MORE SHUT-DOWN AND OREGONIANS

A BEND IN THE ROAD - October 8
We left the stunning ocean vistas of the west coast of Oregon and traveled east to Bend.  Driving over a mountain pass we ran into snow.  We have heard nothing but rave reviews of the beauty of Bend's snow capped Mount Bachelor, and the 300 days of sunshine they receive each year.  Unfortunately, we managed to visit on the few days that the sun wasn't shining; it was raining, and the mountains were covered in clouds.  We stayed one night and moved on south to Crater Lake hoping that the government shut-down would be over and we'd be able to visit Crater Lake National Park.

RIVERS, VOLCANOS, AND LAKES - October 9 & 10
We stayed 2 nights in the little mountain town of Prospect at the Crater Lake RV Park.  Prospect is in the middle of the national forests with the Rouge River running through the area.  Since the government shut-down was still going, we weren't able to see Crater Lake, but did see Diamond Lake, waterfalls, and evidence of the volcanic action that took place over 7,000 years ago and formed the stunning and magnificent sights in this area.  We hiked  past several "closed due to government shutdown" signs to several waterfalls, and along the Rouge River Gorge where the river runs through a lava tube and forms a natural bridge. 

The highway was open but the gate to the entrance of Crater Lake kept us out.

Rouge River Gorge

The Natural Bridge

Even the pit toilets were locked up.  We met a woman on the hike along the river gorge who said "well, if I didn't have to go to the bathroom before, all this rushing water is making me want to go now".  Behind the restrooms, there was "evidence" of people who had to "go".  We were sorry for the inconvenience too. 

A lovely spot for a picnic over-looking Diamond Lake and distinct volcano, Mount Bailey.

They even furloughed, wrapped, and tied up poor Smokey the Bear.
 He isn't allowed to tell people "Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires".

LAUGHING WITH THE LOCALS
Prospect's only bar, The Trophy Room, had comedy night on Thursday.  We showered, put on some clean blue jeans, and headed out for a night on the town.  About 25 locals (some furloughed forest service employees) showed up to listen to Chris, the comedian, who had come all the way from the big city of Eugene.  He started his show by asking if we wanted to hear the "clean" show or the "dirty" show.  The crowd shouted "DIRTY", so I won't be repeating any of his jokes or stories.  He was funny and we enjoyed a lot of laughs, some brews, and conversation with the locals and their take on the government shut-down.  One thing I have to say about the Oregonians we've met on this trip, they are friendly and generous.

Chris: "Hey, Jim and Connie did you hear the one about..."

Cheers from The Trophy Room

Tomorrow we leave for Crescent City in Northern California to see the redwoods.