Getting Prepared for Mt. McLoughlin

Well, we climbed Lower Table Rock, the steeper and more difficult of the two. This one was a 5.4 mile trek gaining 780 feet. We're training for the Mt. McLoughlin climb this fall. A 10 mile trek up forested slopes, that rises 9495 above sea level.

Here's Per checking his new "GPS". Guess the kids didn't want us to get lost on our hiking adventures. So.......they bought this very nifty hand-held "GPS" for their Pop for Father's Day. There's no chance we'll ever get lost now !!!

The weather was perfect, as usual, and we pretty much spent the day up there enjoying all the beauty around us.

View of the Rogue River and lakes from the top.

And, I bought Per this handy-dandy insulated backpack for Father's Day......just for occasions like this.....how convenient, don't you think? He carried our lunch to the top where we found this small space between two madrones in the shade. Everything always tastes better outdoors.

This is an old runway that spans about a mile across the top that someone made in the 1930's. When we reached the top, we were just in time to see a small plane taking off. Can you see it in the distance??

There was a spectacular wildflower display all around us, breathtaking for sure, with Mt. McLoughlin in the background.

There are definately some very unique species of wildlife here, such as this huge dandelion. And, an interesting type of moss called woolly meadowfoam that only grows on the Table Rocks, and no place else in the world. Never thought Botany would be so fascinating to me.

A Saturday Hike to the Summit

What a perfect day for a hike......Upper and Lower Table Rock Trails are just a short drive from us and unfortunately it's a trail that dogs are prohibited but, the hike up is a gain of 720 feet, pretty steep in some areas and would be too tough for Baylee anyway. The trail is a mix of shade from the Madrone and Black Oak trees and sunny views of the valley with displays of colorful blooming flowers along the way. At the top is a dramatic grassy meadow, surrounded by mountains all around......which inspired me break into song and dance just like Julie Andrews, "the hills are alive with the sound of music"......couldn't get Perry to take a video, so I could include it here. From the summit there is a birds-eye view in three directions. Siskiyou Mountains to the south, Mount McLoughlin to the east and the snowy rim of Crater Lake to the north. As you will see from the pictures below, the dangerous but intriguing rocky cliffs are black lava rock formed 9.6 million years ago and was the sanctuary home for the Takelma Indians in the 1800's.

Lower Table Rock is a longer trail to the top.......will do that one next time.

Just love these Madrone trees......they are a deep mahogony color.

A little too close to the edge................... with Mt. McLaughlin in the background.

This is a picture of the green, green farmland below and a small portion of the lower part of the Rogue River. This summer hopefully with Gretchen and Shaun, we'll be rafting down the upper part where the white water is rated class 4 & 5.

The weather was perfect too !!!

This is the rocky edge......and that little white spec in the distance are two people. Just to give you a better perspective.

Here's Perry sitting on the edge.....but not too close.

More Incredible Views

We found a quiet little spot to sit a spell.........yes, those are my feet dangling over the side of the mountain.

What a beautiful sight to see these huge hawks just floating on the air current.....having a great time. They flew very close to us and I tried to take a closer picture too....below is the best I could do..........I certainly have alot of respect for the National Geographic photographers now !!!

At one point we saw seven hawks soaring together on the updrafts effortlessly over the treetops and through the valley.

Off to the right in the background is "Lower Table Rock". It also has a trail to the top.....a little more challenging. We'll attempt that one soon......preparing for our hike up Mt. McLaughlin later this summer.

Another Hike to the Top

Well, we found this unpaved road in Jacksonville that looked interesting and decided to hike it. So, we parked and just kept on walking up, up, up. And, what a great view from the top!!! Can you see snow-capped, cloud covered, Mt. McLaughlin in the distance?

We're finding cool trails and roads everywhere......no shortage of opportunities to hike around here.

Christmas Day Hike

Well, here's Per and Baylee forging the mighty creek. It was only about 25 degrees, Baylee said the water was colder though. We really couldn't believe how quiet it was in this amazing deep forest beauty.

How do you like my hat?? Had on my flannel lined jeans and fleecy boots too!! Okay-Okay, I have to......we're in Oregon now y'all !!! I do love the cold here....it's a comfortable cold.

We weren't quite high enough for the deep snow, but the frost was pretty thick in some areas. As the light came through the trees the frost sparkled like twinkle lights.

Anyone for a hike ???

Yesterday was the perfect day for a hike...so we did......sunny, mid 30's and soooo peaceful.
"In pure silence each breath brings strength. The mind calms and a smile spreads bringing a wave of peace to each and every cell." Andrew Rouse

Baylee loves to hike too !! We only did about 4-5 miles today. The climb was about 1200' to 2500' in elevation.

There's already some snow in the higher elevations. Baylee stopped for a snack of snow !!

We really like this trail, it's well groomed and perfect for Per's first hike since his broken leg. The trailhead is in Ashland and this trail connects to the Pacific Crest Trail which runs from Canada through California.

Our first hike in Oregon.......dog tired......dogs too!!!

Hiking above Ashland........perfect day