Mar 16
We’ve settled nicely into our Oregon state park campsite. And, as evidenced by the picture above, there has been no complaining about the office views. In fact, it will be a damn shame leaving this serene site when we move onwards to the next place.
But then again, this is Oregon and there is no shortage of spectacular.
Mar 12
Just when I’d grown tired of pumping my own gas … Oregon to the rescue.
I’d been looking forward to spending extended time in this Pacific Northwest wonderland for years and today we said goodbye to California and crossed into Oregon – one of my favorite places. Almost instantly my mood improved .. the air smells better, the water tastes better, and thanks to Oregon State Statute 480.330, I have an extended break from pumping my own gas.
Today we drove about 2.5hours to north into Brookings, a small(ish) town just across the CA/OR border and settled in at Alfred A. Loeb State Park, a few miles outside of town.
While always subject to change, our plan for now is to remain in the state through end of July; a rough travel outline is pictured below (clockwise).
Kelly and I both took Friday off from work, and amongst other things, our plan was to find a nice morning hike. Following an unnecessarily lengthy review of potential candidates, we settled on the Pacific Crest Trail. Sure, the logistics of driving only 15 minutes to the nearest trailhead could not have been easier, but in actuality, its hard to feel that we actually ‘settled’.
The PCT is the most widely used north/south long-distance hiking trail on the western portion of the United States, and those who choose to follow its path will view some of the most beautiful scenery there is to be seen.
Map of the PCT
With Canada and Mexico as bookends, the trail spans 2,663 miles through California, Oregon, and Washington and is closely aligned with the highest portion of the Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountain ranges. Not in a position to hike the entire trail on Friday, we spent three hours exploring an out and back section.
The trailhead we used for access was just off an old logging road and I’m guessing receives moderate usage. We saw only one other party (two people total) which made for a very enjoyable morning on the trails.
Jun 2
Yesterday Kelly and I accompanied Brian and Leigh on a bit of reconnaissance as they scouted potential boondocking sites near Ashland. These guys are pros when it comes to sniffing-out free camp sites, that is those locations offering a blend of beauty, no costs, and quality WiFi. Kelly and I find ourselves increasingly attracted to these type locations, so we were keen to join them.
Initial site located.
We visited a few additional locations before moving onto the Grizzly Peak Trail for a nice tree-lined hike and more good conversation.
Baker Mountain
Clowning around on the Grizzly Trail
After the hike we had plans for dinner – sadly the week was ending, but not before one final meal and more swapping of stories.
Enjoying our last supper
Our week with Brian and Leigh has been really great. Unfortunately, all good things come to an end and earlier today, Kelly and I parted ways with our traveling buddies – we are headed south to Half Moon Bay and they continue onward in their crawl towards Canada.
We cannot wait to meet-up again.
Wandering With Purpose 