Wednesday, July 8, 2009

July 7, 2009

Oregon Caves

We headed west about 9 am.  Pretty drive down US 199 through tall trees.  At Cave Junction we parked the carbus at the local visitor center and drove 19 miles into the hills to Oregon Caves National Monument.  We were able to sign up for a tour leaving in twenty minutes.  Tours here are limited to 16 people and on busy days there can be a long wait for a tour.  We met our ranger guide who gave us a brief introductory history and then we were off.  Oregon Caves is much smaller than Carlsbad.  Also different type of cave.  Smaller rooms and fewer formations.

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80 year old graffiti sealed in limestone

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Lots of narrow passages and elevation changes.  Very active cave meaning quite wet in many spots.  Our guide was entertaining and quite informative.  We picked up some points we had not heard on previous cave tours. 

400 year old black bear bones

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The tour exits the cave at a spot distant from the start and instead of taking the direct route back to the visitors center we took a longer scenic trail. 

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We then walked through the Oregon Caves Chateau which is on the registry of historic National Park hotels.  Late lunch at a picnic spot by the parking lot and then retrace the drive back to the carbus. 

Lunch visitor

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All hooked up we drove to Smith River, California to Salmon Harbor Resort.  The term ‘resort’ is used rather loosely here.  Mostly it is a long term RV Park with vacant spots interspersed for short time stays.  Looks like spots can be leased and they are rented when the lessees are away.  Crowded but clean and quiet and close to ocean. 20090707-27 20090707-26



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