Annie and I returned late last night from the shortest... but funnest of road trips. We have wanted for some time to go to the Oregon Shakespearean Festival. It is sort of a tradition now (this would be our third year). I usually get Annie tickets for her birthday... but I got something else this year. We decided we had better do it while we can, so Annie took off this last Saturday and we put together a fairly ad-hoc trip.
We decided to make Crater Lake part of the trip (partially inspired by Ken Burns new PBS documentary). We meandered through Highway 138, along the stunning North Umpqua River, and stayed at a humble yet homey little cabin resort at Union Creek (about 20 miles from Crater lake). I recommend it! The cabin was sort of ghetto, but charming in its own way. The resort is also right next to the Rogue River Gorge, which was really stunning (even at half light).
The next day we decided to dedicate the morning to a hike at Crater Lake. What a great morning! The angle of the sun in Autumn is easily my favorite... there is just something about it. It always reminds me of deer hunts as a kid. We stopped in to the Crater Lake lodge and stretched. On our 3.5 mile hike, we only passed one or two groups (until the end). The hike (up Garfield Peak) provided us stunning views of the lake. You really have to see Crater Lake to get the scope of it. Its not only how Huge it is, but also how straight down the cliffs are (how far down the lake is from the rim). They have some great park facilities there to explain the geologic history of the site (it collpased, more than exploded... very interesting).
After our hike we meandered down Highway 62 towards Medford. This was a gorgeous drive through a landscape very different than the Willamette Valley (where we live). I loved it!! Madrones, oak savannahs, even ASPENS here and there. We pulled into Ashland about 4:00. Our first stop was to get tickets (we didn't have any and were not at all certain (if not doubtful) we would be able to get any). The pleasantly hippie cashier was very nice and gave us some options and tips. We got standing room tickets for "Don Quixote." We meandered the streets of Ashland for a bit. Ashland is nestled against a mountain and has a sort of Austria in Southern Oregon feel to it. Its very pleasant. We stopped in for a lovely Italian dinner, the place had a really nice atmosphere. Even the loud woman behind us, trying to corrupt her nieces and my overly done pasta, weren't enough to break our pleasant mood.
Although standing for a three hour play is not ideal, it was surprisingly achievable. The play was fun. I have always enjoyed Cervante's story of a slightly dillusional and endearing optimist, and this play was a fun take on it.
All in all we had a great time! And back in time to teach my deacon's quorum lesson on Sunday.
6 comments:
sounds like a great weekend. i need an outdoor pick me up. iy has been a while since i have felt inspired by my surroundings.
Fun! I haven't been to the festival in years. But I want to go again someday!
I love Don Quixote, he is one of my heros for his optimism and his unquenchable desire to be the most chivalrous and heroic knights. the story is very fun to read, although it is 'old spanish' translated into 'old english' which is a hard enough read!! Crater lake looks fantastic. i would love to hike it sometime and learn more of its history... maybe soon!!
That sounds like so much fun. We still haven't been to either place and I keep saying I want to go...maybe some day! I'm glad you guys got to go. It looks beautiful.
michelle
I'm so glad you had a beautiful, clear day to enjoy Crater Lake. We took my in-laws there a week ago and it was snowing so hard we could barely see the lake. We spent 5 minutes at the top and then drove home. :(
We'll have to try it again sometime.
Oh those photos are GORGEOUS!!! I want to come visit you and have you be my tour guide... FOREVER. How many awesome trips have you been on this year?? 15? 20? So fun... Carpe Diem.
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