June 2021 – The Spoke N Van

Oregon

June 24, 2021 Sally

Exploring the Pacific Coastline & PortlandEarly to Mid-June 2021 Humbug Mountain is one of Oregon’s highest mountains. The state park of the same name is nestled between the mountain and the Pacific Ocean. The mountain was originally called Sugarloaf Mountain. It became known as Tichenor’s Humbug in 1851, after a team of explorers sent by Captain William Tichenor got lost and headed north of Port Orford instead of south. Although the mountain was a disappointment to those early explorers, we…

California Coast

June 12, 2021 Sally

Mid to late May 2021 We crossed into California and made our way to Salton Sea, a land-locked sea, which looked interesting on the map. At 227 feet below sea level, it’s the state’s lowest geographic point. Sadly, it’s also one of its lowest points in other ways, as well. Although beautiful from a distance, the up close truths of this one-time resort are distressing. The lake is polluted to the point that it’s dangerous to drink, or even touch,…