Today I had to drive to the east side of the Cascade mountains in southern Oregon. Of course, my luck being what it is, it rained like crazy below 2000' yesterday, last night, and this morning, and snowed like crazy above 2000', which meant the passes across the mountains were treacherous at best. Chains were required to get through the Willamette and Santiam Passes, the Willamette being my usual route
I decided to take a southern route, which took longer - over four hours of driving in the rain - but I hoped would not be as difficult to travel.
It was perfect.
The road between Medford and Klamath Falls is a normal two-lane highway, lightly traveled this time of year. For 67 miles I had the eastbound highway nearly to myself. On an empty, forested mountain road, with the cruise control set at 60, movement seems nonexistent, time slows down, and all that matters is the color of the trees and sky and clouds as the sun touches everything. Add a playlist of amazing music to the mix, and it makes a damn good end to a long day.
I decided to take a southern route, which took longer - over four hours of driving in the rain - but I hoped would not be as difficult to travel.
It was perfect.
The road between Medford and Klamath Falls is a normal two-lane highway, lightly traveled this time of year. For 67 miles I had the eastbound highway nearly to myself. On an empty, forested mountain road, with the cruise control set at 60, movement seems nonexistent, time slows down, and all that matters is the color of the trees and sky and clouds as the sun touches everything. Add a playlist of amazing music to the mix, and it makes a damn good end to a long day.
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