Jefferson Park

My mom eating breakfast: Bays Lk, Jefferson Park. - Keith Pearen

Melanie, my mom, Cota and I had such a wonderful three day trip into Jefferson Park. I had totally forgotten how beautiful that area is! It was absolutely gorgeous with wonderful fall weather and colors. The lack of people was great. I only saw two other parties of two while in Jeff Park. My mom just got a new backpack, tent and sleeping bag with my help so she was keen to try those out. She loved all her new gear. We played "Spite and Malice" in the evenings. It was so nice to spend some good time with my mom before heading to Korea.

Rogue River

Senior rowing the Rogue, OR. - Keith Pearen





















Melanie lovin' the sun on the Rogue. - Keith Pearen

Had a great time on the Rogue this weekend with Melanie and my dad. Cota stayed with my mom which is good because he will be there while we are in Korea. We drove down Wednesday evening and put on first thing Thursday. Ran Rainie falls without incident and got to see some awesome salmon jumping up the falls. Had three great camp sites at Lower Horseshoe, Missouri Bar and Tate Cr. Saw a one-year-old bear at Tate Cr. but from the other side of the river. No crowds and great fall weather. This was definitely one of my best Rogue trips ever.

Finally

Well it seems that I am finally nearing completion of my Masters. Things are coming together for Korea and I finally managed to get out of Corvallis for a bit. Mel and I just got back from a trip to climb Thielsen and check out Crater Lake. Thielsen was quick and easy even for my out of shape self. We tied Cota up right below the easy 5th class to the summit. Later, we saw an awesome sunset and full-moon-rise from the rim of crater lake, which Melanie had never been to. She loved it! We checked out the renovated Crater lake lodge after dark for some drinks and aperitifs; pretty nice. We bivied in the back of the truck and had the Umpqua hot springs to ourselves this morning. So nice. Just a few more days of finishing up school stuff now.