Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Oregon Waterfalls

Continuing north, we settled around Diamond Lake, just north of Crater Lake. This is a wonderful area with plenty of natural beauty and ways to enjoy it. However the mosquitoes have gotten increasing worse with each move and we are forced to take bold action.

One day we decided to drive scenic OR138 which follows the North Umpqua River, stopping at some of the numerous waterfalls along the way.

Ron came prepared for the hungry wildlife.


The first waterfall we visited was Watson Falls. A short hike took us along pretty Watson Creek . .


To Watson Falls which plunges 272 feet over the edge of a basalt lava flow.


I enjoyed the rhododendron blooming along the trail.


Next up was Toketee Falls - one of the most photographed along the route. This was obviously the wrong time of day. I actually thought this was the worst waterfall picture I would take all day, but I was wrong.


The drive between the falls was gorgeous and deserved a picture too. For some reason, this is called Rattlesnake Rock.


Now on to the worst picture. It started out well with this pretty trail.


Tragically Susan Creek Falls was in full sun with all the surrounding area in deep shade. But in the spirit of full disclosure, I'm posting the picture anyway.


On our way home, I decided to try Toketee Falls again. Either I was still too early (at 5pm) or the picture should be taken before the sun hits it in the morning.


So here is one of the voracious critters trying her best to attack. Actually, mosquitoes are not my most hated insect. The tiny black flies in UP of Michigan and the ticks in Arkansas are worse in my opinion. Luckily it's been cool enough that we can cover up (Ron has his bee keeper suit and I have my Avon bug guard.)

8 comments:

  1. Ha, ha, ha! You left a comment on my blog about mosquitos and, since we are now sitting in pouring rain, I had plenty of time to follow your comment back to your blog. Odel and I both have the exact same stylish bug net headgear shown in your photo. :) Works well against critters, but I notice it holds in the heat and humidity when we doing an uphill hike. We got them back in Wisconsin several years ago when the combination of mosquitos and biting flies became TOO MUCH!

    I see you are traveling in southern Oregon right now. We're planning to get back to Crater Lake later this year. For now, we're heading to Port Townsend for clam chowder at Fin's Restaurant... with a few stops between here (Rockport, WA) and there. I'm looking forward to reading more of your posts.

    Safe travels,
    Laurie

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  2. Love the waterfalls and looking forward to seeing some when I make my way up there later this summer. But, oh NO! How I hate mosquitos! They sure do love me, though.

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  3. Don't be so hard on yourself regarding the photographs.... They do a great job of providing vicarious thrills for those of us stuck in dry-dock.

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  4. BE prepared is he best motto and RON is! Good Idea..I hate them varmit buzzing around my ears and face--shudders and the black flies OMG they become suicide bombers into your EYES...dang.
    The vidoe is awesome!! SO loud and crashing just wonderful--waterfalls are very hard to photograph Ive learned that the hard way too...BUT I can tell the ones you photographed are Beautiful!!!! Safe Travels--

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  5. You are really determined - walking to the falls twice!

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  6. The photos of the falls are great. Don't be so hard on yourself. I tried filming them in black and white once and it is even harder. Sounds like you are having a good trip and it seems cooler. We are dying with high heat and humidity and would give anything for a nice day in the mid 70s.

    Hugs,
    Claudia

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  7. Love the video of Watson Falls--effective and creative.

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  8. If you consider the ticks in Arkansas as really bad then I must think you never got into the chiggers!

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