Six days into our 2 week vacation, we’re back in civilized territory, freshly bathed and temporarily internet-connected at McAvoy Meadow Ranch in Cottage Grove, Oregon. One night in Sacto with Judi. Three star-filled nights on the Klamath with a bear across the river and canoe lessons for the dogs. Lessons, mind you, that went completely unappreciated. Noche doesn’t like moving water and Princess Ginger doesn’t like to get her feet wet. We went in search of still water to continue their instruction and found it at Toketee Resevoir in Umpqua National Forest, driving along stunning sections of the Rogue River before settling into camp on the North Umpqua, just above the lake. Our first lake paddle went better than our river paddle. Our second lake paddle went better than our first. We love this area and we’ll be back.

Now, we’re happily visiting Helen and Bob, learning about Shetland Sheep and looking for the perfect (for us) riverfront property, and dreaming of figuring out how to make it home. Next stop: the Nehalem River and a visit with Jennifer, Watt, Willa and Roan. Stay tuned!