THE OREGON CAVES

The Oregon Caves visitor center sits at 4,000 feet elevation in the Siskiyou Mountains of Southern Oregon and the caves themselves maintain a year-round temperature of only 44 degrees.  Located just 20 miles outside of Cave Junction, Oregon we meet up with friends from the Czech Republic for an afternoon visit to the caves, followed by an early dinner at Taylor’s Sausage Country Store.   If you haven't made a stop at Taylor's Sausage you owe it to yourself to do so.  Check out my review here.

 

The last 9 miles of the drive up to the caves is steep, quite narrow and extremely windy with several hairpin turns along the way, reducing your speed to 15-25mph. As we climbed higher and higher in elevation snow began to appear along the roadside and became deeper and deeper as we progressed up the mountain. 

After parking our vehicle we then hiked up to the Visitor Center which was about another 900 feet uphill from the parking area.  We found the center to be quite congested with several groups of folks waiting for their tour time to be called.  The center offers a Junior Ranger program and also has several interactive exhibits for learning about the history and formation of the caves as well as presenting lots of information on some of the local wildlife.  

Discovered by Elijah Davidson in 1874, the Oregon Caves experienced very few visitors for the first couple of decades but the popularity of the automobile, construction of paved highways, and promotion of tourism from nearby Grants Pass led to large increases in cave visitation during the late 1920s. Since it’s fledgling upstart visitors to the caves has increased from a mere 1,800 visitors in 1920 to a recorded 69,405 in 2014.  

Main entrance and beginning of the tour

 

Oregon Caves is a single system solution cave with known passages in excess of 15,000 feet.  The ½ mile route is mildly strenuous and requires negotiating more than 500 steep with uneven stairs and passageways with as little as 45 inches between floor and ceiling.  I could not recommended it for anyone with heart, lung, or mobility problems.  It also involves a total climb of 230 feet. You will also be able to view the only subterranean Wild and Scenic River in the U.S. — the River Styx  

Children less than 42 inches tall or who are unable to climb a set of test stairs are not allowed on the cave tour.  Mike is 75 and I am 66 and neither of us had difficulty with the tour but we are both in excellent health and good physical condition. Hint:  I took a very small LED flashlight with me and used it throughout most of the tour.  It proved to be very useful. Also having a heavy jacket with a hood helped keep the constant dripping water off my head. 

The caves are only open for a limited time throughout the year, beginning the third week of March and ending December 1st. Be sure to arrive early on the day of your visit as no reservations are accepted and tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis and no self-guided tours are permitted.

Click on this link for more visitor information to the Oregon Caves

GPS coordinates:  42°05′44″N 123°24′21″W

LAUGARVATN FONTANA GEOTHERMAL BATHS

The literal translation of Laugarvatn is “water to bathe in”.  Noted as a bathing place since the settlement of Iceland, Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths are a place where one can relax and revitalize the body.

Located on the beautiful Lake Laugarvatn, the geothermal baths are located about a 90 minute drive from downtown Reykjavik, Iceland.  Leaving our hotel at 6pm we arrived at Fontana just prior to dusk.  We were pleasantly surprised to see an inviting buffet dinner awaiting us. One of the items we came to enjoy was a local favorite of a delicious and nutritious rye bread that is   baked in the hot springs of Laugarvatn.   This bread tradition has been performed daily for decades. 

 

We relaxed with a glass of wine and let our minds and bodies slowly unwind as we enjoyed the local delicacies spread before us.  Wine was not included in our tour price and that came to about $10 US Dollars per glass. 

 

Next it was off to the locker rooms.  Each person is given a numbered locker key for storing your personal belongings.  After a quick shower I headed out to experience the much anticipated baths which all varied in depth, size and temperatures.  

After bouncing from bath to bath I decided I would head out through the gate to the beach and into the lake.  I could feel the warm black sand under my feet.  It is said that it has been shown to be beneficial for those suffering from arthritis and other joint illnesses.  Then it was into the lake and an opportunity to cool down, a temperature shift that is said to be both healthy and strengthening.  Then it was quickly back to the baths.  For some reason the surrounding snow mounds made my feet move quickly to the warmth of the thermal pools. 

After more than an hour bouncing between the various baths with different temperatures,  I felt it was time to experience the steam rooms.  Three steam rooms, collectively called “GUFAN” are built over a natural hot springs and have been in use since 1929.  The temperature of the steam will vary depending on the temperature of the hot springs and the current weather.  Temperatures will normally range from 40-50 degrees Celcius (90-120 degrees Fahrenheit). 

After trying the steam rooms it was into the Finnish-style sauna, called “YLUR”.   Temperatures here will range between 80-90 degrees Celcius (170-195 degrees Fahrenheit) and during daylight hours one can enjoy a scenic view from a large window that faces the lake.

Finally the time had come to head back to the locker room, take a quick shower, dress and head out to our bus for the return trip to Reykjavik.  We arrived back at the hotel just before midnight.   I felt totally refreshed and relaxed and fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.  

Click here for more information on the Fontana Geothermal Baths.

COASTAL FIRST NATIONS DANCE FESTIVAL

On the 5^th of this month, while visiting a relative in Vancouver, BC, Canada, I attended the signature evening performance of the 9th annual Coastal First Nations Dance Festival presented by the Dancers of Damelahamid in conjunction with the UBC Museum of Anthropology. 

The UBC Museum of Anthropology was transformed into a stunning backdrop surrounded by totem poles reflecting the First Nations ancestral heritage.  The festival represented the celebration of the stories, songs and dances of the indigenous peoples of the northwest coast of North America, and presents the rich cultural traditions practiced by the various dance groups. It consisted of masks, dances, costumes and songs, reflecting each tribe’s traditional values as well as their cultural practices.

Dance performances included the Git Hoan (“people of the Salmon”), Yisya’winuxw (Kwakwaka’wakw dancers), Kwhlii Gibaygum (Nisga’a traditional performers) and the Dancers of Damelahamid (“paradise”).   All of the dancers displayed a pride of heritage sensed through their incredible blend of artistic movement and cultural expression. 

                                                       Photos by Mark Hoover and Steve Quinn

Also featured that evening was an excerpt of Flicker which very creatively highlighted some of the deeply held values of First Nations.  A Flicker is a woodpecker from the Northwest Coast that carries cultural significance.  Presented by two dancers who acted out as a pair of flickers in their coastal nature, they moved their ancestral connections forward, passing along their histories to younger generations to preserve and transmit their cultural heritage.

As I sat there I couldn’t help but be amazed at the complex and intricate mask artistry that was integrated into the dance performances.  The spiritual significance of the hand-crafted masks proved to be both fascinating and moving.    

There were a couple of the dances that I found especially enjoyable.  The first one was the “raven dance” performed by the Git Hoan, (people of the Salmon) from Southeast Alaska. Wearing raven masks they danced to the steady rhythm of the drums in honor of their raven clan. In Tsimshian mythology, the raven is symbolized as a cultural hero and as a trickster who helps the people, but because of his behavior also gets into trouble. 

The second one was the “killer whale dance”, in honor of the killer whale clan. The carved killer whale mask was animated during the highlight of the performance and strings are pulled by the dancer to move the mask open. When the strings are pulled, the whale’s face and mouth split down the center, revealing the ancestor’s face.

Public Domain

  
This was truly a enjoyable and enlightening evening. 

Public Domain

 

 Click here for more information about the Dancers of Damelahamid. 

WINEMAKERS DINNER

Right now you are probably asking yourself “What exactly is a Winemakers Dinner?” 

Last night I was fortunate to join friends at The Twisted Cork in Grants Pass, Oregon to experience their monthly Winemakers Dinner.  This elegant wine and food-pairing event fuses together the culinary talents of head chef Martha Fritz with one of the areas local wineries.

This five-course gourmet event started at 6pm and spotlighted Scott Steingraber and the wines from Kriselle Cellars of White City, Oregon.  Our first course featured a 2014 Sauvignon Blanc paired together with shrimp, grilled ruby red grapefruit and chili glaze.   Next came a 2013 S/CS paired with rigatoni,  roasted fennel and veal sausage.  The third course joined a 2013 Di’Tani with savory corn crème brulee and duck prosciutto.  The fourth course featured a 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon with Cuban roasted rack of pork.  And for dessert - a 2013 Malbec paired with a spicy dark chocolate cupcake with a berry-chili ganache filling topped with a chili cream cheese frosting.  It was truly heavenly. 

If you are looking for a premiere wine bar representing over 115 wineries from Oregon, Washington and California then check out The Twisted Cork.  

Kriselle Cellars are located at 12956 Modoc Road, White City, Oregon 97503, phone 541-830-8466.  You can also contact Scott Steingraber at scott@krisellecellars.com

The Twisted Cork is located at 210 SW 6th Street, Grants Pass OR 97526, phone 541-295-3094

FEAST AT LELE

This 3-hour luau was the culmination of a 44^th wedding anniversary week which began in Oahu at the Pro Bowl 2016 game.  Lele is the ancient name for Lahaina and we found ourselves on the same beach where the royal family of Maui would feast and entertain.  The Feast at Lele represented a musical and 5-course culinary journey of the islands of Hawaii, New Zealand, Tahiti and Samoa and was, by far, one of the best luau experiences we have ever had.

We arrived a little early to just enjoy our Mai Tai and admire the ocean view.  For your designated drivers there were also delicious non-alcoholic juices available.

 

At 6:00pm, Mai Tai in hand, we began the seating process.  As we started down the ramp to the beach sounds from a three-member ukulele group filled the air.  We each received a beautiful purple fresh flower lei and were then escorted to our private table, 2^nd row and just to the left of center stage.  Banana & sweet potato chips served with a tropical ginger & ogo seaweed salsa awaited us at our table.  I loved the fact that we were seated at our own table, right on the beach with a slight tropical breeze and gorgeous sunset.  Everything about it screamed romantic. 

 While others were being seated we strolled leisurely down to the waters edge to enjoy the spectacular Maui sunset.  Here you can also opt to have professional photos taken with the sunset as your backdrop.   

 

Once we were back at our table our assigned server and drink runner jumped to attention, attending to our every request.  “I’ll have a Blue Hawaii” I requested of our drink runner only to discover I didn’t like the taste.  He suggested the Lava Flow so I gave that a try.  This is basically a strawberry pina colada and goes down extremely easy.  Any and all beverages are included in the price of your ticket so I found it fun to experiment with the different drinks.   If you are planning on having adult beverages however, you must present your ID so be sure to bring it along. 

 

Everything is served right at your table so there is no need to move once you sit down, unlike your typical luau.  The Feast at Lele is a 5 course fixed menu, served family style at your individual table and sprinkled with a 5-7 minute performance between each course.   The food preparation is well thought out and takes you through four different regional flavors.  Each region comes with three plates of food showcasing some of the regional specialties. 

My favorite dish throughout the evening hailed from the island of New Zealand and consisted of  a medley of stewed mushrooms and onions served on orange and purple sweet potato accompanied by a 5-hour island scented braised short rib in a kiwi fruit soy jus.  Absolutely melt in your mouth beef.   My next favorite dish was from the island of Samoa and consisted of grilled mango ginger chicken with a Tahitian vanilla aoli & mango relish.  Just as a side not , I could not recommend this for young children.  Not because of the $125 price tag but because the menu is fixed and you won't be able to order 'mac and cheese' for them. 

Between each course you are entertained by a 5-7 minute dance from each of the four different Polynesian cultures that corresponds to the culinary experience you just enjoyed.  The dance troupe is relatively small and they perform all of the different island dances.  Even with all the costume and makeup changes, they were very enthusiastic and energetic and their personalities added immensely to the overall experience.

This production was over at about 9:30pm and was perfectly executed and well worth the $125 per person charge. 

For more information on Feast of Lele

'ULALENA AT MAUI THEATRE

Aloha (greetings) and Hele mai (come)! 

There is a rain and wind that rises at twilight in Maui.  It whispers of other places and other times, both mythical and real. It blows between daylight and night, between times and worlds. It is hopeful and cleansing. The ancient Hawaiian name for this wind and rain is ‘Ulalena.

The ‘Ulalena story is an interpretative modern dance in a theatrical presentation with a somewhat Cirque de Soleil flare.  It depicts the creation, transformation and rebirth of the Hawaiian Islands through song, dance and music.  A circle of life which ends with the cleansing ‘Ulalena rain which represents cultural revival and renewal of the Hawaiian spirit.   

The story transports you through the first Polynesian explorers, the arrival of Europeans and the struggles of the plantation era.  Incorporating music, dance and the use of over 100 instruments played live by only 3 musicians, the production was colorful and entertaining.   You will want to be sure and read the story line printed in the program before its starts as the entire production is presented in Hawaiian chant. 

You will come face to face with unique characters such as Mo’o (Lizard Goddess),  Maui (Trickster God),  Pele (Volcano Goddess), Hina (Moon Goddess),  Kamapua’a (Pig God) and Kalo (staple food of the Hawaiian people).   

The scenes will include In The Beginning, The Ocean, The Mythical Forest, The Village, The Makahiki, The European Explorer, Shadows, The Hawaiian Monarchy, The Regenerating Forces of Nature, and ends with the REBIRTH!   A true circle of life depiction. 

Check out ‘Ulalena at Maui Theatre for more information.

The Music of ABBA, ARRIVAL from Sweden

I felt I was in a time warp – they looked like ABBA, dressed like ABBA and sounded like ABBA.  

The group was billed as The Music of ABBA, ARRIVAL from Sweden and as I took my seat last evening at the Collier Theatre for the Performing Arts in Medford, I naively assumed it would be random people singing and playing ABBA music. From the minute they stepped onto the stage I was blown away by their looks and by the end of the concert I was totally convinced that these talented young people were not just performing ABBA music but that they were, in fact, ABBA!

History reflects that the ABBA name sprang to life in 1973 and was derived from the first initial of each member, Agnetha, Benny, Bjorn and Anni-Frid.  ABBA jump started their career after winning the Eurovision Song Contest in 1974 but dis-banned in 1982 after dealing with death and kidnapping threats.  This could not hold back the phenomenon that has followed ABBA music to this day as they profit from record sales of over 400 million.

The Music of ABBA, ARRIVAL from Sweden consisted of four young performers taking on the personality and identity of the original ABBA members.  Jenny, as Agnetha, recreated the heyday of ABBA with her singing of “As Good As New”.  Vicky, as Anni-Frid, sang one of my favorites,  “Money, Money, Money”.   There was also “SOS”, “Waterloo”, “Mama Mia”, “Chiquitita”, and the songs just went on and on. 

After 90 minutes of non-stop hits the group walked off stage leaving me sad to think they would not be performing “Dancing Queen”.   A standing ovation by the audience brought the group back to the stage with a final sing-along of “Dancing Queen” that had everyone on their feet.

If you are anywhere close to an upcoming concert be sure to check them out. 

The Music of ABBA, ARRIVAL in Sweden