Today was a very hot drive (100-102) until we got near Klamath Falls, OR when it finally dropped down to the 80s with the threat of thunder storms. All we got were a few sprinkles. Luckily we didn't have smoke from any of the fires in Northern California or Southern Oregon affect us and the air was pretty clear.
Collier Memorial State Park campground, which is North of Klamath Falls and south of Chiloquin, OR is beautiful. There are a number of full hookup sites that can be reserved as well as a number that have no hookups.
Click on any of the pictures to enlarge them.
Our site backed up to the Williamson River and just a short walk to where Spring Creek joins the river.
Spring Creek below looks like it is the river and the Williamson River above looks like the creek. I think this is because Spring Creek is fed by a spring two miles away while the river depends on snow melt and rain which there wasn't much of this year. Note: after doing subsequent research the spring is actually an underground river that surfaces up stream.
July 31st.
On the opposite side of US Hwy 97 is a Logging Museum which is extensive and very well done. If it has anything to do will logging from the 1880s on they have it here. The museum and village come alive with hosts in period clothing and old logging equipment demonstrations during the park's Living History Day on the third Sunday in June.
Some of the wheels on the wagons are a rounds cut from logs and then wrapped with a steel rim.
This gives you an idea of the size of some of the wagon and cart wheels.
This Mack truck was one of many that proved it was the preferred workhorse in the woods.
Steam played a big part in the early days of logging and railroads were built to get the timber to the mills.
This is a modern steel pole for dragging logs up to a central loading area. In many cases cables were attached to a stripped tree that was anchored in several directions and this method is still used today.
Another Mack truck that has definitely seen better days. I am sure it earned its keep.
More equipment to provide the roads to logging areas.
Below is an example of a logging village. The cabins and stores were moved here from various locations.
This looks like something that could cut boards in a hurry.
The campground is only about 35 miles from Crater Lake National Park so it makes an excellent location to stay while exploring the surrounding area.
The drive today was smoke free but we could see the smoke from the Shaniko Buttes fire off in the distance. We were concerned that the campground would be smoky but it was just hot.
Today was another hot day, 103 when we arrived at Deschutes River Recreation Area just west of Biggs off I-84 in the Columbia Gorge. We were welcomed to a shady campground with nice green lawns and the sprinklers running. Again we were able to reserve a site that backs up to the river.
The campground has electric and water hookups but no sewer hookups or dump station.
If trains passing by bother you, this isn't the campground for you. The Union Pacific track through the Columbia Gorge passes right by and they blow their horn several times while passing. I grew up a couple of blocks from the Santa Fe railroad tracks and a switching yard. The switch engines would operate much of the night rearranging the cars. It just doesn't bother me even thou that was some 55 years ago.
Tomorrow we will travel north into Washington and visit our daughter's family and grandchildren. We are privileged to be able to help celebrate two birthdays among other activities so it will be early next week before the next post.
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