Back in California (Cough Cough)

As we got closer to Grants Pass, there was smoke to the west from the Collier Butte fire to the west.  There is also the Stouts Creek fire just east of where we stayed last night, and the National Creek/Complex/Crescent Fires up just north of Crater Lake, including some land within the National Park.

As we got closer to Medford, it was as if smoke from all three fires had descended upon the region with winds from Ocean blowing west, and winds up in the mountains blowing south.  It was THICK.

We stopped just north of Medford for gas and propane, and stopped at Harry and David so that my sister Sandy will get some Moose Munch (which will pacifier her since the three Tillamook “Lemonilla Tillabars” are now gone --THEY REALLY ARE THAT GOOD), and we were back on the road within the hour.

If you look real close, just to the right of the large hill to the left of the road you can barely see Mt. Shasta through the smoke.  Yes, it cleared up somewhat after we got over the mountain past Medford, but it is still smoky.

Here is a better shot of Mt. Shasta…but you can still see how much smoke there is.  Yes, the smoke is where the “Cough Cough” comes in…it is thick, it smells, and it does make you cough a bit.

Even in the smoke, the ole mountain can still look good…like it was on a postcard…

We pulled into the McCloud RV Resort around 2:30.  This time of year, even on a Friday, there is space available…well worth the ten mile drive from I-5…and way better than the KOA over in Mt. Shasta along the Interstate.

 

We decided to drive over to Mt. Shasta and eat at the original Black Bear Restaurant.  I really like their Big Bear Burger, and tonight's burger was as good as ever...the fries, however, were a bit old (should have had Onion Rings instead).  Even though it was Friday, we were immediately seated in a nearly full restaurant, and the food and service (other than the fries) were up to par.  There is ALWAYS things that my "Restaurant Manager Eyes" catch, but I try to ignore them the best I can.

Mom got confirmation today that her surgery has been moved up and will be on August 31st.  Although the actual surgery portion is short, less than an hour, there are some pre-surgery procedures that they do…so it will be a good 5-6 hours at the hospital on that day.  We are all just glad that they were able to fit her in earlier…she will be feeling much better about it, especially after it is over.