Inspiration and Misery

Today we hiked Smith Rock. The Rock is a prominent igneous feature in the Oregon high desert plateau, and provides breathtaking views as one hikes first around and then across it. Misery Ridge, they call it—and so it was for a height-anxious Knox….

A mecca for rock climbers everywhere, Smith Rock also provides good eye candy and inspiration to further explore whether I would be passionate about climbing. My one class intrigued me with the required balance of concentration, dexterity, and what-am-I-doing-up-here panic control. This winter, maybe?

Joy-riding up the Rogue

I don’t like setting my alarm clock on vacation, but I’m glad I did this morning. We went joy-riding with the blue-hairs up the Rogue River! We saw ospreys and eagles and deer as we traversed grandiose scenery, had lunch, and got wet “braving” the rapids. The splashing was mostly gratuitous showmanship, but nonetheless I tittered with all the grandmas as we banked turns on the water and sped through narrow channels.

We have now crossed the California border. Tomorrow: redwoods!

Camembert and Figs

Day three of our honeymoon finds us at The Inn at Spanish Head. This is the first building in my experience where the street-level lobby is on the ninth floor. Balcony views of the coast and an outdoor swimming pool lured us to pause our drive south for an extra night. The hotel restaurant and lounge offer lackluster food and service (though the chef’s smokehouse salmon is good). But no problem: after a late night swim, we snacked on Croatian fig jam and Camembert cheese baguette sandwiches, ingredients courtesy of our local Whole Foods back in Seattle. The plan for today: beach walks, more swimming, reading, and maybe geeking out.