Day 4 was by far the most fun and relaxing. Mule Creek camp is next to Mule Creek. It is also next to the Rogue River Ranch. The Rogue River Ranch is famous for hosting movie stars like Clark Gable and others. The ranch sits on a wide shelf at the opening of a valley. It has grassy meadows, forest, and a working farm. There is a care taker. The old house if a museum. There is a garden, tack house, church, and old stable. Deer meander unphased by humans or canines. Humming birds flock to the feeder outside the old house (see below). Bear scat can be seen plopped down on the trails around the ranch.
The camp itself if perfect. Nice wide shelf for the kitchen and dining. To the right is the creek. Up above that are perches for single or multiple tents. Above that, unfortunately, is a steep hike to the outhouse on the level of the ranch. But all said the views are stunning, the camp comfortable both up river an down river.
After unloading our gear. Some sat along the creek while others hiked up Tate Creek for an adventure.
The rowers taking a break in the old of the shade and the creek
Beautiful water cascading down small drops on Mile creek near the confluence with the Rogue river.
Hiking up Mule Creek in the shade. It must of been around 85 to 90 degrees this day. Shade feels good.
A bar of sweet peas. Their color was so prominant against the light and dark green along the river and creek.
Jessie, seasoned river veteran had already shown Clayton how to jump off the cliff into the deep hole along Mule creek. I think it was great to see that we were able to show the new guy a new adventure. Then he can teach the next generation with a back flip and a solar pack propulsion system that launches him 3000 ft into the air for a nice landing at the dinner table...Evolution or just the next latest greatest test of manhood? Maybe they willl yearn for the simple days of just being able to enjoy doing human powered adventure and risks.
Beautiful green pool at the jump in site.
Tres amigos de rio.
Approaching the Rogue river ranch
The tack house with old saddles. The thing that stuck me is how similar they are to older saddles in countires like Mongolia.
Leather is good on the bum!
This is a Swiss cowbell that hangs off the cow. It is said that it keeps the predators away and helps you keep track of the cows. I used to put small cow bells on my huskies for the same reason except it was to keep them from chasing the cows.
Rogue River Ranch garden. The caretaker takes care of the area and grows the garden. Not a bad job.
The original house.
Beautiful old trees provide shade on the hot summer months.
The old homestead is now a museum that teaches about the area and the homesteaders that dsicered and built a life in a very remote rugged area of Oregon/
The next few photos are of the humming birds that vist the feeder everday. Love it.
