2012 WILD WEST Oregon 6 - Visiting Ashland and Shady Cove

THE STATS:

Back-tracked 50 some miles from Ashland to Shady Grove OR. That was it for driving. An E-Z, relaxed day, all in the state of Oregon. 

THE HAPS:
Woke early and did some window shopping, as things weren't open early on a Sunday. Stopped for coffee at the outdoor Water Street Cafe (also the exact name of our fave coffee shop in Kalamazoo). Saw the Shakespeare "Globe" theatre again and bought a T-shirt from the theatre gift shop (first souvenir of the trip). Most stores and eateries are the same as nine years ago, but a few new fun places to browse. Strolled through Lithia Park and watched a hoola-hoop class going on.

Finally meeting up with people we know and are special to us in some way. First, had lunch with our cutie-pie niece, Brooke. She suggested Standing Stone Brewery. Once there, we remembered being their nine years ago on our last trip to Ashland. Mimosa and breakfast burrito for Deb; beer and fish-and-chips for Brooke and Mike. Food was as outstanding as we remembered. Wonderful to hear all Brooke's happy stories and accomplishments. She's doing well.


Back-tracked from Ashland to Shady Cove to visit with the Armstrongs, arriving about 2pm. Been way too long since seeing this fun couple. Their lovely home is situated with a spyglass view of the Rogue River. Deer and fawn run through their yard. Peaceful. Felt like the good old days....like home. Don has a fantastic billiard room. Joy has a top-notch knack with decor. Great guest digs. Splashes of humor around. (I'm told these are mostly Don's idea). We felt so at home that we did a load of laundry. Good timing...had just run out of "necessities."

With a gazebo and several outdoor decks to choose from, we chit-chatted til 5:30pm, then drove to dinner. Fine outdoor deck dining along the Rogue River at this Mexican cantina. Weren't so fond of the ever-ready strolling mariachis, but the sunset view of the river and raspberry margaritas were outstanding. Then more chit-chat and imbibbing into the wee hours back on the Armstrong homestead.

Their black and white springer spaniel is a sweetheart and a gentle soul. If it could be guaranteed that we would have a dog like Chadwick, it might be possible to switch us from the cat to the dog world!!