8/6/17-8/7/17 Back Roads
We took the roads less traveled.
Leaving the safe haven of the farm, we set out as explorers on new territory. Two days of back woods discoveries took us into the depths of the Northwest. Oregon, then California exposed their secret byways to us and we entered without a password.
Out of Selma, Deer Creek Road called to Jules. Varying opinions called it impassable, fun and dangerous, all reasons to head in. The center line disappeared soon after we began and then most of the road did also. A steady climb out of the valley necessitated tight switchbacks flaring over unguarded drops. I put on my brave face, held tight and loved every mile. Finding a road like this not only generated thrills, but also afforded us some spectacular views without the traffic. For about 40 miles, we passed only a handful of cars.
Fire again lurked somewhere in the mountains. A thick curtain of smoke often clouded the view and we could smell it everywhere. On the latter part of this trip, heat and fire have been constants. Fire crews fill the motels and signs warn of the imminent danger. Evidence of recent burns stands bleakly, often for miles at a time. No expert on the frequency of these events, I still feel that climate change is scorching our forests.
At the summit, three hunters stood on the ridge, scoping the valley below. We stopped to talk to one and he said it was bear that they stalked. We were puzzled as to how they could see, shoot that far down the mountain, and then if they were successful, how they could drag the bear up the extreme incline. Creating storylines about other prey they could be tracking, my imagination went wild a la, "The Most Dangerous Game". We scooted out of there, chilled, and I did not rest easy until Google proved that it was actually bear season in Oregon!
Two back road days in a row are a real gift, and we gladly accepted it. A detour pulled us from our planned route to Lassen Volcano and again took us over untraveled mountain passes. More civilized than Deer Creek, the road had a line down the middle. California landscape erupted, brown and green. Dry hills sported free range cattle and fields of corn, oats and even horseradish stretched into the horizon.
As we rose into the woods, logging activity was prevalent, as perfectly managed woodlots appeared, sporting future homes and furniture in all stages of growth. This indeed is another kind of farming.
Stopping for a late picnic in Bieber, another small town charmed us. Ramshackle buildings supported the village with a post office, market and roadhouse. As we sat in a tiny park, the mountains surrounding us grew huge black clouds peppered with thunder and lightening. It was time to move on - fast. Luckily we were headed away from the storm and gave it a good run.
Our plans to visit Lassen Volcano thwarted by storms drifting over the mountains, we searched for a place to stay dry for the night. Burney, our closest bet, was sold out, so we headed west toward Redding for another 60 miles. Luck was with us again as we played catch-me-if-you-can with the rain along another beautiful road. By the time we reached Redding, the mercury broke 100 and we burrowed into the air conditioning.
For the past two days we haven't visited any landmarks, been awed by natural wonders or covered many miles. What we have done is experienced the inner beauty of Oregon and California. So much is to be gained when you dare to veer from the known and venture into new territory. We took "the paths less traveled by, and it has made all the difference."
Leaving the safe haven of the farm, we set out as explorers on new territory. Two days of back woods discoveries took us into the depths of the Northwest. Oregon, then California exposed their secret byways to us and we entered without a password.
Out of Selma, Deer Creek Road called to Jules. Varying opinions called it impassable, fun and dangerous, all reasons to head in. The center line disappeared soon after we began and then most of the road did also. A steady climb out of the valley necessitated tight switchbacks flaring over unguarded drops. I put on my brave face, held tight and loved every mile. Finding a road like this not only generated thrills, but also afforded us some spectacular views without the traffic. For about 40 miles, we passed only a handful of cars.
Fire again lurked somewhere in the mountains. A thick curtain of smoke often clouded the view and we could smell it everywhere. On the latter part of this trip, heat and fire have been constants. Fire crews fill the motels and signs warn of the imminent danger. Evidence of recent burns stands bleakly, often for miles at a time. No expert on the frequency of these events, I still feel that climate change is scorching our forests.
At the summit, three hunters stood on the ridge, scoping the valley below. We stopped to talk to one and he said it was bear that they stalked. We were puzzled as to how they could see, shoot that far down the mountain, and then if they were successful, how they could drag the bear up the extreme incline. Creating storylines about other prey they could be tracking, my imagination went wild a la, "The Most Dangerous Game". We scooted out of there, chilled, and I did not rest easy until Google proved that it was actually bear season in Oregon!
Two back road days in a row are a real gift, and we gladly accepted it. A detour pulled us from our planned route to Lassen Volcano and again took us over untraveled mountain passes. More civilized than Deer Creek, the road had a line down the middle. California landscape erupted, brown and green. Dry hills sported free range cattle and fields of corn, oats and even horseradish stretched into the horizon.
As we rose into the woods, logging activity was prevalent, as perfectly managed woodlots appeared, sporting future homes and furniture in all stages of growth. This indeed is another kind of farming.
Stopping for a late picnic in Bieber, another small town charmed us. Ramshackle buildings supported the village with a post office, market and roadhouse. As we sat in a tiny park, the mountains surrounding us grew huge black clouds peppered with thunder and lightening. It was time to move on - fast. Luckily we were headed away from the storm and gave it a good run.
Our plans to visit Lassen Volcano thwarted by storms drifting over the mountains, we searched for a place to stay dry for the night. Burney, our closest bet, was sold out, so we headed west toward Redding for another 60 miles. Luck was with us again as we played catch-me-if-you-can with the rain along another beautiful road. By the time we reached Redding, the mercury broke 100 and we burrowed into the air conditioning.
For the past two days we haven't visited any landmarks, been awed by natural wonders or covered many miles. What we have done is experienced the inner beauty of Oregon and California. So much is to be gained when you dare to veer from the known and venture into new territory. We took "the paths less traveled by, and it has made all the difference."
Deer Creek Road
Deer Creek signage!
Breathtaking view if you don't look down
Make no mistakes!
Yup!
A bear hunter at the top of the pass- at least he said he was hunting "bear".
What you see when you take the road less traveled
Detour!
California signature landscape
Riding the wolves around! Or so it seemed.
Helmet selfie just for fun
Where are we?
Must be California because there are fields forever
Distant arroyo
Perfectly managed timber farm
Cows in the road
This is Bieber!
Lunch in Bieber
And at the end of the day...
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