Autumn Reflections: Day Trippers, yeah!
- Mt. Lassen Peak as reflected in Manzanita Lake
Last Saturday’s forecast promising sunny fall weather in our area proved right on target. Relying on this prediction, my good friend and I decided to take a day trip so I could say goodbye to a family vacation lake house soon to be sold.
Before our trip up into this mountainous region best known for Mt. Lassen Peak, we stopped at the local coffee drive-thru to snag some Oregon Chai Latte, a black tea with vanilla and spices combined with 2% milk. We wanted to be jazzed as we made our way up the twisting roadway.
On the way, we found a place to pull over so we could explore snow-fed Deer Creek. Climbing down to the water’s edge, we snapped photos of a small waterfall with a backdrop of yellow leaves dangling from tenuous branches. Big leaf maple abounded with its golden leaves, evidencing a decline in chlorophyll production. Alder and some western dogwood displayed a pink-orange, while the poison oak has transitioned from pink to orange to brilliant red. It’s rare that I see pink in the fall, outside of pink-tober. What a welcome relief! I hope to paint from the photos we took.
A campsite sits on the opposite side of the road, so we crossed over to explore. At the peak of summer this locale must be packed with families eager to have running creek water for cooling off and for children’s play. If only these summer tourists could see the magic of this heavenly place in the autumn, with its vibrant colors and shifting shadows.
When we reached town we found a gift store where we could browse and window shop. We met some lovely women there, taking the time to chat, share stories, and marvel at the myriad of Christmas ornaments on display. I love the fact that we were not rushed in any way. Leaving this shoppe we headed for the realtor’s office so I could sign papers and get key access to the vacation home.
For lunch we chose Knotbumper, a homey restaurant located in town for over 20 years, one to which I’d never been despite all the summers I spent in this area. A wood-burning stove with a glowing belly graced the main dining room, providing atmosphere and charm. As we sat there, we noticed a marked influx in customers, undoubtedly including those who had gotten a late start up the mountain and were now just arriving to enjoy a hearty meal. From the eclectic menu I chose a lunch called Coyote Flats, consisting of a chile relleno casserole, a tasty navy bean soup and some refried beans and a tortilla.
It was the first meal I’ve finished in a long time.
Knotbumper Restaurant
Sample cuisine
We then ventured next door to a place called “Good Vibrations.” No, we didn’t see the Beach Boys. While we were minutes from a lake beach, we were five hours from any ocean. But we did find unique treasures that would make fabulous souvenirs. According to my friend, who lived in this area as a teen, the store’s building was once a restaurant, with an outdoor eating area overlooking a babbling brook. She remembered the history of many of these buildings in town, so she became a tour guide giving me a glimpse into the past.
When our desire for shopping abated, we made our way to the lake house. Having not been there for over two years, I didn’t know what to expect. But it was exactly the way I remembered it. The big river-rock stone fireplace still dominated the Great Room. Furniture stood where I remembered it to be. The decks still looked out on a lake and mountain scene partly obscured by pine trees. The afternoon was so warm and inviting that I was surprised there weren’t any boats out on the lake. But then again, boat rental season is over and homeowners have brought in their docks for the season. Snow still lingering on the ground reminded us of the significant snowfall they had had a week earlier. So while no boaters were enjoying the lake, this was the perfect day to come, before the weather turned again and the days shortened considerably.
After saying goodbye to the house and locking it up, I jumped into my friend’s vehicle and she drove around the peninsula on which the house sits. We noted how close the homes are to each other because land is so valuable. We passed countless bear and moose mailboxes. We passed the now-deserted beach and tennis courts. I marveled how restaurants had relocated even since I had been there two years ago. Changes of ownership and venue are common in this area where the economy depends mostly on summer tourists.
After leaving the peninsula my friend drove me to the area where her family used to live. She pointed out her old house and the school bus route and the school she used to attend. She actually got bored on the bus despite the beautiful mountain ranges appearing from the windshield every day. I can’t believe it would be boring, but when you are a teenager and the route leads to school, the scenery becomes routine fast.
Cascade mountain range seen from the bus
After we dropped off the house key at the realty office, we headed out of town before the melting snow could turn to ice on the road. We were armed with cookies to munch on as our snack. Our first stop was just out of town where we searched for the perfect sugar pinecones to take back. Ponderosa pines are prominent in the foothills near where we live, but the sugar pines with their enormous cones grow much further up into the mountains. What great decorations these will be for Christmas!
Once we got back on the road that followed Deer Creek we pulled over to get a closer glimpse of the Indian rhubarb growing there. The big, fan-shaped leaves of this plant are beginning to blaze in red. For those unfamiliar with this water plant, it is a slowly-spreading perennial native to mountain streamsides in woodlands in the western United States (southwestern Oregon to northwestern California). We had missed it on the way up and didn’t want to pass up the opportunity to zoom in on its once-a-year glory.
Indian rhubarb before the fall
When we returned to our home city, I gave my friend a huge hug of gratitude as we parted ways. I told her this trip was the best I had ever taken up to that area. No other mountain drive could compare to this one with a beautiful friend who cares and takes the time to stop along the way and live life in the slow lane.
You see, my cancer has likely returned. This was a perfect diversion, an incredible almost-ending to pink-tober, the month my beloved father died. My wish to all is that you would have good friends as I have in this woman willing to drive me to an autumn retreat while I am feeling reasonably well.
Have you a special autumn spot to which you return to enjoy fall colors?
Ah, I love these sort of rambling adventures. Honestly, they’re the best sort of posts to read online because I can almost feel what it’s like to be by the water next to the cabin – and that’s a good kinda feeling. Thanks for taking me on your travels, Jan.
Thanks for the encouraging words, Catherine. I’m glad you can get a word picture of the adventure through the post. The whole idea is to be able to share with readers so they can enjoy the trip with me. xo
JAN! I have missed your posts. This one was beautiful, and I was picturing myself in your autumn world. And then I read your last paragraph — and I am stricken with sadness. I HATE cancer. When will you know for sure what’s going on health-wise? I hope and pray that you are OK. Please, please let us know!!!~
Thinking of you and sending BIG {{{hugs}}}.
Renn, thanks so much for saying you have missed my posts. Now you know why I couldn’t write as frequently. It was very hard to write this one. I hate cancer, too! I’ll have more answers by the end of the week. Thanks so much for your prayers. I can feel your hugs! xox
Jan, dear – I go to Dutch Bros every week (hard not to every day, because it’s only a block or two away from where I work). So when I saw the familiar picture of the blue windmill, I was prepared for an easy read, as effortless as my standard order – large, hot chai. I was savoring your fall trip. Your writing as evocative as ever, you had me right there with you until that last paragraph. Words fail me. I am so sorry. I will check in with you the end of this week.
Much, much strength to you.
x
I’m not sure I should have announced the cancer’s return in such a backhanded way, Yvonne. In a sense, I have tricked my readers. But that’s the only way I felt comfortable approaching the subject. I didn’t like the idea of going into clinical details and the world of scans and scanxieties. So, I am glad I had you right there with me on my fall trip. The Dutch Bros. chai certainly is heavenly; I’m glad you have a kiosk so nearby. Thanks for stopping by, Yvonne, as always. xox
Oh Jan, what a beautiful travelogue and insight into such a special trip with your friend. I too was with you, in your journey, embracing the new and different and feeling the breeze in your hair when I came to the last paragraph. I can’t find words to say how sorry I am to hear of what you are going through and will also be checking in to see how you are. I wish you clarity, and if possible reassurances. There is no easy way to share this news, you have to do what is right for you. We are here listening and with you.
Am reaching out with a massive hug xoxoxoxoxox
Thanks so much, Philippa. You are right: there is no right or easy way to share this news. I love the support I get from my blogging friends. You are all here when I need you. I can feel your hug, and thank you for it. xoxo
that was quite a sucker punch you gave us at the end my dear! I am glad we had been in touch privately before now or I would not have been able to read this post so calmly. I am not going to offer any platitudes except to say you have my love and my prayers in deep abundance always xxxx
Oh Jan, I’m at a loss for words. I’m glad you have such a wonderful friend who took you on this get-away. Sounds like it was just what you needed. Simply know you have many friends “out here” as well to whom you are very precious. Sending love and support to you, Jan.
Jan, I’ve been wondering about the absence of new posts from you, and in fact had just checked your blog the other day and thought, it’s been a long time since Jan posted…hope she’s ok. Now I know, and I too am shocked and saddened to read your news. I am just about to leave on a weekend getaway with my dear friend and our daughters, and you will be on my mind and in my heart as we go. I’m so very glad you had a nice trip with your friend, and I will await more details on your news with hope in my heart. For now, sending you lots of love and hugs. Please know that you’re surrounded by love. xo
Jan, because I had seen your recent comment on Being Sarah’s blog, I was prepared for your punchline. So I was able to enjoy visiting here with you, after my own blogosphere hiatus, and reveling with you in the peace and beauty and friendship of this restorative travelogue. But I’m heartsick at what is evidently about to be confirmed about your cancer. When will you be getting ‘the word?’ Next week, I imagine? I know you know that so many of us love & care about you. You are surrounded by fearless friends, dear Jan. We’ve got your back, whatever comes your way. Prayers, hugs, support on this next phase.
Oh Jan. I was loving the description of your world so much until your last paragraph. it’s hard to express how sorry I am to hear your news. I am heart sore to know you are going through this. Good friends are so important and reading all the comments you must know how many you have across this special community. Please know I am thinking of you this week. I do hope your fears are not realised. Love Audrey
Oh Jan! I’m so sad about this ending, although the travel part was lovely to read. I hate cancer and wish that you weren’t going through all this. You have been through hell and back, my friend. Just know that so many of us in the online community love and care about you. We are here for you, Jan. Please keep us apprised of what’s going on.
Thank you so very much, Marie. I can feel your love and prayers across all the miles. I found out today the cancer has indeed returned, and now I will be facing treatment. The good news: there are so many medications out there for this. The oncologist is very hopeful. xox
Thank you so very much, Nancy. I can feel the love and support of all my blogging friends and it truly makes a difference. The get-away really helped strengthen my spirits. xox
Yes, the symptoms of the returning cancer prevented me from writing new posts. I just didn’t have the energy. Have a wonderful weekend getaway; I’m sure you will enjoy every minute. I can totally feel the love and hugs. Thanks for your wonderful, encouraging comment. xo
Kathi, thank you so very much for the prayers, hugs and support. There is nothing like that. I do have the word, and at least now I know for sure what the symptoms are and my treatment plan. And my pain is under control. It’s wonderful to hear form so many caring friends like you. xox
Thanks, Audrey. Good friends make all the difference, don’t they? I feel so loved after reading all these comments. And I’m facing my new proposed treatment with hope. I so appreciate your comment. xox
Oh Beth, it’s so good to hear from you and so many others. I just feel that spirit of community every time I read a comment. The love and care are precious, irreplaceable. I will definitely keep you apprised of what’s going on. Having the pain under control (as it is today) is the first step in getting back into writing posts and rejoining the blogosphere. xox
jan… my beautiful friend. no words, i will let the holy Spirit interpret my groanings. for this we need Jesus. i love you.
I am sorry to hear your cancer has returned. But I’m glad you have so much loving support. Please let me know if you there is anything you need. As you know, I’m quite experienced with this subject. I appreciate you being there for me and so many people.
I love you, too, Jodi. Words can’t express my love. Your prayers will avail much, I know. xox
Oh, Tami, it’s so good to hear from you. I do know that you are a veteran in this area. I have always looked up to you for hope and inspiration, and I will try to be a beacon to others as you are. It can be challenging, as you well know, but we take it day by day, don’t we? Thank you so much for your loving support. xo
Oh Jan…..please know you are in my thoughts. You truly took me by surprise at the end of your post! And yes, so many of us in the online community care deeply and have our arms wrapped tightly around you for strength and support.
All my best x
Thanks so much, Suzzann. I think I took many by surprise. Maybe that’s the writer in me. I didn’t really want to have a post that was only about the cancer. Too depressing and not very interesting. I can feel the care and hugs of the online community. Just look at all the comments! And thank you for yours! xox
Oh Jan! I have been ‘off blog’ for a while now, but saw Terri’s comment on FB and zoomed over here with a sense of great foreboding – must confess I skipped your travelogue as I was so worried about what would come at the end. I am so, so sorry to hear that the cancer is back, but buoyed to hear that you’re already feeling better and that there are good treatment options available. Will be checking back regularly, eager to read any news or reflections. Shaking my fist at the universe while simultaneously sending you a huge cyberhug from Down Under…xxx
Oh Liz, this touches me so deeply. I will try to inform readers of my status, although it will be trying at the beginning due to lack of energy, etc. I can feel your cyberhug from Down Under, and it is surely comforting. Thanks for caring so much. xox
It was lovely spending the time with you and your friend in a complete picturesque visual you painted for your readers.
I HATE CANCER TOO!!
When will it ever stop!?
Love Alli XX
Jan – my thoughts and prayers are with you
Yes, when will it ever stop? I’m glad you liked the visual. I wanted to keep the subject on the light side if at all possible. Thanks for stopping by. xo
Thank you so very much, Dr. Attai. I really appreciate it. xo
Even though some consider me to be a wordsmith, words fail here. Just know that I love you and will hold you in my heart.
Thank you very much, Lois. I can feel your love and care. That’s all that matters. And you are indeed a wordsmith. xo
Jan, just checking in. Post when you can. Thinking of you!! {{{hugs}}}
How sweet that you are checking in, Renn. No energy to post at this time, but I will get there. xo
I too have been thinking of you and wondering how you are. Working within your energies is important.i hope you feel stronger soon. No need to reply just know that so many are thinking of you and hoping that better days are close. A xxx
Oh Jan…I am just catching up on reading. And I loved this story and felt as if I was there. And I am sorry to hear how things are going but love that you found a way to tell us that fit for you. It has been such a rough few years for you, and know that my prayers are with you and yours. Please keep us posted on things.
xo
lauren
Thank you so very much, Lauren. Indeed, it has been a rocky road for some years now. At least I have a diagnosis and we can move forward. I appreciate your kind words. xox
Thank you, Audrey. I am due to write a post and will get down to it as soon as my body gives me the “go” signal. People have been waiting so patiently for my next post. Thank you for thinking of me. Xoxo
JAN, just wanted you to know i was thinking of you and I hope you are hanging in there. We all look forward to an update when you are feeling up to it! xoxo
Renn, thank you for your consistent asking of my welfare. I will write as soon as I am able to get out of chemo-fog. But I am hanging in there. Xoxo
Glad you are hanging in there Jan. my thoughts are with you and yours at this time. Sending love from Scotland. Xxx
Thank you so much, Audrey. I can feel your love from across the ocean. Xxxx
Jan, just checking in. You are in my thoughts every day. Lots of hugs and prayers coming your way from Rhode Island. xoxo, Kathi
Thank you very much, Kathi. Your thoughts and prayers are ao welcome. xoxo
Jan, ditto what Kathi said. Sending you lots of comfort and energy and sunshine!
Thank you, Renn. Soon I will get back to posting. I can feel all the love that you are sending. xoxo
Hi Jan, I just found your website and wanted to send you a quick “Hi” and to let you to know that you will be in my prayers daily…We had some fun times together when our kids were at Paradise Christian, didn’t we?
I hope your new treatment is going well – I’ve thought of you often over the past few years – John and I passed GenenTech many, many times when he was undergoing treatment at UCSF – I always thought of you! I truly believe in the power of prayer and hope – We know that this, and the excellent medical care he received, are why he is still with us today! You are one special lady my friend, I will continue to pray and will look forward to having coffee with you when you feel up to it!
Hi Tracie, it is so good to hear from you. We did have some fun times at Paradise Christian. I appreciate all your prayers; they make all the difference. I agree that the prayers plus the excellent medical treatment combine to give us a hope and a purpose. It would be fun to have coffee together and catch up on our lives. xoxo Jan