Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Illinois Valley news. (Cave City, Oregon) 1937-current | View Entire Issue (May 3, 2017)
Page A-10 Illinois Valley News, Cave Junction, Ore. Wednesday, May 3, 2017 Winding Trails: by Al Hobart Thursday, April 6, 1967 Illinois Valley News Skiing Crater Lake Rim Two-day Trip – Part 2 Continued from March 29 As night came on, the sky cleared, and to stand there on the Rim and look about at that oddly beautiful winterscape gave one the eerie feeling of having been transported to the mountains of Mars. Through the night the wind blew only at intervals, the temperature lowered to near zero, and in the morning the laughing sun name up–laughing. because of the unfunny joke it was playing on us: giving us the impression that a beautiful sunny day lay ahead. The time we spent in the little life-saving cabin was real pleasant–considering the state of affairs outside–with plenty of good food and warmth and comradely banter. Sleeping quarters were slightly cramped but comfortable for all that. Bill slept on the floor (made of nice soft-wood planks) and left the two stacked bunks for Norm, Joe, Ernie, Charles and me. All had sleeping bags. The single-matressed upper bunk was shared by Ernest and me; the three-quarters job in the lower berth was, miraculously, occupied by Norm, Charles and Joe. Len, whose bloodstream must be well ROGUE VALLEY fortified with antifreeze, slept out on the snow. He had lugged his little nylon tent along and was going to sleep in it even if he froze. The next morning, through chattering teeth, he informed us cheerfully that never had he slept more comfortably–well, seldom. Sunday morning we set out on the last lap of our ski journey. The going we knew would be a mite tougher and the distance somewhat greater than on the previous day, and were happy in the belief that the storm was over. But soon after we left the cabin, the sun, with a traitorous wink, slid behind a bank of clouds, and that was the last we saw of the old joker. Soon thereafter it began to snow again, the wind mounted to gale proportions–and that was to be our bill of fare for the whole eight hours of our second day on the Rim. The temperature that had risen with the sun, now dropped to 21 degrees, and the wind whipping over the crater rim, on exposed ridges blew the horizontally hurtling snowflakes into my eyes in spite of what protection I could give them. It was at such times that my lower face became entirely numb and decorated with icicles. This development wasn’t painful but had me worried; and the mental picture of a fleshless face gave me a slight touch of the bull-horrors. But my hard-hearted, unalarmed comrades, giving my marbled features a careless glance, cheered me up by pronouncing authoritatively: “Oh, you’re o k!” For more than a quarter of a mile, where the road was cut across the side of what is known as Kerr Cliff, no hint of the road was visible, and the steep, uneven, clinging; snow- blanket presented a real avalanche hazard. Here Bill probed out ahead of us, testing for danger and picking the ski trail across. We followed him strung out at hundred feet intervals to distribute our weight along the questionable snow trail. At times we were forced to side-step cautiously up and over a clinging projection of snow; at other times we had to glide down short, rather steep patches with the snow wall close on one side and a long drop-off on the other. I, personally, wasn’t at all unhappy to leave that stretch behind us. But without a few minor hazards along the route the trip wouldn’t be nearly so spicy and exhilarating; and I’ve never heard of any disasters occurring on these round-the-Rim winter adventures. Dean, who had been unable to make the start with us on Saturday, came as far as Dutton Ridge to meet us Sunday. When the 8 of us literally blew into Park Headquarters at the end of that weary day, several hours later than we’d planned, an angel of mercy plied us with delicious hot tea. The Buck Evans family took us in hand and looked after us in a manner that was heart-warming and downright friendly. Knowing there would be some worried women down in the valley; Joe called Frau Donna and had her relay to the other wives the message that all were safe and sound. This tactic could, I suppose, develop into a racket with these married men. When the overdue hubbies get word to their fidgeting ladies that all is well, the latter, riding a big wave of relief, get busy and prepare a swell big dinner for their homeward-bound, might-have-been- lost mates. Of course I always get in on one of the big feeds, so I wouldn’t dare give the show away even if the several-hours delay were intentional. But the only conspirators in this case were the elements, and in spite of their huffing and puffing they only succeeded in making the tour more meaty, and therefore a more valuable, experience. The energy necessarily expended on such a trip as this, with the occasional discomforts and slight risks involved, may impress some as being not worth the effort. But to those who recognize the invaluable offerings of nature, and realize the life-intensifying value of taking advantage of them, such an adventure represents a gift beyond price. Senior SPoTLiGHT Call i.V. Wellness resources @ 541-592-9781 UCAN Senior Companions COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS Food & Friends Menu FRIDAY – MAY 5 MEATLOAF W/ MUSHROOM GRAVY MONDAY – MAY 8 BEEF SPANISH RICE WEDNESDAY - MAY 10 United Community Action Network (UCAN) has a senior companion program. Senior companions are volunteers age 55 and over who make a difference by providing assistance and friendship to other seniors who have difficulty with daily living tasks, such as shopping or paying bills. As a senior companion, you help seniors remain independent in their homes so they don’t have to move to more costly institutional care. You give families much needed time off from their care giving duties, and provide a peace of mind to families when they are absent from their loved ones. Senior Companions serve 15 to 40 hours per week helping an average of four to six adults live independently in their own homes. Volunteers receive a comprehensive orientation, training from the organization where they serve, supplemental insurance while on duty, WAnTeD Senior BULLeTin 3 CHEESE LASAGNA If you need meals delivered please call 541-955-8839. mileage reimbursement and a tax-free hourly stipend. And remember: When you volunteer, you’re not just helping others—you’re helping yourself. Volunteering leads to new discoveries and new friends. Plus, studies show that volunteering helps you live longer and promotes a positive outlook on life. So get involved, and become a UCAN senior companion today! To find more information about UCAN you can visit their website at ucancap.org. If you are interested in becoming a senior companion or you would like to have a senior companion help you out in your home, call Laura at I.V. Wellness Resources for enrollment at 541-592- 9781. You can contact I.V. Wellness Resources at www. ivwellnessresources@gmail.com and please like our Facebook Page @ ivwellnessresources. FREE ADS If you are a senior and want to place a FREE AD for a living or health care need call Laura Mancuso at 541-592-2541 or email laura@illinois-valley- news.com. FOOD & FRIENDS looking for back-up drivers for Meals on Wheels, mileage reim- bursement available. Must pass background check. Call 541-955-8839. CARING CALLER SEEKING RENTER If you are interested in looking for a renter in volunteering to be in home, 1 bedrm, access a senior and disabled to kitchen & utilities, residents Caring Caller $300/month or reduced program: making friends rate for caretaking, 10 with isolated residents in miles outside of CJ the I.V. on the phone, call 541-597-2750. 541-592-9781. Now Open for Recreational Sales
