I’m not going to lie, waking up in a bed this morning was nice although there was a small part of me that missed the coziness of our car (ok very small part). Franklin was so excited for the day to start that he woke me up at 6:00am. We went on a little jog around the creek, through the covered bridge, then back over the floating bridge to get the blood pumping. I think we were both excited for today, the much anticipated Crater Lake National Park was on the agenda. This was a milestone day on the Golden Road not only because it is our first National Park on our long list but it is also something I’ve always wanted to see and as local Oregonian, I’m a little embarrassed I haven’t (it may be true that I have in fact seen Crater Lake as a child, if this is true, sorry for not remembering Mom and Dad). We jumped in our car and started our short 21 mile journey to the rim, the anticipation was palpable as we continued up the windy road. The snow piles on either sides of the road continued to increase in size with every turn until finally the sign. We were here! Without knowing where
to go and the snow packs making it
impossible to really tell where the mountain was compared to the lake, Franklin and I started to slow jog in a direction that just felt right.  Before we knew it, we were climbing a little hill and boom! I don’t know what I was expecting but it truly was natural beauty at it’s finest. So stoic and peaceful yet dominating at the same time.  It was the bluest water that I’ve ever seen and because of the complete uninterrupted stillness of the water, the reflection from the surrounding mountains was an exact replica.  We sat there for a moment in quiet peacefulness before a new crowd of tourists came. We quickly took the necessary photos, played in the snow a bit (Franklin not me) and continued on our way.  A very quick trip but one well worth it.

I didn’t feel like making my traditional breakfast of peanut butter bread and a banana so by the time we hit the adorable little town of Union Creek and passed Beckie’s, I was so hungry I could have eaten Franklin (not really). I threw the car in reverse and parked and got a booth for one and ordered eggs, bacon and hash browns. Little did I know, but that simple meal would be the best I’d ever eaten and boy did I eat it. Not surprising to most of you, but that plate was clean by the time I was done. If you ever get to Union Creek, stop at Beckie’s and get the chicken fried steak, although I didn’t get that, I’m still kicking myself because I bet it is unbelievable.

We continued toward Medford not really knowing where we were going but the scenery on this route ended up being amazingly beautiful. From one cute quaint little town in the woods to the next, following the Rogue River to the Smith River and stopping for waterfalls along the way. Amy Poehler was dominated the entertainment by reading her book “Yes Please” which turned out to be the perfect complement to this beautiful drive.  We (mainly me) laughed all the way to… Brookings?

Yes Brookings.

Now you may wonder, why Brookings? It really started back when I was a kid. I remember waiting for dinner at night, recapping the day with my mom and dad while the news played in the background. It wouldn’t really catch my attention until the weather came on. I remembering being surprised whenever the coastal temperatures would show on the little image of the state and it would always read something like, 40, 42, 43, 37, 72… 72? What? What is this magical oasis on the southern coast of Oregon? I just had to check it out, so we did, because… why not?!

So far it really holds up to my expectations, we might just stay here two days!

Franklin was just excited because he got to roll in the snow today and the sand!