Merlin, Galice & The Rogue River, OR

From Merlin & Galice, OR

You may know Merlin as a wizard, but in Oregon, Merlin is the last vestige of civilization to purchase supplies for your trip down the Rogue River. Although Lola, our GPS, was able to take us to Merlin, it took 3 trips around the block to find the actual town, which wasn't much. The general store provided supplies and it was the only business open where I could get directions to Galice, which Lola couldn't find.

From Merlin & Galice, OR

About ten miles towards Galice, we came to boat ramp. Here we discovered what are called Tahiti's, rubber inflatables suitable for running a river, presumably easy to operate, and according to the locals, (and probably most importantly) inexpensive.

From Merlin & Galice, OR

At this point the Rogue River is fairly calm, although the current runs along at a fairly good clip. Life jackets are required, and helmets are probably a good idea.

From Merlin & Galice, OR

A few miles down the road we came to a bridge. It was also an excellent vantage point for taking pictures of rafters and the river, and we had fun taking pictures of each other.

From Merlin & Galice, OR

From Merlin & Galice, OR

From Merlin & Galice, OR

From Merlin & Galice, OR

From Merlin & Galice, OR

Finally, we came to Galice, which is the stopping point for many rafters, as a couple of miles down the road begins the wild section of the Rogue River, which you are allowed to raft only by permit, and no other services exist; In other words, you're on your own!

Note the sign on the restaurant-store "This is Galice."

From Merlin & Galice, OR

We stopped and went out back to the deck overlooking the river. The menu was the typical burgers and fries, so we opted for the healthiest item on the menu, blackberry pie a la mode! Fortunately we had our lunch before leaving Popeye.

From Merlin & Galice, OR

Now we are at the beginning of the wild and scenic portion of the Rogue River. It was difficult to get a vantage point which showed the rapids just beyond, but wild they are!

From Merlin & Galice, OR

From Merlin & Galice, OR

The road beyond this bridge went for miles and miles. It was 76 miles to Roseburg, and we can't even imagine where the road going up the mountain led to. According to Lola (GPS) the road wasn't paved for much longer. How we wish we had a Jeep!

From Merlin & Galice, OR

The above picture shows a landing just before the rapids begin. We didn't see any boats heading beyond this point; but the following pictures show the river beyond.

From Merlin & Galice, OR

From Merlin & Galice, OR

From Merlin & Galice, OR

This final picture is of the Hellgate Excursions which run out of Grant's Pass. They were just turning around to head home, and we decide it is probably wise for us to do the same!

From Merlin & Galice, OR

For further information: Galice Resort (541)476-3818

Valley of the Rogue, OR

From Valley of the Rogue

Ahh, the Valley of the Rogue at last. The picture of Popeye at the top of every post was taken at this exceptional Oregon State Park. We stay here when passing this way. With full hookups and the Rogue River, it's a hard park to beat!

From Valley of the Rogue

One of the nice aspects of this park is the great hiking trail between the rest area, at the entrance to the park, and the bridge at the town of Rogue River. We don't know the exact mileage, but estimate the trip between Popeye and into the town of Rogue River (which lies across I-5 from the bridge) is perhaps 2 1/2 to 3 miles. This makes a nice round trip of between 5 & 6 miles; a great way to start each day.

From Valley of the Rogue

Towards the bridge, you come across these interesting markers. Bob posed for me with this one. A few others grace the path.

From Valley of the Rogue

Finally we come to the bridge. If you cross this bridge by car, you follow the pathway of the Rogue River for several miles prior to entering Grants Pass inside the back door, so to speak. Sure beats the freeway, plus you get to see all the RV parks and fishing boats. Fun!

From Valley of the Rogue

We, however, cross the railroad tracks and go over to the little town of Rogue River, AKA the Rooster City.

From Valley of the Rogue

From Valley of the Rogue

From Valley of the Rogue

From here, we make a right turn and discovered the Cottage Cafe - a great place for breakfast. We enjoyed meeting the owner, Candy Rochholz, cook Larry Younce, and Candy's daughter Crystal Martin.

From Valley of the Rogue

Crystal told us the town really goes all out for Rooster Days, and put on her Rooster suit to make a point. Her mom, Candy, is seated at the left of this photo.

From Valley of the Rogue

From Valley of the Rogue

After a wonderful breakfast, we feel refreshed to hike the 2 1/2 - 3 miles back to Popeye and the kitties! Here are a coouple of shots of things seen along the way.

From Valley of the Rogue

From Valley of the Rogue

Coming up tomorrow - a car trip to Crater Lake National Park.

Grass Valley & Nevada City CA

From Grass Valley & Nevada City

With a send off of rolling thunder & distant lightning, The Popeye Express finally reved up her engine and sprang to life. Nearly one month later than planned, on June 3, we headed down the hill and toward the freeway. First stop: Visiting family in Nevada City and 4 miles south, having maintenance done at DeMartini RV in Grass Valley, CA.

Grass Valley & Nevada City

Here is "home" for 7 nights while waiting for maintenance; our fault for not making an appointment, which we usually do, but since we were so late, it would have been cancelled several times over. We learned our lesson. Our maintenance appointment is already scheduled for 2010.

Grandddaughters Brooke and Hailey love my new iphone. Couldn't get it out of Hailey's hands. She had so much fun, but hated having her picture taken. They're both so cute, Bob couldn't resist. A few of his pictures follow with Brooke at the end petting Tiazzi.

From Grass Valley & Nevada City

From Grass Valley & Nevada City

From Grass Valley & Nevada City

From Grass Valley & Nevada City

Finally, I get to take a picture of Bob and Pangor. The two "guys" hanging out together. Bob may look happier than Pangor, but Pangor was purring up a storm.

From Grass Valley & Nevada City

On Saturday, we went to the Grower's Market at the Nevada County Fairgrounds. In addition to the market, we came accross the Early Day Gas Engine & Tractor Association, Inc. Branch 13s exhibit. What fun! The pictures that follow are some of what we saw.

From Grass Valley & Nevada City

From Grass Valley & Nevada City

From Grass Valley & Nevada City

From Grass Valley & Nevada City

From Grass Valley & Nevada City

That night we enjoyed dinner with Dave at the New Moon in Nevada City.

From Grass Valley & Nevada City

On Sunday, we met good friends Jim & Susan Hook for lunch at Maria's in Grass Valley.

From Grass Valley & Nevada City

Later that afternoon, Dave and his good friend John were working on the Clamper's fire truck. They finally got a rebuilt engine, but attaching new parts to an old engine prooved to be challenging. Hopefully they'll have it running in time for the 4th of July Parade!

From Grass Valley & Nevada City

From Grass Valley & Nevada City

The next day, Brooke got a beautiful layered hair cut and Bob took a picture of her in front of her house.

From Grass Valley & Nevada City

This picture shows the Robinson home just north of Nevada City.

From Grass Valley & Nevada City

Finally, a few shots of Nevada City, CA including Dave's Muffler and Brake Barn.

From Grass Valley & Nevada City

From Grass Valley & Nevada City

From Grass Valley & Nevada City

Finally, another picture of the pond at the Nevada County Fairgounds. These ducks were headed for the kids with the handouts - no great surprise! Our visit to Nevada City & Grass Valley finally ended after our maintenance work on Thursday, and we headed north staying overnight at the Walmart in Yreka CA!

From Grass Valley & Nevada City

Coming next: The Valley of the Rogue State Park, between Medford and Grants Pass right off I-5 in southern Oregon.

For more pictures, use the link on the right to go to my Web Albums.

Arizona Sunset

From Tucson AZ

Happy Super Bowl Sunday everyone! Hope your favorite team won the game & your stomach & head are intact in the morning. As to Bob & I, we spent a great morning & afternoon enjoying Sunday brunch with Captain Bob (who is in the process of becoming an RVer) and planning our trip this summer to the Canadian Maritime Provence's.

We can hardly wait for May to arrive. Hopefully all the ferry rides & campgrounds will be booked, at least for the month of July, the busiest month, and the rest of the trip more or less loosely planned.

My accomplishment today was posting our visit to Tucson. Please go to the archive on the right & click on December 12th. I'm trying to keep the posts and pictures in chronological order. I thought the Arizona Sunset picture above would set the mood and get you motivated. Also, please read the criteria I set regarding the poll on the right. I am always interested in feedback to improve this blog. Feel free to use the comments section below to give me your input.

I'm leaving with a picture of Tiazzi and Daphne. If a Tucson sunset doesn't appeal to you, perhaps our kitties will. Happy February everyone, and keep sharing your travel stories.

From The Popeye Express