We travelled south on the 101 through a couple of small towns and struggled finding places to stay either campsites or hotels as it was the Saturday of Labour Day weekend the last summer holiday weekend for 2009. In San Fransisco we had wanted to stay in a hotel but because the city i so old all the hotels in the centre have either no parking to speak of or underground parking and we couldn't find anything to take an 8th high vehicle. It turned out not too bad i...

We stayed overnight at Grant's Pass on the way to the coast right on the banks of the Rogue River which has white water rafting and jet boat excursions and of course fishing, fishing and more fishing. Next day we had a 100 mile drive back to the west coast to Gold Beach. We took the scenic route rather than the interstate which is what we have done on the whole trip. This turned out to be 60 miles with 40 miles of single track through the Siskyon National For...

About 150 miles from Bend is yet another awesome spot. Crater Lake is the USA'a deepest lake at 1943 ft deept and is surrounded by mountain peaks which are reflected in the deep blue water. You can hike and cross-country ski but most visitors cruise the 33 mile loop rim drive which offers 30 viewpoints as it winds around the edge of the crater looking down into the lake from the top. We cycled the lake which made for better viewing, which taking in getting fro...

From Sisters our journey took us to Bend where you can ski powder in the morning, paddle a kayak in the afternoon and take in a game of golf. There is exceptional biking, hiking, mountaineering, fly fishing and rock climbing. This is a premier outdoor city which also boasts good restaurants, fantastic shopping and concerts and theatre by the river. Nowhere else could you listen to a concert floating down the river on a lilo, rubber ring or inflatable settee! ...

Time to head inland and we left the coast at a chilly 14 degrees and arrived at McKenzie Bridge/Rainbow at 33 degrees. Central Oregon is what is known as high desert with a very dry climate having around 300 days of sunshine a year. Along the McKenzie River the area was once more spectacular lined with huge Douglas Pine trees. We were heading for the old town of Sisters but becase the area was so stunning and it was getting late we found a wonderful litte camp...