Our knitter's trip to Oregon was minus Linda this year, but we remaining three enjoyed the Oregon Shakespeare Festival's offerings in July. The weather which greeted us was welcome -- some rain, how great that was. Otherwise we had lots of clear skies -- always appreciated when one is in an outdoor theater. We saw, On the Razzle, The Tempest, Gem of the Ocean, and Tracy's Tiger, a mixture of traditional and modern plays.

I had to stay on longer than the others, and so had an enjoyable weekend. First, two friends, a dog & I took a hike in the Siskiyous above Talent, OR, just north/west? of Ashland. It was a lovely day to hike part way up Wagner Butte, through some tall forest and open meadows. One open area, the Sheep's' Creek Slide, was formed during heavy rains in the 1980s, a large land slide. It was so green and lush. Plenty of water for Annie to drink in creeks along the hillside.

We saw many flowers in bloom, wild roses & columbine, among many others. The photos are of Corn lily (Veratrum californicum) and Pine drops (Pterospora andromedea) with fruit.

The next day I drove down into California again, via Yreka onto Highway 3, through the Scott Valley, and down to Trinity Lake. In the lower Scott Valley, I was pleased to see a large bird between the road & pasture fence. It was a bald eagle, carrying some breakfast. My friends who live at Trinity Center have a boat, so we spent some nice time swimming in the peaceful lake, and observed many birds at their feeders. One favorite are the rufous hummingbirds.

The hearing with the City Council was very nerve-wracking, but I think it was quite an important "win" for Bill & me. It is not over just yet, but we continue to be hopeful and look forward to being able to build a home.