DAY 97- Austin & San Marcos, TX…

The first thing I had planned for the day was a visit to the Texas State Capital.  I was curious to see what a big state like Texas would have as a building for the state capital.  So I found parking along the street and walked up the main stroll to the Capitol building.  I wasn’t surprised to see a statue that was dedicated to the Confederate Dead but coming from the north it hit me that this was seen as the norm for the south.  There was another statue on the main stroll up to the Capital that was in honor of the Texas Rangers which made sense to a certain extent.  Then, I noticed another statue that was dedicated to fireman that I thought was very honorable. 

Photo- The Texas State Capital.

Photo- The statue for the Confederate Dead.

I went into the Capital building and had to walk through a metal detector, had my purse go through an x-ray machine; nothing new for any of these buildings anymore since 911.  The interior was a painted orientate white wood with touches of gold.  It was elaborate as you would think a state capital building would be; though, I will say I was a bit surprised that it wasn’t more elaborate.  I’ve been in state capitals in Utah, Montana, and Iowa; and this capital building didn’t seem as elaborate.  But I will admit the rotunda area was quite a bit taller than most.  The very tall round rotunda was centered in the capital building.  On each floor there were former statesmen paintings hung around the rotunda.  At the top inner side of the dome area was a star with Texas around it.  I ended up taking the stairs to the third level which was as close as you could get to the inside upper rotunda area. 

Photos- Inside the Texas Capital rotunda.

 

There were quite a few areas that were not open to the public because of remodeling going on.  There were also quite a few areas where furniture was stacked in halls because they were installing new carpet.  But overall, it was a very nice building.

I then went to the 6^th Street area that is where the night life in Austin occurs.  There are tons of restaurants and bars along the street.  There were still quite a few people along it about noon time but I would imagine at night it would be packed.  There were a couple of gift shops and t-shirt shops but all in all it was bars or restaurants that served alcoholic beverages in the area.  A great deal of the buildings were older with had colorful signs and some even had very colorful names too.

Photo- Zilker Park.

Next, I drove through the Zilker Park area which is a HUGE city park area that people enjoy in the area.  There were people running, picnicking, and strolling along paths and all with the city skyline off in the distance.  From there I drove through the South Congress area where there are shops and food carts.  In fact, some of the best reasonably priced places to eat I was told were the food carts.  It was almost a whole block area where they were set up.  It kind of reminded me of Portland but these carts had more room between them and had places for you to sit down to enjoy the food.

Photo- Inside the Black Sheep Lodge.

The next place that I stopped at was called the Black SheepLodge.  Part of the reason that I stopped by, I’ll admit, was the name and the other part was that it was known for their burgers and beer.  I found a parking spot in their lot about half a block down from it.  I walked down the sidewalk and out front there’s a covered patio area where there were tattooed biker dudes; a row of Harley like bikes were lined up along the far end of the patio area. In among the bikers there were others that looked like hippies.  I walked inside and wasn’t sure about what to do about sitting down if there was a hostess or what.  I asked a guy and he said it’s communal seating; sit where ever you want and a server will show up.  There were plenty of TVs to watch your sports and there was 4 different football games on while I tried to decided where to sit.

I chose a picnic table where 2 other guys dressed in t-shirts and ball caps who were already seated and a cute Oriental gal in a Black Sheep Lodge t-shirt showed up.  She recommended a local brew called Live Oak that was similar to a Heffie and then handed me a menu.  I looked at the menu and ended up choosing the Carnitas Sandwich which is a slowly marinated pulled pork with green chilies and served with some spicy slaw on top.   I also ordered it with the sweet potato fries.  It arrived and the sandwich was wonderful with a nice hint of spicy with the sweet bbq flavor.  I then HAD to order the Fried Cookie Dough dessert.  I was just too curious.  A while later an oval dish shows up that looks like chicken nuggets with ice cream.  It didn’t look very appetizing.  I tried it and it was okay but I don’t think I could get past the appearance enough to enjoy it.

Next, it was the drive to San Antonio.  Though, I was making a pit stop about half way.  About halfway to San Antonio, I stopped at a town called San Marcos.  I had been told that there were glass bottomed boats on a small lake where you could view the natural springs of the lake.  I swung by the visitor’s center where I got directions to the place and also got a coupon for $2 off my boat ride.

Photo- The small clear lake where the glass bottom boats are.

The Aquarena used to be an amusement park with a hotel that is now owned and run by Texas State University which is located nearby.  The lake is situated near a golf course that looks very scenic.  With my $2 off coupon I paid only $7 and got to go on a nice gentle ride in a glass bottom boat with a young captain who explained about the lake, the springs, and the ecosystem in the area.  It was also very fascinating and I even got to see a pair of turtles and some fish.  I was amazed at how clear the water was and it was 25ft deep in some areas but it was so clear you would’ve guess it a few feet.  After the ride, I was invited to go into the former hotel building to see the aquariums.  It was free.  I went in and learned more about the ecosystem that is particular to this area and got to see some more interesting fish and water life.

Photo- A pair of turtles as seen through the glass bottom boat.

I drove into San Marcos and took a quick walk around the main square area.  The main downtown area is centered around the courthouse building and there were a great deal of picturesque older building situated around the surrounding street areas.  It was about 4:30PM so quite a few of the businesses had already closed or were in the process of closing.  So I just walked around for a bit and did some window shopping.

Now I was on my way to San Antonio.  I got checked into my room just as the sun was setting.  It was a pretty view from my 6^th floor hotel room.  I got directions and a map from the front desk clerk and headed over to San Antonio’s River Walk area where I planned to find somewhere to eat for dinner.  I was within walking distance; about 6 blocks.  While on the way to the River Walk, I happened to walk by the Alamo on the way; which was cool because it was lite up and the moon was shining above.  The river walk area was wonderful and all decorated for Christmas with lights.  There were a lot of people walking around and out. 

Photo- The Alamo lighted up with the moon above.

I ended up eating at a place called the County Line which I had been told had good BBQ.  It was okay are far as BBQ but it was sitting out watching on the patio area that was the real winner here.  I watched people walk along and watched tour boats going slowly along the river area.  I was having fun just watching and drinking a HUGE margarita.   I was glad I was walking back to my hotel after this margarita.

DAY 70- Sultan Sea, Dunes, & Border Patrol...

Having regrouped and gotten a few days off from my BIG Adventure, I was ready to head out again.  This time I was heading south east to Yuma, AZ.  I had already covered most of the northern territory of Arizona but really felt like I needed to get south.  I will admit that this wouldn’t be my first time to Yuma.  I was there years ago during a couple of Spring Breaks in college.

Before I was even headed out of Palm Desert, I was stopped at a light when the guy in a pickup truck rolled down his window to talk to me.  “Hey, I lived in Salt Lake for 16 years!” he said.  “What part of the valley are you from?”  He continued to ask questions while we waited for the light.  He moved to southern California because you can have it all and he hated the cold up north.  He said that he could ski in the morning and then drive a couple of hours and be surfing on the ocean.  The light changed and he gave the parting comment of “… You’ve got to love California!”  As he stepped on the gas and left me and my station wagon in the dust. 

Okay, I thought; as I headed east on I-10 and shortly after went south on the Hwy 86 split.  I went along for miles with not much for scenery in this southern California area and then out of the blue comes the Sultan Sea.  Yeah, Sultan!  Of all of the names to choose for a name of a lake.  The Sultan Sea is like an oasis out of the middle of nowhere and just happens to also be below sea level.  This sea was created by accident with a flood in 1905 and is still maintained through yearly run offs of water from agriculture and is fed from New White Water and the Alamo Rivers in the area.  It is the largest lake in California and is the second saltiest lake in the US; The Great Salt Lake is the first.  I just drove by the lake but there didn’t appear to be much going on its surface.  There was a fair amount of green areas with houses and I’m sure businesses along its shoreline on the west.

Photo- The Sultan Sea, a huge lake in the middle of California's desert country. 

I continued southeast direction.  My plan was to drive through the Imperial Sand Dunes in southern California.  I had seen the dunes years ago once and I figured it would be something scenic that I could see along the way; there’s really limited scenery between California’s and Arizona’s borders.  I went through a couple of smaller towns and in each one I kept on seeing signs mentioning about purchasing your Glamis permits.  What was this?  Well, it turned out if you wanted to do some off road time or do any recreational things around the sand dunes you needed a permit.  The Imperial Sand Dunes surround a town called Glamis; which is really more of an outpost in the middle of the sand dunes where you can purchase supplies and hook up RV’s.  I drove through and didn’t purchase a permit.  I stopped only once for a quick opportunity to take some pictures.  It was like a giant sand box and I didn’t see that many people playing in the sand box which I found disappointing.

Photo- The Imperial Sand Dunes near Glamis, CA.

I continued on the same road and the landscape changed dramatically to a red like mountains.  There was a HUGE mining operation I drove by that had tall chain-link fences and razor wire along the top.  I’m guessing it was a successful mining operation that REALLY didn’t want trespassers.  Of course, every few feet there was a no trespassing sign; that was a big clue too.

Photo- From sand dunes to red rock mountains in a matter of miles.

The road started to change and the scenery and road began to get really dippy.  The suggested speed limit went lower and then there would be a series of dip after dip after dip that you could see on the road.  It was a little like driving a car on a smaller version of a roller coaster; which is totally not my thing.  I felt my stomach lurch up and down as I drove along; hoping I wouldn’t have to hurl.  The next thing I know I see a warning signs about all vehicles must stop and the speed limit keeps on lowering.  I see stop signs and a covered area above the road where four guys and a dog are standing.  What’s up with this?

Photo- Driving on a mini roller coaster ride and hoping I didn't hurl.

I pulled up and stopped.  The guys are all wearing dark green uniforms that say border control.  One of the guys asked me,” Hi mamm.  Are you a US Citizen?”  Yes I say and then I teasingly say,” Did I wander in to Mexico by accident?”  Oooops! NOT the thing to say to a border control officer.  His face got stern and serious.  He then asked where I started my day, where I was going, and where I had last driven through.  I answered them and thinking to myself all along-”Oh great!  This guy has no sense of humor and he’s going to make me unload my car.” 

Then, he says that did I know that I was heading north to Blythe.  No, I thought I was heading south and hoping to find I-8 to head into Yuma.  I must admit that I played up the dumb part a bit more than I normally would have.  I got out my atlas and asked if he could show me where I was.  I must have really gotten turned around and I needed help I said as I tried to look as dumb and doe-eyed as possible.

He showed me where I was and said that if I turned around.  I could take the second left turn and then I would be about 25 miles to I-8.  I thanked him profusely and he said to be very careful of oncoming traffic when I turned around.  The whole time the other three guys and the German Shepard dog were just standing on the other side of my car.  Okay, I thought as I drove away… Note to self- The US Border Control does not have a sense of humor and to just play it straight the next time.

The rest of the drive was uneventful and I managed to get checked into my hotel for the night in Yuma.  I ended up deciding to stay close to the hotel for dinner since it was dark and went to an Olive Garden.  No one interesting to talk to at the bar, and it was just an over stressed woman who was bartending.  This was no fun and the food was just okay.  In fact, if it hadn’t been for a friend who called to see how I was doing on my adventure; I wouldn’t have had any dinner conversation at all.  Boring!  Note to self- maybe no more Olive Garden meals for a while.

DAY 46- Lake Tahoe...

I always knew that Lake Tahoe was a lake that was on the border of Nevada and California but I never really thought about the size of the lake.  It’s just a lake, I always thought.  I had no idea of how big it was or anything else about it.  I was surprised to see how big it really was.  It measures 12 miles wide at its widest and almost 22 miles at its longest and has almost 72 miles of shoreline.  Now that’s a big lake!  I was also surprised to know that Lake Tahoe was the second deepest lake in the US; the first being Crater Lake.  Gee, now I can write off visiting number 1 and 2 on the deepest lakes in US. (Maybe I should find out who’s in third? Hmmmm…. I would really laugh if it ended up being Utah Lake.)

Photo- Lake Tahoe as seen from a city park along the beach.

Lake Tahoe promotes itself as a great place to play year round.  During the summer a great deal goes on the lake and in the winter there’s skiing.  There’s also a fair amount of activity that goes on yearlong at the casinos on the Nevada side too.  It’s climate I’ve been told is very nice too.  But it does get cold enough for snow in the winter and it gets a fair amount of that; as witness by the tall red FH signs, near all of their fire hydrants.

I got up in the morning, grabbed a quick bite from the hotel’s breakfast bar, and off I was on my bicycle roaming the streets of South Lake Tahoe.  I first ventured down to the beach near my hotel.  From there, I slowly started to make my way around the lake clockwise.  The night before I had found a Lake Tahoe bike ways map at a local visitor’s center.  I was using this as a guideline but there wasn’t a great deal of detail and the map was not to scale in quite a few areas.  I wondering through neighborhoods only to discover dead ends or the road would dead end but there was a bike path that connected to it. 

There actually was quite a system of bike paths combined with bike routes through neighborhoods that helped avoid the heavier traffic roads.  It just took a bit to figure it out as I went along.  Unfortunately, there was that construction on Lake Tahoe Blvd which affected a nearby bike path too.  It got a bit hairy there for a few blocks but after that it was fine.

Photo- Rustic neighborhoods of South Lake Tahoe.

It was fun going through the neighborhoods.  A great deal of the houses looked like rustic cabins; all sizes and shapes.  All of the properties had large trees on them and sometimes I would even go by a neighborhood street where there would be a large tree in the middle of the road.  I came through to a neighborhood called Tahoe Keys.  The back of most of these homes had access to water for the owner’s boats.  It was kind of cool because I could see the lake here and there between the houses.  I bet some of these houses had some amazing views.

Photo- An area in the Tahoe Key's neighborhood where there was space between houses.

Photo- An example of some of the open spaces in Lake Tahoe.

I went further west along the Lake Tahoe there were pockets of open space land.  Some of it was marshland, some was National Forest land, some were beaches, and others were park areas.  The bike paths went through quite a bit of these areas and quite often there were wooden bridges that I cycled over.  It was some wonderful scenery. 

I eventually came to where the bike path went along Hwy 89 going north on the west side of Lake Tahoe.  I went through an area known as Camp Richards where tents were being set up for an Oktoberfest they would have in the next couple of days.  There were pumpkins set out all over the place and it was looking really festive and Fall like.

I continued heading north on the bike path.  There was more and more National Forest land.  It was beautiful but you couldn’t really see the lake at this point.  There was however a bridge area that I came to where people were stopped and watching over the railings.  It was here that I happened upon the Lake Tahoe’s red salmon.

Photo- Lake Tahoe's red salmon.

I was told the night before that I should come see these fish because this time of year in their cycle they really did turn red.  It was cool watching them swim around in circles.  There were a lot of them.  Periodically a leaf would fall on the surface of the stream and one of the salmons would jump up out of the water towards the leaf. 

I continued north to where the bike path crossed Hwy 89.  I decided to turn around because that would put me at 35 miles.  That was enough for one day.  But before I turned around, I admired some quaking aspen that just had a hint of yellow.

After a quick shower, I headed out in the car with the idea of a possible hike but I was really just interested in seeing more of the area.  I ended up driving north on Hwy 89 past where I had turned around.  From there the road started to climb and got curvy; and yes, of course, scenic.  The road had a fair amount of traffic and there were a few brave cyclists along the stretch too.  There was virtually no shoulder on the road and a metal road guard in only a few of the places.  It was hair pin turns for the next 7 miles. 

Photo- Emerald Bay with an older mansion on the beach.

I came to a viewpoint that overlooked the Emerald Bay part of the Lake.  It was beautiful and kind of reminded me of Crater Lake with a little island in the middle.  I stopped.  It was here that a guy was standing next to a loaded up bicycle with a turned up hat singing America the Beautiful while everyone was taking pictures.  It looked like he had a fair amount of money in his hat.  Hmmm… that’s an idea to supplement my trip money.  Not sure if my voice is good enough for that though.

I continued driving around the Lake.  There was more climbing hair pin turns but at least these had a bit of a shoulder.  It was getting pretty high.  The landscape was turning rocky with pine trees; mostly big rocks.  Then, there were large sized houses with several floors looking out over towards the direction of the lake.  You could see the lake here and there through the trees. 

Photo- Lake Tahoe as taken from an eastside overlook area.

Then came some smaller communities where there were houses and a few businesses.  They were rustic and quaint.  I continued on and the road opened up to views of the Lake.  The bike path was back along the roadway and several cyclists were out enjoying it.  There were people in boat and others playing with their dogs along the beach area.  It was a slightly overcast day but it was still a nice day. 

I drove around the whole Lake.  The north part had a small old dam area.  There was more business and quite a few smaller and more expensive hotels or at least they looked expensive.  The west side of the Lake was disappointing.  The road turned into an Interstate and there just wasn’t as much going on along that stretch.

Photo- A cyclist out on the bike path along the beach of Lake Tahoe.

Now I was ready for a late lunch or an early dinner.  I stopped by a place I had seen earlier while biking.   Riva’s Grill had a nice outside back deck area that over looked the Lake and the Tahoe Queen docked there too.   It provided plenty of people watching and scenery.  It also happened that I was 4 minutes away from the Happy Hour. Yeah!  Half price well drinks and half price pizza or appetizers.  I ended up talking with a retired couple next to me that were celebrating his 71^st birthday.  We toasted and chatted.

Next, I went in for a quick look at some local art galleries next door.  One was a wonderful photographer where I ended up talking with his wife who was manning the shop.  They liked to travel and he liked to take pictures.  One thing led to another and his travel hobby became a business.  I really liked his photos and there was some wonderful combinations matted together that were very reasonably priced.

Next, I was in bad need of a manicure.  Back at the hotel, I decided to walk across and along Lake Tahoe Blvd.  There were all kinds of shops and I saw a couple of nail places but they were closed.  Another salon told me they had already sent home their manicurist.  I finally found one that was open.  Sure, they could help me out.  Lisa a cute Oriental woman cheerfully helped me.  She said she liked my laugh and that I seemed happy.  She talked me into getting a pedicure too.  Sorry Cousin Kimmie!  I’ve been thinking of you every time I look at my toes but for only $5 more I could have both.  I also would be matching too!  I hope you’ll forgive me.

Lisa was in the middle of my manicure, the closed sign was turned over.  Now, I felt bad about her staying late to do my ugly feet.  But Lisa said it was no problem and was asking if I was going to go out to the casino tonight.  I said I was thinking about it.  She said that now I would have to because I had lucky nails.  Crack me up!  Well, how could I say no to that? 

She finished my feet and gave me these disposable thongs to walk over to the drying lights near up front.  After a bit, she mentioned that if I wanted to I could walk with those to my hotel if I wanted to.  I’m like 6 blocks away at this point.  But she said that it would be no problem for me to stay and wait while they dried.  Now, I felt guilty so I said that I should be okay to walk.  I walked down 1 block to the corner, along busy Lake Tahoe Blvd for 2 blocks, and waited for the light to change in the crosswalk.  All this while shopping stores and what not are open.  People are walking by on their way to the casinos a couple blocks further along.  I felt strange carrying my shoes and running around in disposable thongs but no one else seemed to give me a second look or said anything.

I got to the hotel which was 3 more blocks and now I just HAD to go to the casinos.  I had to give my lucky nails a shot!  Off I went to the casinos.  I walked through the first casino, Harrah’s; but I didn’t like the feel of it or their bar areas. I had heard that the other casino, Montebleu, had the loosest slots.  Not that it really makes a difference.

I got to Montebleu and found the Center Bar; which I did like.  I ordered a rum and coke.  I sat at the round bar and people watched.  A majority of the people looked to be just barely 21.  In fact, the bartenders were checking quite a few of the ID’s to make sure.  I ordered another drink and continued to people watch.  A rowdy noisy bunch of kids came in and sat next to me.  I moved my chair over.

As I was getting ready to order my third drink, a young cute guy from LA starts chatting me up.  We talk for a bit and he mentions about the dance club in the casino having a Ladies Drink Free Night.  So I heard the rumors, I said.  He asks my name shakes my hand, says his name, and says I’ll see you later at the dance club.  I just smiled and thought Nope!  I wasn’t in the mood to dance tonight and I was just planning on doing a bit of slots and then heading back to the hotel.

I put in $15 in various slot machines and it lasted me over 2 hours.  I was getting tired and finally cashed out having only lost $12 but having consumed about 6 smaller free rum & cokes.  It was time to call it a night.

Day 44 & 45- Off Cycling & Off to Lake Tahoe...

DAY 44- Day Off with Cycling…
It was basically a day off for me.  I opted to sleep in and then later in the morning I jumped on my bicycle to explore the bike trail system in the Walnut Creek and surrounding areas.  I was only about ¼ mile from one of the trails.  The main trail system that goes through the Walnut Creek area is called the Iron Horse trail.  Within minutes I was going over an impressive metal and cement foot bridge that went over traffic.  To the immediate right was the BART station where I parked my car.  Go figure, I could have forgone the whole parking hassle of yesterday and ridden my bike.

I continued on past the BART station.  There were a fair amount of people using the trail.  Most of them were on foot and talking into their cell phones as they walked along which seems typical for California.  It seems that everyone is on their cell phones.  Others on the trail were women in groups of two deep in the midst of some drama conversation.  They seemed oblivious of their surrounds or others on the trail.  I would nicely say coming up on your left and get a look full of daggers.  If looks could have killed I would’ve gone through my nine cat lives in nothing flat.  Eventually, I just gave up saying anything and just went around them.

Photo- A section of trail north of Walnut Creek.

The landscape along the trails would change from being along cannel areas which were low in water to park like settings to going between fences of backyards with little if anything to look at.  Most of the intersections where the trails would come out had little stop signs for you to stop and wait for the side road to clear.  The more traffic roads had buttons to push for a crosswalk.  I went a little over 25 miles and didn’t have to bike on an actual street except in a crosswalk area.  It was rather nice; however, the speed limit for bikes was 15mph and the terrain was very flat.

Photo- The trail climbed at the edge of Walnut Creek and
you could look out over the scenic valley area.

I did come to one area that I almost felt like I was going out into the country.  The trail climbed and the next thing I’m looking out over houses with the mountains in the background.  It was pretty.  The trail ran along and open land area where there were single mountain bike trails.  You could see single tracks running all over the area.

Photo- The tunnel that you walked your bike through.

Then, I had to go through this tunnel.  The sign outside the tunnel said to please walk your bike through.  It was a huge corrugated metal pipe that had a flat rough cement bottom.  There were lights on in the inside but even then in broad day light it was kind of dark in there.  The tunnel went under a freeway road.   It was a bit unnerving going through it at first but I managed through.

Overall, the trail system was set up very well.  There were signs with miles to destinations.  There were large maps of the trail system hung up; though, most of those were very faded. But it all was very well maintained.  Most of the busier roads that had button crosswalks also contained bike lanes.  I could see where someone had really put some thoughts into this trail system.

DAY 45- Driving to Lake Tahoe…

I headed north on Interstate 680.  It was a toll road.  It was a first time I had done something like this so I followed the lanes that said Fast Track Cash.  But I wasn’t paying enough attention.  I pulled into a lane to pay and discovered no one in the booth.  Note to myself for future reference- make sure that there’s a green light above the lane when pulling up to a toll booth.  Thank goodness it was slow enough that I could back up and choose another lane.  I was smiling rather sheepishly to the attendant when I handed over the cash.  She didn’t say anything; so maybe no one noticed?

Yes, I’m backtracking a little more.  I went by Sacramento on my way over to Lake Tahoe, but I figured I’m relatively close and I just HAD to go to Lake Tahoe or so I had been told.  I got off for a short break just outside of Sacramento to grab a coffee.  While waiting in one of the duel left lane for the light to change a man in the car next to me is signaling me to roll down my window.  I’m like oh no what’s hanging outside the car.  He’s asking me for directions. WTF!  I must look like I know where I’m going but I just laughed and told the guy that I’m sorry I’m not from around here.

West of Sacramento along Hwy 50 there’s an area called the Apple Hills Recreation Area.  It was green with pine trees and other trees were starting to change here and there.  It was really pretty.  It was here that I saw a beat old pickup truck with gun racks in the back window.  But it wasn’t guns in the racks; it was some fancy fishing poles.  I just smiled to myself and thought—take that NRA!  Fishing above guns; I could live with that.

Photo- The outside of the Red Apple Cafe.

It was here that I stopped at the Red Apple Café.  It didn’t look like much from the outside but it had a cute painted side on it and wasn’t really much inside BUT it was their back patio area that was the real gem of this restaurant.  I was invited to help myself to any table and of course I chose one next to the edge of the patio area that overlooked a scenic valley.  The only real draw back to the entire place was that there was only one waitress on duty and a cook.  My meal took a while but I didn’t truly mind because I was enjoying the view from under my umbrella covered table.

Photo- The gem of the Red Apple Cafe was the back patio area.

Photo- The view from the Red Apple Cafe's back patio area.  WOW!

Next, the Hwy 50 narrowed down and started to get curvy and yes, as all curvy roads seem to be it was scenic.   The road started to climb up too.  The highway went through a couple of different National Forest lands.  There were pine trees and streams alongside the road.  I went a little slower than the 55mph to enjoy it all.  I had to pull out a couple of times to let locals go by me.

Before I knew it, the road just opened up in front of me and there was a HUGE valley area and off in the distance I could just barely see Lake Tahoe on the horizon.  It just kind of took my breath away.  Well, the view and the drop off that road had on one side.  I took the opportunity and pulled in to a turn out and took a couple of pictures.  Wow!  The road then started get grades of 7% and 8% going down.  My brakes were getting a workout and the road was still a bit of a drop off on one side.

Photo- My first view of Lake Tahoe is just a blue haze on the horizon.

I followed my shorthand directions to get to the hotel I would be staying for the next couple of nights; Big Piney Mountain House.  It’s nothing to look from the outside and the rooms need to be updated but with all of that, the property is pretty well maintained and kept clean.  It’s inexpensive and comes with free Wi-Fi and breakfast.  There’s also a coffee maker, mini refrig, and microwave in most of the rooms too.

Once I got checked into my room, it was time to just drive around and check the area out.  Unfortunately, they were having construction on the main road (Lake Tahoe Blvd) in South Lake Tahoe where I was staying.  It took a bit to get anywhere and then I made one of my now infamous “U” turns.  It was starting to get dark so I opted to return to the hotel and see what there was within walking distance.

I ended up going to a Mr.P’s Pub which was a two block walk from my hotel.  They have a wonderful Irish stew and I had that with a glass of Shock Top which is a light wheat beer.  Football games were on when I first got there but as they ended the TV’s were shut down and live music entertainment took its place.  The bar area was crowded and the outside upper patio area was a bit cold.  I sat at a table by myself.  But later on, as the place filled up and seating became an issue I invited an older gentleman to join me.  He was a retired man from San Antonio, TX and was up using a timeshare he had in the area.  We shot the breeze and enjoyed the music.  In fact, we almost closed the place down.  It was a nice way to end the day.

DAY 30 -Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway…

I planned on a scenic drive through central southern Oregon for the day.  Grant, Kimmie’s partner, had mentioned a nice route to drive but that it would take a whole day.  So I started out early; skipping breakfast and heading north out of Klamath Falls.  I passed by the Upper Klamath Lake and all of the pelicans.  I took Hwy 140 west after Rocky Point and went past Lake of the Woods and Fish Lake off into new Oregon territory for me.


Photo- Pelicans on the Upper Klamath Lake.

Shortly after passing Fish Lake, I took a right turn on to County Rd #821 on my way to Butte Falls.  I was driving through wonderful scenic forestland.  The road got rather curvy and I started to slow for the turns.  Before I knew it I was coming around a corner and BOOM!  There are cows in the middle of the road! COWS?!?!  Yes, I was in the middle of an open range area which happens quite a bit in Oregon but this was the first time I had actually seen cows on the road.  There were 7 large Black Angus cows in the middle of the road.  I slowed to a stop. 

Photo- HOLY COW!  They're in the road!

The cows just stood in the middle of the road.  HELLO! Move you big animals!  The car that was behind me started to honk and I followed suit; me being a City Girl had no idea what to do with cows in the middle of the road.  Low and behold; they started to move off the road.  Yeah!  As I drove by the cows just stared blankly at me.  I never realized how dumb cows could be.

I drove through the town of Butte Falls and after that the forestland was set back and fenced farms with green fields took up the foreground.  It was very pretty with horses and cows in the fields; with the periodic red barn or unpainted barn here and there. 

Photo- Farms with forest land in the background. Wonderful scenery!

I continued on; thinking that I was still on County Rd #821 but turns out I wasn’t.  I ended up coming out to Hwy 62 about 5 miles south of a cute small town called Shady Cove.  It was 15 miles south west of where I should have come out on Hwy 62.  But that was okay.  I went through Shady Cove where the cop sat right by the quickly reduced speed limit for the town.  I practically slammed on my brakes; to go from 55mph to 30mph.  I even managed a quick smile and way to the cop as I slowly went by.  But I HAD to stop for a quick picture of the pink Phil’s Frosty.  I later found out that it’s the place in Shady Cove to stop and eat ice cream or burgers.  There did seem to be a great deal of cars out front and it wasn’t even 11AM.

Photo- A hot spot and VERY pink place in Shady Cove!

Photo- The Rogue River as seen from a city park just north of Shady Cove.

I went along Hwy 62 where off to the right I could see the Rogue River.  It was a very scenic area with trees starting to change along the river and exposed rocks next to the road.  I drove past the small town of Prospect and on to Union Creek where I was told to definitely stop at Beckie’s Restaurant.  It was either their cinnamon roll or a piece of one of their pies that came highly recommended.  I stopped and I still had about 15 minutes of breakfast being served. 

Photo- A bird just taking off I saw on the Rogue River.

 

Photo- A MUST stop for thier cinnamon rolls or pie!

Photo- The inside of Beckie's Restaurant.

I opted for the yummy cinnamon French toast and hot coffee.  OMG!  It was dessert for breakfast!  It was as I was enjoying my breakfast that I over heard what sounded like Germans trying to learn to pronounce English words.  It was rather interesting listening.  As I was finishing my breakfast and looking at a map that I discovered I was close to a couple of sightseeing view sights.  I figured I could definitely use a bit of hiking to work off breakfast. 

Photo- Natural Bridge- where Rogue River runs under these lava rocks for 200ft. and then comes out.

Photo- Water comes out of Natural Bridge and there are side lava caves.

I did a bit of back tracking and went to the Natural Bridge parking lot.  The Natural Bridge is along the Rogue River and it’s where the river runs in lava tubes for about 200ft.  I grabbed my camera and off I went for the ¾ mile hike where there are viewpoints all along to see the Natural Bridge.  I read about the temperature of the water and how many gallons per minute that went through the Natural Bridge.  It was amazing and you could just hear the roar of the water as it went through the area.

Photo- Rogue River Gorge.

Next, I went by Beckie’s and discovered that while having breakfast I was about ½ block from a view overlook of the Rogue River Gorge.  I grabbed my camera again and off I went down the path.  This path however was packed with senior citizens.  It was a tour bus.  So I tried to slowly work my way through the group to where I could overlook the gorge area too. 

While trying to do that, the tour guide started talking to me.  He talked about how Oregon’s sportsmen’s, being so sports challenging orientated, used to canoe through this gorge area until about 2 years ago the state had to outlaw it.  He never heard of anyone dying doing it but he pointed out that it was seriously dangerous and he could imagine that some of they did die attempting it.  Why he shared that with me?  I’m unsure why he chose to share that information with me and he kept his voice down when he told me about it; so that none of the seniors could hear about it.  Strange.

Rather than turning east when Hwy 62 turned, I decided to continue on Hwy 230 up to Diamond Lake; a lake that I could see when I was on the trolley tour up at Crater Lake.  Yes, I was just west of Crater Lake and heading north.  I thought I want to see that lake from the shoreline.

I was about 6 miles north of there when I saw a sign that said—National Creek Falls with an arrow.  On the spur of the moment, I thought why not.  I turned the car.  I went down the road 3 miles to a sign with another arrow.  It said 2.5 miles on a one lane road with turn outs.  Okay, I thought I came this far.  I drove on the one lane road and only had a pickup truck that I had to wait for in a turnout.  I got to the next sign that pointed me off to the right to a parking area and another sign that had an arrow and said ½ mile hike.  I came this far and hoped it was really an actual waterfall but I continued on. 

Down the dirt path I went.  It hairpin turned down the side of a hill quickly and seemed to go back and forth again, and again, and again down the hill.  Wait a minute; this has got to be more than ½ mile by now.  BUT I continued on the path.  I got to the bottom and saw a couple with three dogs.    I went over a couple of logs and off to my left I heard and saw an amazing waterfall.  I could even feel the mist off of the fall. 

Photo- National Creek Falls a secret hidden off the road a ways.

I petted the dogs, of course, and talked with the couple.  They were from Grants Pass and came here to get away from the heat for the day.  It was as I was leaving that the guy mentioned that he saw a black bear about ¼ mile down on the road when they came in.  Oh, great I thought and here I am walking alone in black bear territory!  Go figure!  Note- It is recommended that you never go alone in black bear territory.  They are more likely to attack lone hikers.  Well, I decided to just book it back to my car, but I figured that if I talked to myself in two different voices that I could trick a black bear into thinking that there was more than just me in the area.  Yes, I really can be that silly and naïve at the same time!

Photo- The view of Mt Bailey on my way to Diamond Lake. 

I’m glad to say I made it back to my car safely and was not a headliner on a local TV news show.  Off I went back to Hwy 230 and continued north to Diamond Lake.  Diamond Lake is a wonderful lake to see from its shoreline.  It also is a very popular area.  There were quite a few boats full of fisherman out on the lake.  I also drove through quite a resort area with restaurant, cabins, and hotel. 

Photo- Diamond Lake a popular fishing place.

I swung by the gas station there to get a bit before I headed back to Klamath Falls.  It was funny because the attendant said that he had waited on a Jeep earlier in the day that was from Utah too.  He asked if it was Utah day and he didn’t get the memo.  I just shrugged my shoulders and smiled.  Then, off south I went back to Klamath Falls.