Southern Oregon Trek
Summertime
Day 1: Oregon Country Fair
Our weeklong adventure in Southern Oregon began with a burst of
color, music, and sheer joy at the Oregon Country Fair near Eugene. Julia and I
arrived early, eager to soak in the sights and sounds. The fairgrounds sprawled
across a verdant landscape – dusty at times, with winding paths leading us
through a maze of artistic displays, food stalls, and performance stages.
As we wandered, the air was thick with the aroma of various
cuisines. We couldn’t resist sampling vegan delicacies. Each bite was a
testament to the culinary creativity present – although overpriced. Street
performers, clad in vibrant costumes, entertained us with their acrobatics,
music, and whimsical acts. We marveled at the hand-crafted goods on display:
intricately woven tapestries, hand-thrown pottery, and unique jewelry pieces
that seemed to tell their own stories.
The music was a constant companion, shifting seamlessly from folk
tunes to lively drum circles. We found ourselves dancing along with strangers,
united by the infectious rhythm. One of the highlights was a performance by a
local band whose soulful melodies seemed to capture the very essence of the
fair.
Day 2: Hiking Up Mt. Pisgah
The next day, we sought a different kind of adventure and headed to
Mt. Pisgah for a hike. The morning was crisp, and the sun’s first rays bathed
the trail in a golden hue. The hike up Mt. Pisgah was invigorating, with each
step revealing more of the lush landscape. Sumertime grasses filled the vista, and we
paused frequently to admire the beauty.
Reaching the summit, we were rewarded with a panoramic view of the
Willamette Valley. The river snaked its way through the landscape, flanked by
dense forests and rolling hills. It was a serene moment, the kind that makes
you pause and reflect on the beauty of nature. We sat there for a while,
savoring the tranquility before making our way back down.
Day 3: Arrival in Ashland and Exploring Lithia Park
Our journey then took us to Ashland, a charming town known for its
cultural richness and natural beauty. Our first stop was Lithia Park, a
sprawling oasis in the heart of the town. The park was a blend of meticulously
manicured gardens and wild untamed beauty. We strolled along the paths, hand
in hand, admiring the lush greenery and the gentle stream that meanders through
the park.
The Japanese Garden was a highlight, offering a serene retreat. The
carefully arranged stones, the tranquil pond with koi fish, and the
meticulously pruned bonsai trees created a sense of peace and harmony. We spent
a good amount of time there, simply enjoying the calm.
Day 4: Horse Riding with Tara and Tess
The following day, we embarked on an exciting adventure with Tara
and Tess, who took us horse riding. Julia and I were both a bit nervous at
first, but Tara and Tess were excellent guides, ensuring we were comfortable
and confident. The horses, Big red and Dali were magnificent creatures, gentle
and responsive.
We rode through picturesque trails, surrounded by towering trees and
the sounds of nature. It was a thrilling experience, feeling the powerful yet
graceful movements of the horses beneath us. Tara and Tess shared stories about
the region, making the ride even more enjoyable.
Day 5: Shakespeare Performances
That evening, we attended a performance of "Much Ado About
Nothing" at the renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival. The outdoor theater
was an impressive venue, and the play, with its witty banter, singing, dancing,
and humorous twists, was a delightful experience. We laughed along with the
audience, thoroughly enjoying the lively and entertaining performance.
The next day, we returned to the festival to watch
"Macbeth" in their indoor theater. The actors brought Shakespeare’s
dark and brooding tale to life with passion and intensity. However, midway
through the performance, an actor was injured, and the show had to be canceled.
While we were disappointed not to see the play in its entirety, we appreciated
the dedication and effort of the cast and crew.
Day 6: Reuniting with Friends
Our time in Ashland was made even more special by reuniting with our
friends from England – Wendy, Paul, and Margaret. We spent the day eating,
reminiscing about old times, sharing stories, and catching up on each other’s
lives. It was heartwarming to see them again and to share this beautiful place
with them.
Day 7: Crater Lake Adventures
Our next destination was Crater Lake, a natural wonder that left us
in awe. The drive there was scenic, with towering trees and rolling sun dried
hills teasing us along the way. Our first hike was to Discovery Point, where
the view of the deep blue lake was nothing short of breathtaking. The caldera’s
sheer cliffs framed the water, creating a stunning contrast.
The next day, we hiked to Garfield Peak. The trail was challenging,
but the vistas were worth every step. At the summit, we were greeted by a
360-degree view of the lake and surrounding landscape. The serenity of the
place was overwhelming, and we took our time soaking it all in.
At Crater Lake, we had a delightful encounter with Ron and Jane, who
we initially mistook for our good friends Mave and Amen. The resemblance was
uncanny, and it led to a good laugh once we realized our mistake. Ron and Jane
were lovely people, and we enjoyed sharing our hiking experiences with them.
Reflections on an Unforgettable Week
As we made our way back home, Julia and I reflected on our weeklong
adventure in Southern Oregon. Each day had been filled with new experiences,
from the vibrant energy of the Oregon Country Fair to the serene beauty of
Crater Lake. Unfortunately, we had to cut our visit to Crater Lake short due to
the wildfire smoke from the many fires in the area. Despite this, we cherished
the moments of connection – with each other, with our friends, and with the
natural world around us.
This trip was more than just a series of activities; it was a
journey that deepened our appreciation for nature, art, and the bonds we share
with others. We returned home with our hearts full, already dreaming of our
next adventure together.