Third Day to Bend

We got away from the motel a little earlier today, everyone was in place and we left at 8AM. Traveling a bit south till we reached Gold Hill where we cut over to 199 and followed along the Rogue River. Weather could not have been better, a bit cool in the AM and warming to the 70's at mid-day.

Don, our tour leader had to stop and add water just after Lost Creek reservoir.  We checked our water and it was right up there and holding it's own since we put on the 7lb radiator cap.

We had reached Union Creek about 11AM and that allowed us time to do a little sightseeing. Just below where Union Creek flows into the Rouge, the river enters a Basalt gorge that narrows dramatically and flows at the rate of 350,000 to 400,000 CF per second. Over the eons the water has carved it's way deeper into the volcanic Basalt formation. Finally the river reaches a point where it flows through the rock in ancient volcanic tubes and finally exits into a broad canyon and flows peaceably away.

A short distance past leaving the Rouge River Overlook, we ran into a traffic control station. We are not entirely sure, but we think that we know the guy handling the stop sign.  Susan helped us identify him as Mark Barrett. Looks like he taking on some extra work while on vacation!

Had lunch at a Subway in Chemault about 60 miles south of Bend and then headed on to the Meet. Arriving about 2:45PM, the parking lot was full of A's.  The hotel registration was rapid and we came away with a very welcome feeling. Went over to the Meet Registration, bought some raffle tix and returned to our room to unpack the car.

There were nearly 500 people at the Welcome Event, bar service was quite quick, but the food service was another story. Lines were long so we waited until they became a little shorter. Gave us time to say hello to more friends from the far corners of the Northwest. Patti Jones is here from Montana and Jack & Diane are here from Washington. Her we also linked up with other members of SCVC that came up in their modern iron and by a more direct route.

This was a great start to the event and a promising look at what is to come. May even get to do a little fishing on Thursday before we head up to the Crooked River with our guide for a day of fly fishing.