Hilltop House Rental - Southern Oregon Coastal Vacation

Discovering Gold in Oregon

With the price of gold going through the roof these days, there is a lot of interest in the precious metal. I came across this video about gold mining and how it started in Oregon. Gold Beach was so named by the prospectors that came there to mine for gold. There is still a lot of gold mining going on in Oregon- mostly as a past time for families. Here is the story of how gold was discovered in Oregon.

The Kind of Fishing I like

Each year the eternal cycle of life continues as the Indian Creek Fish Hatchery collects, nurtures and then releases tens of thousands of young Salmon into the Rogue River. It is truly a labor of love.

Each year thousands of Salmon return to the streams in which they were born in order to spawn. Many of these fish are captured at the Indian Creek Fish Hatchery fish ladders or netted in the Rogue River. They are used as brood stock to help replenish and sustain the salmon populations. This drama takes place each year near Gold Beach Oregon. This clip is dedicated to the selfless efforts of both the volunteers and the staff of the Oregon Department Of Fish & Wildlife. Thanks from Green Water Films. (Public Domain Music By US Air Force Band)

Where to take your kids for Thanksgiving weekend

So the long Thanksgiving weekend is rapidly approaching an John and I will be heading up to Hilltop House in Gold Beach. John's daughter is grown and married with kids of her own and together we have six -- of the four legged king that is - Cody the Golden Retriver; Max the Black Lab and Jackson the German Shepherd and then there Tommy the yellow Tabby and John Henry the silver Tabby and Jake my sixteen year old Yellow Headed Amazon parrot. Anyway, I am diverting from my story. I do have a point -- I have a great suggestion of where to take you two legged kids for some fun.

Take them to Science Works, a hand-on Museum in Ashland. Here is what is in store for you if you go there.

ScienceWorks is a fun, engaging science center where kids and adults can rediscover wonder. The innovative museum features interactive exhibits, an outdoor garden, live science shows and dynamic programs year-round.

ScienceWorks offers educational programs for students and teachers, as well as public programs including workshops, lectures, birthday parties, summer festivals and science camps.

Here is just one attraction:

Discovery Island features:

The Lagoon - A multilevel water table with dams, water wheels, and pumps. 

Shipwreck Playhouse - A ship shaped playhouse with pulleys, periscopes, flags, and a see-through deck.

Coconut Hollow - A forrest of trees that launch air-powered balls through vacuum tubes to different spots on the island

Crawlers Cove - An enclosed area for children 2 and under with ramps, a crawl tube, hidden objects and storytelling activities.

Thatched Hut - Nursing mothers' area and parent meeting space.

 

Here is a link to their website . I hope you enjoy it!.

 

What to do-What to Do? Winter Activites on the Southern Oregon Coast

Winter on the Oregon Coast brings storm watching, the annual gray whale migration and Gold Beach is a great place to see them. The week between Christmas and New Years Day is Whale Watching week all along the Oregon Coast.

Gray whales are passing the coast in peak numbers at that time on their yearly southbound migration from Alaskan waters to the warm lagoons of Baja California in Mexico. At 28 sites, from the Washington border to the California border, trained volunteers help visitors spot the whales and can share information about the habits of these mammoth sea creatures. Stick around for a while and you’re likely to see whales pop out of the water head first, exposing nearly the length of their sleek bodies. Or you may catch a dive with the V-shaped tale fins in full view. Look for “Whale Watching Spoken Here” signs along the coastal highway, US Highway 101, to point you to one of the staffed sites.

Watch this video for some helpful information about how to Whale Watch.

My First Podcast - Southern Oregon Travel Blog

Hello all,

I am really excited to post my first podcast from the Hilltop House Travel blog. Just click on the button right below to listen.

 

Listen to Lindsey

 

Thanks for stopping by - take care!

 

 

The Legend of the Mary D. Hume

I haven't posted anything about the shipwrecked Mary D.Hume in quite a while and I recently came across this video that I really liked. It tells the story of the steamboat's history and her legend - some may think the song is corny but I like it. It has an 19th century feel to it - I think its charming.

 

If you  click here you'll find another story that I wrote last year about it and the legend that it is haunted.

Stormy Weather - in San Diego Missing Gold Beach

Well it's supposed to never rain in Southern California, but it is pouring today in El Cajon an east county suburb of San Diego. The storm makes me homesick for Gold Beach and the winter storms that take place there. This video is about one in nearby Grants Pass. I love the sound of the storm. I hope we experience one when we go up there for Thanksgiving.

Big Waves Rule on the Coast - Sandboarding the Dunes

This is one board sort that I actually tried and was pretty good at. Not as scary for me as snowboarding or skateboarding - I'm talking about sandboarding the dunes on the Oregon coast.

Watch as they sandboard the dunes in Florence and careen on dune buggies through natural's playground made of sand. But one precaution - PLEASE RESPECT THE WILDLIFE - act responsively and be polite guests to those who live here - Peace :)

Watch this video by John Waller From Travel Oregon

Riding the Dunes

Meditations by the Oregon Coast

Couldn't pass this one up -- breath-taking view of the waves breaking on the coastal beaches, the southern Oregon coastal sounds and sights are very relaxing and invigorating; the Oregon Coast is the perfect place to unwind --even if you have to do it long distance via your computer screen. So if your stressed like I was take a moment kick up your feet and replenish your soul.

Oregon's Scenic Hwy 38 along the Umpqua River

Just had to re-post this video - great sentiment and lovely scenery - very well done. This is another great day-trip from Gold Beach. The ride one way is about 2.5 hours of shear pleasure - have a bite and head back or spend the night in a B&B. The scenic highway 38 from Elkton Oregon to Reedsport, the home to Dunes National Recreation Area. The highway follows the scenic Umpqua River and goes through small towns with historic designated buildings. There are wineries and a butterfly pavillion and plenty of boat launching sites.