Southern Oregon Mountains, I-5
So we’re off on another adventure, going south to escape the winter (we hope). We changed our driving routes about 10 times before deciding that winter was everywhere south/east/southeast, and so we might as well go to Ashland, Oregon, straight south to the edge of the Siskiyou Mountains. That way, if we got snowed in, the food would be edible and there might even be some plays to see.
We lunched in Oakland, off I-5 near Sutherlin, because it has a charming historic district of about 15 old (1890′s) brick buildings, all built at the same time (and probably same architect and bricklayers) because the older town, of wood, had burned down. The brick bank building is for sale, but Tolly’s Cafe, where we ate, is thriving.
I took some photos of the old bank and other buildings, but I especially liked the alley across the way from Tolly’s:
Passing the time while traveling is a test of one’s inner resources. One of my tricks today was to see if I could photograph, through the windshield, a classic “S” curve, the sort of compositional scheme painters often look for. This was trickier than I thought because we were traveling at interstate speed so the S’s disappeared quickly. I managed just one.
We are now in Ashland, scheduled for a play this evening, and Jer has just come back from a walk to Safeway, having discovered along the way that a movie we didn’t get to see in Portland is playing here tomorrow. So I think we will stick around for a bit, even if the roadway is clear and dry. –June
Tags: Ashland Oregon, Oakland Oregon, Oregon
February 22, 2013 at 10:08 am |
Not bad composition for a windshield shot!
February 22, 2013 at 10:41 am |
quintessential American travel — big highway, bit truck, distant viewing because of the way Interestates are designed. But of course, southern Oregon hills make the curves interesting. The smear on the windshield adds flavor…. Enjoy alt-write-Friday:-)
February 21, 2013 at 8:25 pm |
Wow! I’m from norcal and road tripping up to vancouver, wa for spring break in a couple weeks! What are some good stops along i5 in or?
February 22, 2013 at 10:39 am |
ddawgie — Portland is always good for something — grab a copy of the Willamette Week for info. And Tolly’s is “quaint” if you are into quaint — in Oakland. Otherwise, it’s pretty much roadfood except for Eugene. We aren’t really familiar with Eugene, so you have to take your chances there.
February 21, 2013 at 7:21 pm |
I’m jealous. I need a road trip.
February 21, 2013 at 7:40 pm |
Come on out, Pat — we’d love to have you join us. But your jealousy won’t work on my guilt — the Big A, after all is your domain.
February 21, 2013 at 11:23 am |
I can think of no better place to just hang out as you head south.
February 21, 2013 at 7:39 pm |
It’s especially great because the place is small enough that we don’t have to attempt to drive in the snow, ice, and dark. Walking is rather enchanting when it’s not far and the destinations are so good.
February 21, 2013 at 4:08 am |
I’m along for the ride too!
February 21, 2013 at 10:34 am |
Glad you are with us, Olga. With any luck it will be fun — or if not fun, then educational:-)
February 20, 2013 at 9:41 pm |
Oh boy, another road trip with the Underwoods! Seriously, I am psyched to be along for the ride.
February 21, 2013 at 10:34 am |
Come on south, Sheila. They say there’s sun down there. And maybe some warmth too, although not this week.