Free Web Hosting | free host | Free Web Space | BlueHost Review

MENU










 

Previous | Next

Day 5 - June 12 - Coburg, OR to Rainbow, OR - 59 miles

Click on the thumbnails to view larger pictures.

6-12carol_ron.jpg (107045 bytes) 6-12mckenzie_river.jpg (116680 bytes) 6-12goodpasture_bridge.jpg (119219 bytes)
It wasn't long before we found ourselves climbing up a gentle grade.  This climb will last for the next 2 days as we go over Santiam Pass. Our companion for much of the climb was the McKenzie River. Goodpasture Bridge over McKenzie River.
6-12paul.jpg (107883 bytes) 6-12rainbow_camp.jpg (121225 bytes) 6-12rainbow_hostess.jpg (95366 bytes)
Paul the poet met us at the convenience store in Rainbow, and shared one of his poems with us. Rainbow RV Park on the McKenzie River was our stop for the night.  The river added a soothing sound as we bedded down for the night. The owner of the campground gave us a tour of the area in her pickup truck.  We're learning how kind the Oregonians are.
6-12studying_maps.jpg (112683 bytes) 6-12mckenzie_bridge.jpg (101729 bytes)
Taking a break. McKenzie Bridge.

 
The trip has gone well so far.  We've had five days of nice weather, and have yet to see any rain.  The first couple of days when we were near the Pacific were foggy with heavy dew, but no rain.  The scenery has been absolutely gorgeous.  The coast is rugged with high places that overlook the ocean, the mountains are covered with tall hemlocks and lush green undergrowth, and today's ride took us along the beautiful McKenzie River.  We'll be following this river again tomorrow also as we climb over McKenzie pass, our first significant mountain crossing of the trip.

We stopped for the night in the small community of Rainbow near McKenzie Bridge.  As we were preparing to go into the local convenience store Paul Lehman, a nearby resident, approached us and asked about the trip.  He kindly listened to what we had to say, and then said our journey reminded him of a poem.  He proceeded to recite the poem from memory, and he was right.  It fit what we were doing.  After entertaining us with his poetry Paul told us about the Rainbow RV park nearby and said it would be a great place to camp for the night.  He was right again.  Our campsite was next to the McKenzie River and the sound of the river gave us a great night's sleep.

Previous | Next