falls in Klamath Falls.  I often wonder how many people mistakenly travel to the area looking for the falls.  No disrespect to anyone who lives in/near Klamath Falls but there is just not a lot going on there; it’s more of a passing through kind of place.

“The mountains are calling and I must go.”

~ John Muir

The Pacific Northwest

There is something quite special about the Pacific Northwest.  It boasts forested land with trees like you’ve never seen, spectacular crystal blue lakes and rushing rivers offer the best in fishing and rafting.  And, let’s not forget about the ocean and the beautiful coastline.

We’ve just hiked our way to the top of a plateau known as Upper Table Rock and the view is breathtaking!  It’s so quiet I can hear my heart pounding as it settles back into a normal rhythm after our ascent.  The dark gray rain-filled clouds are hovering and ready to burst.  The air is cool while the birds soar in silent flight.