A Small Change in Plans Gave Us Time to See Lonnie and Drew - Monday, July 31, 2023

Today, we are getting into our old stomping grounds. We will be traveling on OR 138, a scenic highway with lots of waterfalls. We spent many summers along this highway camping with our boys in our Dodge van or a two-room tent. So many wonderful family memories were made here!

When we left Tulelake, our route took us through Klamath Falls. We stopped for fuel at Fred Meyer and then went north on U.S. 97 past Klamath Lake. We turned west on OR 138 (just north of Crater Lake), the "Rogue Umpqua Oregon Scenic Byway." 

OR 138 is straight as an arrow for a number of miles. We were on the east side of the Cascades so most of the trees are Ponderosa or Lodgepole pines. The huge Jack Fire decimated this area in 2021 and we were afraid of how it affected some of our favorite places. From what we could see from the road, areas near the waterfalls still had lots of trees. As we continued farther down the mountains toward Glide, there was more and more burned timber.

This burned area was at the
higher elevation above Diamond Lake.

High elevation above Diamond Lake.

Here, we are descending into the 
waterfall area.

"Rogue Umpqua Oregon Scenic Byway."

You can see this area still has 
lots of trees.

Our original plan was to camp at Timber Valley SKP Park in Sutherlin, Oregon. It is a first-come, first-served park. We could not make a reservation. 

When we arrived at Timber Valley, we were told they didn't have any availability. Plan B: Continue north on I-5, and have lunch in Rice Hill at K&R Drive Inn. Then we will continue north to Eugene and see Bob's sister Lonnie and her husband Drew.

K&R Drive Inn menu, Rice Hill, Oregon.

Of course, we had Umpqua Ice Cream for dessert!

K&R Drive Inn, our family tradition
for 40 years!

Truck and RV parking is just north of
K&R Drive Inn. That's our 5th wheel.

K&R Drive Inn, Rice Hill, Oregon,

We made reservations at Deerwood RV Park just off I-5 south of Eugene. Lonnie and Drew came to visit us in our RV. It was fun to catch up with them because we hadn't seen them in a few years. We caught up on kids, grandkids, retirement status, and travels. Then, Drew took us in their Tesla on a little tour around the University of Oregon. Bob really wanted to see The Matt. The University has changed a lot since Michael graduated from there.

They recommended Chao Pra Ya Thai Cuisine for dinner which was wonderful. I had Mango Stir Fry, Bob had Chicken Teriyaki, and Lonnie and Drew ordered Gang Puck. 

Bob, Lonnie, and Drew are in our 5th wheel.

Bob, Lonnie, and Drew.

Drew, Lonnie, me, and Bob. [Photo by Bob.]

Me, Bob, and Lonnie. [Photo by Drew.]

We had a wonderful visit and we'll be back in Eugene early in September. We will see them again on our way south. Hopefully, we can catch up with some of our friends who are in Corvallis and Cottage Grove, as well.

Tuesday, we will be in Woodland, Washington. Have a great week everyone!