From Ashland to Ontario Oregon (near Boise, ID)

Leaving Ashland, Oregon, we were going to buy bagels and eat in the car but the place was crowded with students so instead, we went to Morning Glory - one of our favorites.  We should have shared one breakfast but instead, we each ordered one and were overly stuffed.

We left Ashland on Oregon Highway 66, a beautiful drive through the Southern Cascades, past the Klamath River and into  Klamath Falls.  From there we drove Oregon Highway 140 to Lakeview.  We ate lunch in Lakeview at El Aguila Real - a  Mexican Restaurant with good cheese enchiladas and mole.

We could have taken US 395 North from Lakeview to Burns, OR - per Google that was 139 miles and 2 hours and 17 minutes.  Instead,  we continued on Highway 140, entering Neveda until we got to Oregon Highway 205 at Denio, NV (a town that has had better days and looked by the perfect speed trap), then drove North to Burns.  This way was 250 miles and 4 hrs, 24 minutes, about two hours longer.   It was an incredibly beautiful drive but probably unnecessary.  And once we got close to our main destination,  the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, we took a wrong turn and probably drove another hour out of our way ending up on a gravel road during a thunderstorm.   If we would have gone via Highway 395 we would have had about three hours more time for birdwatching,  but oh well.  We did have fun, have a good story to tell, some great views and did see some really good birds anyway (though for a much shorter time)

We ate dinner in Burns at Rhojo's where the chef  prepared us a special mushroom dish that was vegetarian. We then drove two hours to where we are now - in Ontario, Oregon.  From the map, looks like were literally two blocks from the Snake River and Idaho.  We're 55 miles northwest of Boise, Idaho. Tomorrow's destination is the Grand Tetons.

The time changed one hour and its time for bed.

Ashland - Day 3

A very complete last day in Ashland.  Breakfast at Brothers,  followed by an approximately five mile hike (probably a 1,000 feet elevation gain).  A late lunch at House of Thai.  Then off to the movie "Miles Ahead" about Miles Davis staring Don Cheadle,  Wonderful acting.   Then sushi at Kobe, and then the wonderful play Vietgone.  A late night drink and truffle and off to bed we go.  By the way, its been raining off and on since about 6pm but didn't interfere with our hike.

The White Rabbit Trail via Mary Jane Avenue in Ashland, Oregon

Ashland - day 2

Tonight's show was Gilbert and Sullivan's Yeoman of the Guard.  We chose to sit up on stage during the performance.  We had to move when where we sat became a prop.  A very unique and fun production.  With our late lunch and distillery tasting - we skipped dinner and ate some cheese and apple when we got back to the hotel.

An afternoon in Medford

Went to Medford to enjoy the new Immortal Spirits Distillery.  Had a flight of four tastes - Gin, Bourbon, Pear Brandy and Absinthe.  We then were given a fifth taste - Nocino, and bought a bottle.  The bartender was gone, so John, the distiller, served us.  We bought some bruschetta and were then given an extra little something that was wonderful.

We stumbled down the street to Bricktown Brewery - we ordered a whisky stout and a chocolate stout.  We had mac and cheese and a great pear, onion and gorgonzola burger.  Really a super burger or were we just smashed?

We walked, and walked, and walked  around downtown Medford before attempting to drive back to our hotel.

Medford - we'll be back in October.  A really cool downtown.

The before toast with John.

The Flight, from left to right-gin, whiskey, pear brandy and absinth

Have we landed yet?

Picturesque Lithia Park with Plenty of Pictures

Lithia Park