The Trip>>Day Two (July 7).............................Two Spirit

Day two of our trip began about 4:30 in the morning. After a couple of cups of coffee, and last minute items put in the van, we were ready to load up and head north. The early morning drive was an easy one, as we managed to get out ahead of the rush hour traffic heading to Sacramento. The first 160 miles of the trip were much the same, flat fields of corn, alfalfa, oats, grapes, and other crops. As we neared Redding though, we began to notice a snow capped mountain ahead of us. Also, we began to get into more rolling hills. We soon began seeing signs for Lake Shasta, and realized the mountain we were seeing was Mt. Shasta.

As we cleared Redding, the road began more uphill and downhill runs, as we started getting into the foothills of northern California. Soon we were coming off a hill towards a bridge, and noticed Lake Shasta on either side of us. The lake is a beautiful sight nestled in the hills. Once over the bridge though, I was having to pay closer attention to the road rather than the scenery. Sudden curves and even greater grades meant that I not only had to keep and eye on the road, but to other traffic around me.

Just north of Lake Shasta, we pulled off for fuel, and it was then MsPriss's turn to drive. This gave me more time enjoy the scenery, as well as take photos as we were driving along. We soon cleared Mt. Shasta, and were headed toward Yreka in the northern reaches of California. After passing Yreka, and crossing into Oregon, we began the first of numerous long climbs into the mountains of southern Oregon. At that point, we had put 300 miles behind us.

The drive through Oregon was great. The scenery was breathtaking, and around every curve there were new sites to see. We made our way through Medford, and the Grant's Pass, and continued onward toward Roseburg. All around you can see the hills and mountains, with tall evergreens as far as the eye can see. Finally, 125 miles into Oregon, we saw the first signs of our destination.

As we came into Roseburg, we noticed something going on at the fairgrounds. Not sure what it was, we headed on for our hotel. As we entered the parking lot, we noticed all manner of classic and muscle cars. We soon found out it was graffiti weekend.

After checking in, MsPriss decided to shower and freshen up a bit. While she was doing that, I made a post on USM to let people know that were in Oregon, and that we were the mystery guests. Then we called George and Ginger only to find that they were still a ways up the interstate. We then decided to find a store and start buying our supplies. First we hit Wal-Mart, and picked up a cooler, charcoal, and cooking supply. Next we went to Safeway to get the meat. When we got the meat department, all we saw were some puny pork roasts. Knowing they would not do, we talked to the butcher and told him what we needed. He came back a few minutes later with four roasts that were over six pounds each. Next we picked up sausage, and with our shopping done, went back to the motel to relax a bit more.

Finally, we decided to head out the G2G site. About 15 minutes out of Roseburg, we found the turnoff at Glide. The next twelve miles were a twisting two lane road running alongside the Little River. Finally, we saw the sign for the campground and headed in.

MsPriss wanted to play like we were lost or just looking, so she had me drive past the pavilion where everyone was, and then drive back out of the camp site. We then turned around and drove back, still acting lost. We pulled into a parking place, and Priss got out and asked it anyone knew how to get to Amarillo. We walked into the pavilion, and introductions were made all around. Hugs were the order of the day, as we met Akua Tuta, Ultima of Elsewhere, Punk Star Chick and her husband Richard, and two of Akua’s neighbors.

We all sat around talking for a couple of hours, wondering when G and G would arrive. Finally, close to dark, they made their grand arrival. More hugs were had all around, and we began unloading goodies from their van. Finally the pizza was unloaded, and supper was served.

After more chatting and getting reacquainted, George broke out the board and markers and we began playing pictionary. We played until around 1:00 in the morning, my granddaughter having fallen asleep a couple of hours earlier. Finally we headed back to town to get some rest. It turned out that our second day of the trip was longer than the first day. We had been up for almost 21 hours, and our bed was a welcome relief that night.

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