The little Roo trailer traveled from Mendocino to the Walnut Ranch, where we went from lucious fog-draped forest to hot orchards and 100 degree plus heat. Checking the week-ahead on the forecast, we saw that several of our planned stops enroute to Yellowstone would be in high heat, and so we re-routed to climb slightly into the Idaho high country for the peak of the heat wave (cools off at night onto the low 40s, even it reaching into the high 80s during the day). The plan now is to arrive at Goose Lake where the daytime temps are in the mid-80s, staying for two nights, then crossing the Oregon eastern desert mid-way, stopping along the Malheur River by Juntura. That will be a hot day, but the campground (BLM/no hookups) is in a canyon that typically has a breeze at night with grassy areas in trees for the camping, so we are hopeful it will cool off for sleeping. Then, we will continue to cross the desrt the next day into Idaho, camping near Lowman if all goes well. We will check the temps, and if tolerable, will go to Craters of the Moon for two nights as the forecast is for hot days and chilly nights. We should still arrive on schedule at Jackson in Wyoming.
On Thursday, we traveled ro Cameron Park (hot, too), overnighting at Laura's whose yard has been totally removed by the landscapers putting in the new design. Early the next day, we travelled our only long day to Goose Lake. It was in the mid-80s and breezy, so we were hopeful for a comfortable night.
After setting up camop, we drove back into California a short ways to Davis Creek, an joined the local ramchers for a BBQ--as usual it terrific ribs (pork and beef), tritip and chicken with great cole slaw and delici0us beans. The Friday night BBQ at Davis Creek is not to be missed if you are in the area.
Returning to camp, We then strolled down the trail to the lake--or that was our intent, but the lake was gone. It has receeded hundreds of yards due to drought and increased diversions of water for ranch irrigation.
Despite the dirth of water, there are geese everywhere, and lots of other birds and wildlife. A deer nestles down juist off our campsite, and all one can see is her ears. The quail are calling, the dove softly singing, and the cattle are lowing in the evening and dawn. in the night, I heard`two owls calling back and fort to each other.
Saturday afternoon, sitting under the spreading shade tree of our campsite, we had the wonderful experience of two twin fawns cavorting on the grass beside us, apparently fearless. Of course, none of us had our cameras, but it is a great memory.
On Saturday we planned for a leisurely breakfast and sightseeing in Lakeview at the Schminck Museum and rose garden--a very interetsing place, and worth a stop for $3.00/senior. Don't fgorget to try the Burger Queen for its delicious non-fast food hamburgers and shakes!
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