Below and Above

On the road by 7:20 a.m., we headed to Oregon Caves. The road snaked along the Smith River, reputed to be the cleanest free-flowing river in the U.S. and the last major free-flowing river in the West. Here, the trees were still at peak color and clouds of mist hugged the valley.

Marisol led our 90-minute tour of Oregon Caves National Monument. "It's nice to have only nine people instead of the usual 16," she told us as she identified formations in the marble. "I can spend more time telling history and geology and pointing out interesting stories when I don't have to wait for so many to catch up."

Oregon Caves is one of only 5% of all the caves in the world comprised of marble, limestone that was put under great heat and pressure from magma deep in the earth. One column formation called "Giant Column" is estimated at 500,000 years old, and two sets of jaguar bones found inside the cave were carbon dated at 40,000 years. Marisol had interesting history to relate as well, like the explorer professor who dropped his lantern down one of the deep pits and decided to retrieve it in the dark. That was when she demonstrated total darkness for our tour group. It was a fascinating way to spend a morning.

Little Red climbed to 4,324 feet at Siskiyou Pass as we entered California. "There is probably snow at 5,000 feet," said Andy, "and the Shasta River is still moving fast." No sooner had he mentioned it than we saw Mount Shasta in the distance, snow-draped and sparkling in the bright sun. Other nearby peaks showed evidence of recent early winter storms as well. "I'd like to drive a little farther today," said Andy, "since we still have a few good hours of light."
"But the towns within 50 miles have limited resources for tourists," I argued. "Why don't we just stay here in Yreka and check out the local hot spots."

"Deal," he agreed.