Ashland, OR - Jun. 3 - 9, 2008

When we were Californians we frequently traveled to Ashland, Oregon for its outstanding Shakespeare Festival and looked forward to our return.  In 2003 we discovered Emigrant Lake Recreation Area, a Jackson County park with full hook-ups on the shores of Emigrant Lake.  The park is conveniently located about 7-miles from Ashland's beautiful Lithia Park and theater complex.  Campers have immediate access to the lake for boating and fishing, and there are pleasant country roads to wander.

Oregon is on our short list for potential relocation when we decide to settle down, so we spent some time perusing the real estate magazines and checking out areas in the Ashland/Medford region.  We didn't see anything that screamed, "Buy me!" - or at least not loud enough for us both to hear.

Since fishing was on our Oregon agenda we purchased our licenses, solicited advice and bought some nasty looking things that attract bass.  Bill enjoyed many peaceful moments catching and releasing bass at Emigrant Lake.  Susan, on the other hand, caught one smelly fish and said, "OK, that's enough - I came here for the art, not the fish."

Ashland has an amazing amount of performance and fine art for such a small town.  Additionally, during the summer Jacksonville, a quaint historic town just 16 miles from Ashland, sponsors the Britt Music Festival with an amazing line-up of rock, country, classical and jazz.

Our first sojourn into town included a stroll through Lithia Park, followed by lunch and a few hours of gallery hopping.  We returned a couple of days later during the First Friday Art Walk for a serious gallery ramble, followed by the free "Green Show" in the Festival Courtyard. 

We weren't sure when we would be in Ashland so were late to make theater reservations.  Susan purchased tickets on-line for the "Fences", but the other plays in which we were interested were sold out.  With hope in our hearts we stopped by the ticket office to see if there were any cancellations.  No luck.  We also wanted to attend the Oregon Cabaret Theater, but it was dark the week we were there.

Advice:  Plan ahead, check the schedule and make reservations.

Grants Pass, OR -June 9, 2008

As much as we enjoy Ashland, an appointment in Grants Pass compelled us to move on.  After driving in some frighteningly windy conditions over the past year, we decided to visit Henderson's Line Up for a road handling evaluation and weight analysis.  Based on their recommendation we had a Safe-T-Plus Steering Control device installed on the Beast.  We will report back after we encounter driving conditions for which the device was designed.

There was no heavy wind as we continued north to Sutherlin.