Jimmy and I don't usually make campground reservations, trusting that the traveling gods will take care of us as we head Out and About. Today we were lucky, but we'd sort of figured snagging a campsite on Monday might be doable, since the Labor Day crowd would hopefully go home. We arrived early at Farewell Bend c/g on the Rogue River, knowing that early birds catch wiggly worms. And ... we had plenty of spaces from which to choose; just as we thought, most folks left on Labor Day.
We had an easy hour-and-a-half drive from Grants Pass and selected site #21, a lovely shady spot. Behind us is the river, and here it's a rip-roaring chute. Friends, Sue and Mo, recommended this campground, and it's easy to see why -- set in the midst of an old-growth forest, towering trees dominate the entire area. Clean restrooms, drinking water, and helpful camp hosts, all for $12.50/night, because it's in the National Forest and thanks to the old farts' pass.
When I opened Tergel's door to step down, nothing happened, no steps automatically whizzed out. Dang steps are stuck in again. Out came the wooden stool. At least the jacks worked. With no hookups, setting up is simple and quick, which left us plenty of time to get in a walk along the river.
Directly behind our campsite, the river funnels into this narrow cut and races downstream. How do logs this size get stuck in places like this? Powerful spring snow melt and raging rainstorms will have the Rogue River much, much higher than what we're seeing in September.
Where it can even deposit massive tree root systems like these.
This calm-appearing pool beckoned. It's warm out ... should I put on my bathing suit? A finger test helped answer that question -- the water is ice cold! Clear as tap water and a pretty aquamarine.
The water may appear calm in one or two areas, but don't be fooled. It's tempestuous, filled with rapids and cramped channels that would suck you under in a second.
The river broadens and allows close access, but not too close ...
... because ten feet away, it spills into this wild and turbulent chute!
Imagine this in spring, when the river is five or ten feet (or more) higher! Imagine the roar! All this tumult right here makes quite a din, but it is so soothing listening to it while in Tergel, especially lying in bed at night.
See that log across the river? I said to Jimmy, "Wanna see me scooch along the log to the other side?" He didn't even bother to answer, 'cause he knew I was joshin' him. But I bet others have tried it.
I did pose here before hopping to the other side
The camp hosts came around in the evening before we closed up for the night, warning that a forest service guy said winds of up to 75mph were expected this evening and tomorrow. No campfires would be permitted (no problem, we don't have campfires). 75mph? Wow! -- that's hurricane force! We're beneath big, old trees. Hmmmm We heard the wind rising when we crawled into bed, along with small branches, sticks and cones (pine, fir, spruce) hitting Tergel's roof, but nothing that even remotely seemed like hurricane winds. We didn't worry, just hit the sack as usual, fingers crossed that nothing fell through the roof.
Crater Lake isn't far away. Maybe we'll visit tomorrow.
Great river shots.... great camp...now for the rest of the story...
ReplyDeleteWhat a great walk with the river to keep you company.
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