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About Illinois Valley news. (Cave City, Oregon) 1937-current | View Entire Issue (June 22, 2016)
Page A-8 Illinois Valley News, Cave Junction, Ore. Wednesday, June 22, 2016 Winding Trails: by Al Hobart Thursday, June 16, 1966 llinois Valley News Kalmiopsis near Taggart’s Bar Boundless are the joys of tramping the trails through the green forests and over the mountains, and thrice blessed are they who have the yen and the opportunity to partake generously thereof. The above quotation was filched from the second volume of resolutions of the WOWC (Wandering Order of Wild Canuricans), a select club of half a dozen members of restless souls to which I belong, and whose ambitious intent is to hike all available trails within our chosen range, climb all the worthy mountains within our ditto and otherwise hobnob vigorously and joyously; with Nature at every opportunity. A two-day opportunity presented itself to two of my WC pals in neighboring Grants Pass, and a ditto lull occurring in my busy routine, and the three of us decided to rendezvous at a point between our respective bailiwicks and from there take to the wilderness with cameras, bedrolls and a two-day food supply to search canyons, high saddles and mountainsides for a photogenic stand of the royal, lovely little shrub, Kalmiopsis. I parked my jeep near the store in Selma, our take-off point, at 7:30 a.m. Charles and Dean of course were late – 3 minutes. Hobbling Little Toot in a vacant lot, with dire misgivings I climbed aboard Dean’s doodlebug and the three of us took off down the Illinois River like the heel flies were after us. Ten miles or so down the river, by the swinging footbridge near McCaleb Ranch, where there is no vehicle crossing at present, we parked the Volkswagen, wiggled into our packs and headed into the high hills, our destination being Big Chetco River and beyond into the southwest. Steady climbing for about 5 miles brought us into Chetco Pass, on the high divide between the Illinois River and Chetco drainages, and from Josephine into rocky, topsy-turvy Curry County. The day was warm and by the time we reached the top little trickles of brine had etched map- like designs on our dust and pollen-coated faces, and our tongues were hanging clear to here. The route down to the Chetco was a little shorter but a lot steeper, especially the lower half, and much more rocky. In the early evening we reached the river and decided to make our camp here on a level, smooth spot beside the mouth of Slide Creek. And it was at this point I realized I was still being dogged by the hard luck that has pursued me all my life. It seems I’m never looking when something like this happens. One of the treacherous stepping-stones across Slide Creek decided to play a dirty trick on Charles; it maliciously shrugged him off right in midstream, and in he went clear up to here. When he came up the bank, trailing half of Slide Creek after him, and Dean and I realized what had happened while we were gawping elsewhere, we were so disgusted with ourselves we didn’t even laugh– well, not very hard. A cold wind blew on us during the night, but in our hooded, down-filled mummy-bags it only added to our snug enjoyment. With high ridges all around us, contentedly listening to the loudly chuckling swift waters of beautiful Chetco and Little Slide Creek, we lay looking up at the star-filled sky. From the bottom of this deep, dark canyon the stars appeared remarkably bright. Too soon the sandman had to put in his two-bit worth, and it wasn’t long till the musical snores of Dean and Charles were harmonizing with the gurgling and babblings of Slide Creek and Big Chetco. Next morning we waded the river and began the long climb out of the canyon in the general direction of Taggart’s Bar, several miles down the Chetco. Beside the trail, in the saddle of a high, narrow ridge, we found a colony of the wee Kalmiopsis, the first we’d seen of the tiny shrub since entering the Kalmiopsis Wilderness, growing in the company of lovely rhododendrons and flowering dogwood. We were almost too late, but some of the Kalmiopsis plants were still in bloom and the boys took numerous color pictures of them (my camera chose this particular time to go on the blink). Our mission accomplished, we turned back and began the long trek out. The return hike, as always, was longer, steeper and hotter. But on such a wonderful outing the toughest moments, all mixed up with the many thrilling ones, add up to a nice healthful experience of purest pleasure. At the end of the second day we climaxed our 45-mile trip, which included 25 miles of hiking, with a big meal of celebration in a top-hole Valley eatery, after which we parted, going off in opposite directions to our respective hidey-holes, enthusiastically resolved to repeat the whole performance as often as circumstances will permit in the coming months of summer. ROGUE VALLEY Senior SPoTLiGHT COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS Food & Friends Menu FRIDAY – JUNE 24 CHICKEN SALAD SANDWICH For local resources call the ADrC at 1-855-673-2372 Benefits to volunteering: program manager of UCAN Se- Senior Companion volunteers 1) Tax free stipend nior Companion Program serving needed: 2) Mileage reimbursement Douglas and Josephine counties at The United Community Action 3) Meal reimbursement his office at 541-492-3520 or fax at Network (UCAN) is desperately 4) Supplemental insurance 541-672-1983. His email is carlos- seeking Senior Companion volun- 5) Training - pre-service and gomez@ucancap.org, 280 Kenneth teers for the Illinois Valley. Senior Bulletin monthly training on best practices Ford Drive, Roseburg, OR 97470. This is a valuable program that for aging, disabilities & senor is- For more information about re- FREE CHAIR FIT- helps elderly adults, 60 years or sues sources found in the Illinois Valley older and adults who are disabled NESS Classes Monday 6) Studies show that volunteer- or connect to local information for stay independent in their own ing helps the volunteer live longer seniors and people with diabilities, and Wednesdays from 2- homes. Senior companions serve and promotes a positive outlook on their families and caregivers you older adults by providing com- life. can call the Aging and Disability 2:45 p.m. at Healthy U at panionship, assisting with some If you are interested in becom- Resource Connection (ADRC) at 535 E. River St, 541-592- personal care, transportation, light ing a UCAN senior companion 1-855-673-2372 or online at www. 4888. chores, cooking, shopping and please contact Carlos Gomez, adrcoforegon.org. respite care. Sponsored by MONDAY – JUNE 27 TURKEY LOAF WEDNESDAY - JUNE 29 MEATBALLS W/ PASTA If you need meals delivered please call 541-955-8839. Preventing a fall: Falling or tripping hurts. Sometimes falls cause serious injury. The potential for a fall, seri- ous and minor, is some- thing seniors should have in mind. Tripping over a pet happens quite often. Pets seek our company and try to attract our at- tention, especially if they want something from us. Trying to walk faster than usual or walking with a mental preoccupation can make us less wary. If one has a pet and is trying to move quickly with their Low cost spay/neuter available to people feeding potential hazard clearance free roaming cats. Call of your surroundings is in Stephanie 541-956-7586 your best interest. Please for information. Sponsored remember that many medicines and intoxicants by the Josephine County can increase your likeli- Spay and Neuter Fund. hood of falling. In this hot weather, drink plenty Free for Seniors of water. Dehydration can make you less stable on If you are a senior and your feet. Please remember that want to place a FREE cold drinks can cause AD for a living or health “brain freeze.” This will care need call Laura at certainly predispose you to falling. 541-592-2541 or email Contact I.V. Wellness laura@illinois-valley- Resources at www.ivwell- news.com. nessresources@gmail. i.V. Wellness resources mind on something other than walking safely, the potential for tripping over your pet increases. The same is true for that carpet or rug which seems to always catch your foot. Clearing the spaces you walk through of potential hazards, anything which might cause you to trip, is a good idea. Lighthead- edness, feeling dizzy, for example, when one gets up from sitting or lying down can easily predis- pose someone for a fall. This is especially true when getting up from bed a night. Even if you only experience this once in a while, it is a good idea to wait after you stand up before walking. If you experience this dizziness often or if it ever causes you to doubt your abil- ity to walk until it passes, having something sturdy to hold on to right where you get up is a good idea. How about those slippery porch steps or that rickety step ladder or those sticks in the yard? There are many things which can predispose you to trip and fall. A safety survey and Summer 2016 June 23 Dale Hopper June 30 Ras Cricket & Frankie Hernandez July 7 Southbound July 14 Shoplifter July 21 Kelly Thibodeaux and Etouffee July 28 Buckle Rash Aug 4 Rosie Wittman Refreshments on sale by Bobbalou’s Hamburgers and Dogs Sound provided by Jammers Jukebox Check him out on Facebook at Jammers Jukebox S PORTSMAN TAVER N K araoKe All you cAn eAt breAkfAst or order off the menu At the I.V. GrAnGe e very Friday Serving CoCKtailS B A R ♥ G R EAT F OOD ♥ C ♥ SI F U LL L IV E M U C an ’ t wait to see and hear all of you F irst three s undays oF the month From 8 a . m . to 12 noon . 3763 Holland Loop 541-592-6045
