2008 Oregon Summer Vacation

July 27, 2008 Eugene, OR

I love Oregon. It's that simple. We flew in yesterday, direct from Kansas City, and it was a pretty boring flight, actually. The most exciting part of the journey was seeing the Chicago Fire MLS team stroll through the airport in KC. If I'd had a camera ready I might've gotten some cool pictures of them.

This morning we skipped church and met Danielle and Gilbert @ Denny's for breakfast. Then we just hung out at home for the majority of the day. We did take time to visit the Duck Store in the mall because, let's face it, you can never have enough Oregon Duck gear. Go Ducks!

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July 28, 2008 Eugene, OR

Today dawned bright and clear and a little too early for comfort. The spare bed in my parents' house bears striking simmilarities to basalt. Still, it was a beautiful day, a beautiful morning. And it was made all the more beautiful by the certain knowledge that I would soon be in the mountains.

After a quick breakfast and a brief stop at G.I. Joe's, we [Mandi and I] hit the road to Olallie Mountain. We paused for a moment at Cougar Reservoir before driving the last 15 miles down a gravel road to the trailhead. Along the way we startled a blacktail doe with twin fawns.

It was my first trip up Olallie and it was spectacular. As Mandi and I started up the trail we considered the plight of our friends in the Midwest. Our friends the Dinwiddies are on vacation this week as well, in Oklahoma City, where its somewhere around a hundred and who-cares-because-its-hotter-than-Hell! We, by contrast, enjoyed the coolness of the morning on a day that barely cleared 80 degrees. I feel sorry for them.

Anyway, the trail was great. We were the first ones there so we had the magnificent privilege of being alone in the Three Sisters Wilderness. About halfway up we startled a covey of grouse, or more accurately, we were startled ourselves. They broke cover about 10 feet away from us, 6 of them. We also saw some magnificent old growth douglas firs. One was about 8 feet in diameter. It would've held its own in the redwood forest.. There was also a plethora of wildflowers in bloom; we lost track after counting over 20 varieties.

At the top of the mountain we could see virtually the entire Cascade Range, everything from Mt. Thielsen in the south to Mt. Hood in the north. We even got to see the lookout cabin which, according to the Forest Service employee who showed up about half an hour after we got to the peak, was thought to have collapsed under the immense snow pack last winter. He was actually there to take pictures of whatever was left of it, but it was still standing.

We spent probably about an hour on top of the mountain before heading back down. The view was amazing. We just took it in while eating lunch. Rarely have I seen such a view. [Snow capped peaks from horizon to horizon, sub-alpine meadows, pine and fir forests all around us. The sun was warm, the sky was blue and the air was clear and smelled like a pine trees and wildflowers. At one point we stopped at a patch of snow next to the trail that had somehow managed to survive this late. We intended to make angels, but it was too dirty to justify, so we just enjoed the cold instead.] Meanwhile, the rest of the family went to Fall Creek Reservoir and spent the day boating and tubing. When all was said and done we wound up pulling into the driveway at the same time. Perfect. Tomorrow: we rest!

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July 29, 2008 Eugene, OR

If not for the pain of my strained left quad or the five blisterson my right foot, today was a fantastic day. A day filled with nothing in particular. I got up, piddled about until noon, ate lunch at the food court of the Valley River Center, watched 'Wall-E,' piddled about some more, and finished the day with dinner at Fawn and Ron Randall's. Paella and flan. Again. Fawn makes THE most incredible paella! And her flan is the best you'll ever have . Spain would be jealous.

I wish I could say there was more depth to the day than that, that I'd spent the afternoon solving global poverty or something, but that would be a lie. I basically did as little as possible and enjoyed every minute. My deepest thoughts were reserved for which hikes we should take the kids on over the next couple of days as we travel to central Oregon.

We did have a great time at the Randalls'. The food, as mentione, was to die for, but the comany was great as well. I hope I have friends like that when I'm old enough to retire. We just talked through dinner and dessert before settling in by the campfire in their lower yard. I've moved so much over the past 10 years its been hard to develop lasting friendships. Something I've begun to realize on this trip is that the measure of my sacrificial service to God shall not be measured by money or power or fame, but by simple geography. If it was up to me, we'd live in Eugene. Now. But its not my choice or will; its His. And that's fine too. Ultimately I know its best this way, even if it hurts from time to time.

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July 30, 2008 Wickiup Reservoir, OR

I can't even tell you what time it is. My watch broke the night before we flew out. It's not that late though, not even 10pm, or so I'd guess. We're here at Wickiup for three days, and we brought Christopher and Sophia. Another sacrifice. The selfish side of me resents that they're here. They completely change the dynamic of the trip, making work instead of rest, creating space I don't want between me and my parents since we all now have to watch kids constantly. So I'm frustrated.

At the same time I must recognize that they ARE family too. Niece and nephew. And as such theye deserve more than a simple, "Hey dude," when we are out here. More significatly, they are the family that connect best with my children. The bond between cousins can be, often is, stronger thn uncle/aunt-niece/nephew. In that regard it's important that they be here, even if we do have occassional concerns about their influence on our kids.

Driving up here I had the chance to reflect on my life a bit, and I came to the realization that I am without a doubt spoiled rotten. I secretly despise living in the midwest, but if I live a hundred more years and never leave Joplin, I'll have experienced a fuller life than 99.999% of the population in the history of mankind. I have NO reason to complain, but I do.

Mandi coined this phrase, "What Jon wants, Jon gets," and I've seen it proved a hundred tims over. And not just because I'm demanding (although there is that as well) its that people willingly submit to my will and often without asking. I can't tell you how many times I've been in a group and when decision time comes had them say something akin to, "well, we'll just follow you, Jon." Seems improbable, silly or arrogant, but its true! I sometimes have to evade responsibility in matters such as where we'll go to lunch, or what we'll do about X. I'm not immensely popular, or a charismatic leader, I just tend to have my way.

Except here.

Except now.

And I need to be okay with that. Though my flesh cries NO! yet my soul must acquiese. For the sake of my children. Because I long for them to love Oregon like I do.

Lord, you've blessed me beyond all measure. Give me the strength, the dignity, to lay down my selfish desires and take on the mantle of humility and sacrifice for my family. And I beg you, Father, to open a door -and soon- to return to Eugene without losing our integrity (such as it is), our unity or our material and physical health. Yes, Lord, this is a selfish prayer, but I ask it nevertheless. Only let YOUR will be done. Amen.

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July 31, 2008 Wickiup, Reservoir, OR

What a day. Full of fun and frustration. We started the day with a plan to hike the Fall River Trail (5.6 miles). We wanted to take our kids, but since Chris and Sophia are along, and Alyssa's foot is still bothering her, we substituted Chris for Aly, left her to play with Sophia and set out. We took lunch with us, but I did the math and expected to be back in camp by noon.

Big Mistake.

Due to poor communication with mom, bad directions AND incorrect information in the guidebook, we didn't arrive at the trailhead until lunchtime. I wanted to kill someone. Mandi and the kids however, had a great time.

Because we were 50+ miles off course, I wound up taking a shortcut to get us back, not realizing that there were several scenic stops along the way. (First off, I should mention that our mis-direction took us down the Cascade Lakes Highway past Cultus, Elk and Lava Lakes as well as Mt. Bachelor, Broken Top, Tumalo and the South Sister. Georgous!) So, looking for a route to get us back quicker, I decided to take Highway 41, which I've never been on. We hadn't gone more than a couple of miles when we saw a sign for Dillon Falls. Now, I've never heard of Dillon Falls, but we were an hour out of our way already and Mandi loves waterfalls, so what the heck! And as it turns out, Dillon Falls is a roaring cataract on the Deschutes River. The water roiled through a lava canyon, and the kids screamed with excitement when they saw it. It was a big hit with all of us. I was on a mission though, so we only stayed for about 15 minutes before heading back to the car. Another couple of miles up the road we stumbled onto Benham Falls. Same drill. Totally cool.

After Benham Falls we forsook all other stops and made directly for Fall River. Highway 41, by the way, isn't competely paved; we spent the last 15-20 miles on gravel. It was during that time that I reflected on what I'd written last night. My temptation was to be angry, very angry, but the reality is that I must accept that:

1. The world doesn't revolve around me.
2. I am blessed beyond measure.
3. God's plan is better.
4. If I never do anything in the rest of my life I still have no reason to complain.

In light of those truths I need to focus on letting go of my inner fury. I think that may be the key to controlling my temper, which has been a life-long Achilles' Heel for me.

Eventually we got to Fall River. Wrong trailhead, but since it's an out-and-back it didn't matter. Honestly, the trail was a bit of a disappointment. It didn't follow the river as much as I thought it would, and we never got to see the spring that was it's initial draw for me. The high point was watching Mandi jump off a log into the middle of the river. She didn't realize it is basically all just glacial runoff. She FROZE. I totally love that I am married to a woman who is unafraid of having a little fun like that. How many women would risk their perfect hair, or be afraid of getting caught in wet clothes, or even just shy away because it might be uncomfortable to hike in wet panties? I got the whole thing on video. Instant classic! I love you, Mandi.

And now my flashlight is dying and the fire is fading as well. Time for bed.

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August 1st, 2008 Wickiup Reservoir, OR

Our last day in central Oregon. We priced some real estate in a home guide this afternoon. Lots for $250k, condos for $450k, we'll never be able to come back here. Sad.

Today we visited the springs that form the headwaters of Fall River, then explored a bit at Pringle Falls (poorly named--it's only a weak rapid), and finished our adventures with a trip to the Lava Cast Forest in Newberry Crater National Monument. The kids LOVED the latter. They took off like jackrabbitsas soon as we hit the trail. They were climbing down the holes left by the trees in the lava field and climbing the twisted gnarled trees growing through the rock. It took us more than twice as long as we'd planned to complete the hike, but it was worth every minute. And the views were spectacular too.

We got back to the campsite at about 4pm, and the kids hit the beach immediately. They are SOO worn out. Chris and Sophia stayed with mom and dad all day and I'm not sure who was happier to see us come back. Mom and dad were worn out as well.

As usual the day ends around the campfire. A great day, perfect really. Even the weather, about 75 degrees and sunny. A nice contrast to the Hellish inferno I'll be returning to Monday.

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August 2nd, 2008 Eugene, OR

Today we drove back to Eugene. Visited every gallery in Sisters. Had dinner in Springfield at a place called Mookie's. Its a remodel of a Taco Bell serving $20/plate dinner. Best seafood alfredo I've ever had. Now were watching "Fool's Gold." [Mandi's a sucker for Matthew McConaughey movies.]

2008 Lake Eufaula, Oklahoma Vacation

July 3, 2008 Lake Eufaula, Oklahoma

Lakeside. I’m so glad we’re here. My first time at the cabin. We’re here with Jack and Jayne, Brad, Angie, Zeke and McKenzie. It’s a 2-room cabin so we’re all sleeping together, which is a great recipe for family fun. Its really too late to do anything tonite so we’re watching Where the Red Fern Grows and bedding down. It’s the family’s 1st post-Mike holiday, so that’ll be interesting, but should be a great weekend.

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July 5, 2008 Lake Eufaula, Oklahoma

I think I must write better in my sleep because every time I wake and compose my thoughts they sound great, but by the time I actually get around to writing them down, all the great thoughts are gone and all that’s left is this running descriptive that doesn’t sound that good at all. I hope that when I’m old and vegetative though that someone takes the time to read it all to me. Perhaps then I could recall what a blessed life I’ve been privileged to live.

Yesterday, of course, was the 4th of July. Happy birthday, America. If only you had become the nation our forefathers intended… Still, you’re a pretty amazing country. Anywho, I was reminded of all the great memories I have of the 4th. I suppose one of the earliest and best was 1981. That was the year I began my tradition of honoring the eruption of Mt. St. Helens. That year I scraped a bunch of dirt into a big pile, scooped out the middle and put a bunch of fireworks in the hole. They were all small stuff, kids stuff, because Oregon doesn’t allow anything else. Then, using the powder I gathered by sawing open a handful of shotgun shells, I primed my creation. Finally, after calling out my family to observe the occasion, I lit a match, dropped it into my miniature mountain and promptly lost my eyebrows. The gunpowder was better than I thought, creating a BIG flash that ignited the hair on my 10-year-old face and the fuses of all the smoke bombs, snakes, strobes and whatever else I could get that I’d tossed into the cone. Twenty-seven years later and the formula hasn’t changed much at all…

Fireworks and the 4th have always gone hand in hand and I can remember vividly a number of years when my parents would host a huge (75-150 people) party and I—and sometimes a friend or three—would be in charge of pyrotechnic displays. There was, of course, always a volcano, but that was usually the only real “legal” display we’d put on. We’d buy our stuff out of state and bring it in just for the party. At least twice my mom even had shirts made for us advertising our special status at the party. One year I read the Declaration of Independence. People cried. It was amazing. To this day I struggle with the ideal of patriotism. I serve God first, but I am also an American, right or wrong.

Another special 4th was spent in Eforie Sud, Romania, with Mandi. We were the only Americans there, and all we had were party poppers, but it was our first major holiday spent together. We weren’t even dating then, but it’s special to me. That was 1995.

Another time I spent the 4th in Sunriver with my family. I was young, but can’t remember how young. We drove to Bend to watch the display and they caught the hill on fire that they were staging on.

In 2004 we took students to a state park in Bloomington, Indiana to camp for the weekend. [Actually it was Lake Monroe State Recreation Area—Paynetown.] After setting up camp we drove to a beach nearby to watch the display. It was a good show, dwarfed by the phenomenal thunderstorm that rolled in just at the same time. The lightning outshone the fireworks and it began to rain just exactly as we got back to our car.

There were 2 carloads of students with us and the rain was so heavy it stopped traffic. We got something in the neighborhood of 6 inches in an hour! Since the road we were on was right next to the lake we actually had to have someone get out a couple of times to make sure we were still on the road. It took us nearly an hour to make the few (<5) miles to our campsite. There we found that our tents were dry, but basically floating in 2-3 inches of water. As I stood there in the deluge discussing whether to stay or leave with one of the students, a bolt of lightning crashed down close enough for both of us to get the message. Much closer and we’d have been fried. We left everything and headed to the safety of town. Yesterday was also a fun 4th. We celebrated with most of Mandi’s side of the family here at the lake. Jack, Brad, Zeke, Nate and I tried to find some crappie, but the fishing was terrible so we came back early and played at the beach instead. Most of the day was spent swimming and playing in the water. Last night we went to the boat dock and lit off a few fireworks, mostly for the kids. It was a good relaxing day. Maybe tonight we’ll make a volcano…

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July 7, 2008 Joplin, Missouri

Monday. The weekend is over. I’m torn between sadness and relief. Frankly, I don’t care much for Lake Eufaula as a destination. I mean, the crappie fishing is amazing (normally), but the heat is a real bitch. Every time I go down there its like a thousand degrees and humid. You can cool off in the water, but you’re still cooking. In the shade you’ll just sweat a lot, which is a relief from the broiler element they call sunshine there. And really, there’s not much to do. If the fish aren’t biting you’ll be either sitting in the shade sweating or sunbathing or playing in the coffee-brown water, none of which appeal much to me personally. Here’s the catch: The rest of the family LOVE it. And I’ll sacrifice whatever to give them those memories. The kids play endlessly in the water and Mandi would stay in the sun until she evaporated completely if she could. Fortunately she’s listened to my rants about skin cancer long enough that its starting to sink in that too much sun is a bad thing.

Anyway… Yesterday we went to North Fork Baptist Church and after a quick bite at Sonic in Eufaula we visited Lake Eufaula State Park. It was horrible. I’ve been to numerous state parks across at least 7 states and that one was the worst of all of them. By a mile. The visitor center smelled like the inside of a badly run nursing home which was ironic since the very senior citizen running the place couldn’t hear if you didn’t shout and couldn’t actually use the cash register. Seriously. I tried to buy a little decorative knick-knack as I often do, and she asked me if I knew how to use the register! The rest of the park seemed well manicured though. We hiked a couple of short (<1 mile) trails but even that was too much in the heat and humidity for the kids and Mandi. Did I mention the ticks? They’re everywhere down here. Seed ticks, deer ticks, any tick you want. Just step more than 3 feet off the concrete and you’ll have your choice. Fun, fun, fun!

Anyway, (I use that word a lot I’ve noticed), anyway, I’m not sure what to do about Labor Day. We’ll be expected to return to the blast furnace for more family fun, but I have a hard time getting excited about it. And it really is just my problem. Mandi’s entire side of the family is nuts about the place. Of course, they’ve never known anything better, or different. I grew up spending summer in the arid mild heat of central Oregon. Bend, Sisters, South Twin Lake, Sunriver. Please, God send us back there! I suppose, in the end, life is about family, and since Mandi and I are from different parts of the country we’ll always have to choose between hers and mine. We both hate that, but we also recognize that it is God who put us together and led us here, and that will always be enough.