Tuesday, September 22, 2026

When we headed over to the main building for breakfast this morning, there was a tour bus parked outside, with luggage being loaded into the storage compartments. Inside, the breakfast room was packed.

It reminded me of a group tour we took in Italy. Every morning, we had to have our luggage outside our hotel room by 7:00, followed by breakfast and then everyone on the bus by 8:00 AM.

Group tours and river cruises certainly have their advantages, particularly if you don’t want to deal with planning a trip yourself. You simply show up, and someone else takes care of getting you from place to place.

Unfortunately, there are drawbacks. If you find a place you really enjoy and want to spend more time exploring, too bad. The bus is leaving, and you’d better be on it. There’s also little opportunity for spontaneous discoveries, and I’ve found that some of my favorite places are the ones we’ve stumbled across completely by chance.

Then there’s the human factor. It seems that every group has at least one person who is consistently late returning to the bus and another who insists they have to sit in the front because they get headaches sitting anywhere else.

Personally, I enjoy planning our trips almost as much as taking them. The research and anticipation are part of the experience. I find that learning about a destination before arriving gives me a deeper understanding and appreciation of what I’m seeing.

More importantly, I like having the flexibility to change plans. If something isn’t particularly interesting, we can move on. If we discover something we really enjoy, we can stay as long as we like. No one is standing there looking at their watch, telling us it’s time to get back on the bus.

Another Day Among the Redwoods

It was a beautiful sunny morning, so before heading back into the redwoods, I wanted to make another stop at Natural Bridges. We had visited the previous afternoon, but I was curious to see how the scenery would look in the morning sunlight.

One of the things I’ve learned about photographing the Oregon Coast is how dramatically the scenery can change depending on the weather and the time of day. A place that looks one way under cloudy skies can look completely different when the sun comes out.

After enjoying the view, we continued south into California for another day among the redwoods.

Our first stop was Stout Grove, which had been quite busy the previous day. This morning, however, there were fewer visitors, and we had no trouble finding parking.

We walked the loop trail, enjoying the enormous trees and the peaceful surroundings. We also ventured onto part of the trail leading toward the Smith River.

As we continued through the park, we approached the Grove of Titans. What a difference! There were so many people and cars that we had a difficult time just getting through the area.

We had hiked the Grove of Titans trail on a previous visit, so rather than fight the crowds, we decided to keep going.

I mentioned to Sophon that when we first entered the park, it had been relatively quiet. Now that we were getting closer to lunchtime, more and more people were arriving.

That was our cue to leave.

A Restaurant Worth Visiting Twice

The drive along Highway 101 between Crescent City and Klamath is beautiful. In some stretches, the highway winds through towering redwood groves, while in others, it opens up to spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. It’s one of those drives where getting from one place to another is part of the enjoyment.

For lunch, we decided to return to the Log Cabin Restaurant in Klamath, where we had eaten the day before.

Normally, I prefer trying different restaurants when we’re traveling. After all, there are only so many meals in a trip, and I like discovering new places. But we had enjoyed the Log Cabin so much that neither of us had any objections to going back.

This time, we ordered something different, and once again, we weren’t disappointed.

It’s always a good sign when a restaurant impresses you on a second visit. Sometimes, you stumble across a place and wonder whether it was really that good or if you were just particularly hungry. In this case, it really was that good.

After lunch, we made our way back to Brookings and the Beachfront Inn.

With our departure coming up, we spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing and beginning to pack.

We had been eating quite well throughout this vacation, and after a late lunch, neither of us was particularly hungry. We decided to skip dinner and enjoy a quiet evening at the hotel.

Sometimes, after several days of sightseeing, hiking, and driving, there’s nothing wrong with doing absolutely nothing.

Especially when you can fall asleep listening to the waves of the Pacific Ocean.

I have to admit, Oregon has taken me by surprise. The more time we spend here, the more I appreciate what it has to offer. And although this trip is coming to an end, I’m already looking forward to coming back and exploring more of it.

Monday, September 21, 2026

By late afternoon, the sun had finally burned through the clouds, and the weather had turned beautiful.

We were getting ready to head back to the hotel to rest before dinner when I told Sophon there was one more place I wanted to see.

On our previous trips along the Oregon Coast, we had stopped at countless scenic overlooks, beaches, and viewpoints. Somehow, though, we had always missed the Natural Bridges, located just north of Brookings and not far from our hotel.

Since the weather had finally cleared, this seemed like the perfect opportunity.

I’m glad we made the stop.

The Natural Bridges are a series of dramatic rock formations along the coastline, where years of pounding surf have carved enormous openings through the rock. With the Pacific Ocean stretching out beyond them, the scenery was spectacular.

After all the places we’ve visited along the Oregon Coast, I continue to be amazed at how much there is to see. Just when I think we’ve discovered all the best spots, we stumble across another one.

It was a beautiful way to end a day that had been full of pleasant surprises.

Monday, September 21, 2026

After lunch, we headed back into the redwoods for some hiking. We decided to do the Simpson-Reed Trail loop, which we had hiked on a previous visit.

There is something about walking among these enormous trees that never gets old. Even though we had been here before, we both enjoyed the hike just as much as the first time.

The redwoods are one of those places where photographs simply don’t do justice to what you’re seeing. The sheer size of the trees, the quiet of the forest, and the feeling of being surrounded by something that has been growing for hundreds, sometimes thousands, of years make it a special place.

One Last Stop Along the Oregon Coast

By late afternoon, the sun had finally burned through the clouds, and the weather had turned beautiful.

We were getting ready to head back to the hotel to rest before dinner when I told Sophon there was one more place I wanted to see.

On our previous trips along the Oregon Coast, we had stopped at countless scenic overlooks, beaches, and viewpoints. Somehow, though, we had always missed the Natural Bridges, located just north of Brookings and not far from our hotel.

Since the weather had finally cleared, this seemed like the perfect opportunity.

I’m glad we made the stop.

The Natural Bridges are a series of dramatic rock formations along the coastline, where years of pounding surf have carved enormous openings through the rock. With the Pacific Ocean stretching out beyond them, the scenery was spectacular.

After all the places we’ve visited along the Oregon Coast, I continue to be amazed at how much there is to see. Just when I think we’ve discovered all the best spots, we stumble across another one.

It was a beautiful way to end a day that had been full of pleasant surprises.

Monday, September 21, 2026

This morning, we started our day at the Trees of Mystery. We had driven past this attraction at least half a dozen times on previous trips. It’s hard to miss, with the enormous statue of Paul Bunyan and his blue ox standing out front.

If you’ve ever taken a road trip through a popular tourist area, you know there are plenty of roadside attractions. Some are definitely worth stopping for, while others are little more than tourist traps. I had always assumed the Trees of Mystery fell into the latter category.

After reading some surprisingly positive online reviews, I began to wonder if I had misjudged the place. It actually sounded pretty interesting, so we decided to give it a try.

We arrived relatively early, hoping to beat the crowds, and I’m glad we did.

The main trail winds through the redwoods, with various trees and educational displays explaining their history and unique characteristics. At one point, the trail splits, giving visitors the choice of continuing along the ground or heading up into the canopy on a series of elevated platforms, suspension bridges, and observation decks.

Naturally, we opted for the canopy trail.

I immediately noticed something interesting about the suspension bridges. With just one person crossing, they were relatively stable and easy to walk on. Add a second person, however, and suddenly the bridge began to sway and bounce. It certainly made things a little more interesting!

I was especially glad we had arrived early. We had the bridges to ourselves, which made the experience much more enjoyable. Later, as the crowds began arriving, we could see multiple people and groups crossing the bridges at the same time. I can only imagine how much those bridges were bouncing by then.

Another attraction is the gondola, which carries visitors high above the forest canopy and up the mountainside. At the top, there are some beautiful views stretching all the way to the Pacific Ocean. The gondola ride was enjoyable, but for me, the canopy trail was definitely the highlight.

On the way out, we passed a series of large wooden carvings depicting the legendary adventures of Paul Bunyan.

Overall, the Trees of Mystery turned out to be a pleasant surprise. It was fun, educational, and well worth the stop. Sometimes those roadside attractions really do deserve a second look.

An Unexpected Lunch Find

By the time we finished exploring, we were ready for lunch. We found a place called the Log Cabin Restaurant in Klamath, just a few miles down the road.

There aren’t exactly a lot of dining options in this area, so we weren’t expecting much. Sometimes, though, the places you expect the least from turn out to be the best surprises.

I ordered a burger with tater tots, while Sophon decided to try something called breakfast fry bread. His meal consisted of an egg served on top of a piece of bread dough that had been deep-fried.

Both meals were delicious.

This place was a find! In fact, I would have to say it was one of the best surprises of the entire trip. It’s always nice to stumble across a little restaurant that turns out to be far better than you expected.

Sunday, September 20, 2026

The day before, we drove from Grants Pass to Brookings, Oregon, just north of the California border. It makes a good base for exploring the coast and the redwoods. Crescent City is closer to the redwoods, but we like staying at the Beachfront Inn in Brookings, where the beach is right outside our door. The hotel could use some serious maintenance, but falling asleep to the sound of the waves still has its appeal.

When I say “beach,” you might picture white sand, palm trees, and sunny skies. The Oregon coast offers a very different experience. It is chilly, often overcast, and the beaches are scattered with driftwood. A sign said the ocean temperature was 57°F. This was going to be a look-at-the-water kind of vacation.

That doesn’t make it any less beautiful. Pelicans fly past, and we’ve watched dolphins and seals playing in the surf. I have yet to spot a whale, although I’m told they occasionally make an appearance. For me, much of the appeal is simply watching the ocean and listening to the waves.

After coffee, we headed south toward the redwoods. At the state line, I noticed that both California and Oregon had new welcome signs. Having traveled this route several times, even a small change catches my attention.

Just driving along Highway 101 is a treat, and before long, we were among the towering trees. We turned on our GuideAlong audio tour and listened to the now-familiar voice lead us through the area. Yes, we’ve done this several times, but they occasionally update the tour, and it is nice having someone tell us where to turn and what to look for. At this point, the narrator feels like an old friend coming along for the ride.

Unfortunately, we soon decided to change our plans. Although the summer rush was over, it was still Sunday, and parking was scarce at many of the trailheads. We also encountered large vehicles on roads clearly marked as unsuitable for them. Apparently, some people consider those signs suggestions.

Rather than spend the day hunting for parking and squeezing past oversized vehicles, we decided to head north and explore the Oregon coast. The redwoods would still be there when we returned on a weekday.

We also needed gas, and being near the state line made the price difference hard to miss: $6.50 a gallon in California versus $4.98 in Oregon. That’s a difference of $1.52 a gallon for crossing a border.

I keep hearing about California’s gas taxes, but looking at those two prices, I still have trouble making the math add up. One thing was easy to figure out: we would be filling the tank in Oregon.

Welcome to CA

Friday, September 18, 2026

The Weasku Inn includes breakfast, afternoon appetizers, cookies, and s’mores. Between breakfast and the evening snacks, lunch is about the only meal you really need to plan.

We had breakfast in the main lodge. It’s a historic place, and as I sat on the deck, I wondered what it was like when Clark Gable and Walt Disney stayed here. There’s an old telephone in the main room that got me thinking about how different a visit would have been then. No internet, cell phones, or TV—just you and the people around you.

After breakfast, I did some work, and then we headed into Grants Pass. We stopped at a park, where a group of mallard ducks came running over, apparently hoping we had food. Once they realized we didn’t, they quickly lost interest.

When I was a child, my mother brought home an incubator and some duck eggs. We tended to them until they hatched and then raised the ducklings. I’ve found ducks fascinating ever since and they are fund to watch!

We went to the Laughing Clam for lunch. We’d eaten there before, and I remembered how much I liked the fish and chips and clam chowder. It’s a popular place, and it filled up soon after we arrived.

Afterward, we walked through historic downtown. It’s somewhat touristy, but in a good way: plenty of shops and antique stores, without a string of taffy shops and Bubba Gumps. We stopped at a drugstore that still had a pharmacy in the back and a soda fountain up front.

Sophon had just been saying how stuffed he was, but I knew he’d want a root beer float. Since he didn’t grow up in the U.S., I explained that, before my time, people could sit down at a drugstore or department store soda fountain and have a drink or a float. Of course, we sat down and ordered one.

We went back to the hotel, where I took care of a few business items, and then headed to Del Rio Winery for a tasting. By the time we returned, we’d been eating most of the day. We decided to enjoy the appetizers at the lodge and skip dinner.

Weasku Inn

Thursday, September 17, 2026

I often use the word “adventure” when I travel.  Sometimes I wonder if I the word “adventure” is appropriate as it implies something exciting while exploring something unknown.  Does going to the breakfast buffet and reading a couple of chapters or a food book qualify as an adventure?  It is not my daily routine and it felt good doing just that.

Sophon came looking for me about an hour later.   We hung out at the hotel for a while and then checked out and then headed to Rogue Creamery – one of my favorite cheese stops.   On the way we stopped at Harry & David to pick up a few more things.

I had visited the Rogue Creamery before and fell in love with their award winning cheese.   I have a quarterly subscription and really like their cheeses as well as them as a business.  Everyone I have interacted with seems exceptionally nice.   We had a couple of grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup.  Of course I stocked up on supplies and bought Sophon a t-shirt.

We then headed to Grants Pass and arrived at the Weasku Inn around just after noon. Knowing it was too early to check in, we headed to Pennington Farms.   This is another business that we love.  Good food, great jam and people who are exceptionally kind.

We had a sweet pie and took a savory pie to go while we stocked up on Jam.   I knew that I could order the Jam online but there was something about being in the store and looking at everything they had to offer.

We then headed to FedEx to ship jam to a good friend. Afterwards, we checked into the Weasku Inn, a historic hotel in Grants Pass.  It was built in 1924 and was a vacation retreat for many Hollywood personalities including Calrk Gable, Carol Lombard and Walt Disney.  I love the place.

We checked in.  I answered a few emails and the next thing I knew, it was time for appetizers.  We skipped going out for dinner and ate the Chicken Pot Pie we got from Pennington Farms.

Overall, a great day but I am not sure I would call it an adventure!

Weasku Inn

Pennington Farms

Grilled Cheese Sandwich at the Rogue Creamery

Rogue Creamery

Lithia Park

Wednesday, September 16, 2026

After breakfast, we headed to Ashland. We got an early start, and although the forecast called for a warm day, the morning was chilly. After the excessive heat we’d had in Southern California, it felt good to put on long pants and a sweatshirt.

Ashland is a pretty town with picturesque views and gorgeous houses. I can see why people want to live there, though I don’t want to oversell it as a destination. It’s known for its Shakespeare festival, but since I’m not into Shakespeare, there wasn’t a whole lot else on our agenda.

We walked around the park, took in the views, and then headed to Main Street for lunch. Afterward, we returned to the hotel, where I caught up on emails.

On a previous visit, I’d wanted to stop at the Cheese Cave but never got the chance. This time we made it, and we thoroughly enjoyed it. There are actually two shops: one sells wine and cheese, and the other sells baked goods. We enjoyed both.

The woman running the cheese shop is from Europe, and she had us try several European cheeses that were phenomenal. I’d hoped to sample more local cheeses, but I certainly didn’t leave disappointed. I’d brought a small cooler because I knew I’d want to take some cheese home, and I fell in love with a few of her recommendations.

Near our hotel was a Harry & David store. I’d also noticed a large building nearby with the Harry & David logo. I’ve received their catalogs and gift baskets for years, but I had no idea they were based in Medford.

The store was more fun than I expected, and there were plenty of samples. At one point, I saw a woman pick up at least ten bags of Moose Munch. Then I tried a sample and understood why—it could be addictive. Needless to say, we didn’t leave empty-handed. Good thing I had extra room in my luggage.

Afterwards, we drove around Medford.  I was suprised to see that they have an original Woolworth building.

Harry & David

Harry & David

Harry & David

Woolworth Building

Lithia Park

Lithia Park

Alaska Air Lounge

September 15, 2026
As we headed to LAX, I found myself having a familiar conversation with myself. I could think of dozens of reasons why I shouldn’t be going on this trip. Then I reminded myself that when I’m home, one day often looks like the last, and they all begin to blur together. I’ll remember this trip. And once I get to the airport, I know those doubts will disappear.

We checked in and headed to our gate. It felt a little strange to be in Terminal 6, looking across at Terminal 7, where I usually fly out. I had booked our flight to Medford on Alaska Airlines, which was a first for me.

I have to say, I was impressed. The lounge was clean, had good food, and the employees were friendly and helpful. At one point, I told Sophon that I’m so used to being treated with indifference by United that the attentive service almost felt strange. From the lounge to the flight itself, Alaska made a great first impression.

Although this is a road trip, I didn’t want to spend two days driving to Oregon. Our plan was to fly into Medford, check out Ashland, and then head to Grants Pass. After a few days, we’d continue to Brookings and spend time in my happy place: the Redwoods.

We arrived in Medford, picked up our rental car, and headed to the hotel. For dinner, we went to Hen and Flour which servces creole inspired food. Needless to say, Sophon had the friend chicken and we loved it. Afterward, we returned to the hotel, where I did a little work.

Chicken Sandwich at the Hen & Flour

Fried Chicken at the Hen & Flour