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2008 Bus Trips Descriptions
Newly Discovered Cottage Grove
Thursday, March 27, 2008
LEADER: MARY ELLEN WEST
CO-LEADER: RAY JENSEN
We will travel the backroads around Fern Ridge and Territorial Road with our pastry-coffee stop (included) at OUR DAILY BREAD in Veneta.
We will visit both the new and old Cottage Grove. New is the rejuvenated Village Green and the surrounding gardens, a real show place. Cindy, their designer-gardener, will lead our tour. We will stay at this resort for lunch (your cost).
Our afternoon schedule will include a visit to the Territorial Seed Co. test gardens, plus a guided tour of historic Cottage Grove with a stop at the 1886 Dr. Snapp House.
COST: $44 members $46 (non members) DUE MARCH 12
RESERVATIONS AND CHECKS TO: JANET SPEELMAN 344-3019
1496 WEST 28TH St. Eugene 97405
REMEMBERING CAMP ADAIR WWII
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
LEADER: MARY ELLEN WEST
CO-LEADER: RAY JENSEN
We are privileged to have as our guide, John Baker, author of “CAMP ADAIR THE STORY OF A WORLD WAR II CANTONMENT”. This boot now in its fifth printing, retraces the stories of some 125,000 soldiers and Four Infantry Divisions that trained here. Between 1942–1944 this was the second largest city in Oregon and is now its largest ghost town.
We will also visit museums in Linn, Polk and Benton Counties, all with Camp Adair artifacts. And of course we will explore the army site six miles north of Corvallis which Mr. Baker described as hallowed ground. There will be many fascinating stories. Bring your picnic lunch.
COST: $43 members $45 (non members) DUE APRIL 4
RESERVATIONS AND CHECKS TO: BARBARA PAYNE 746-1964
39478 WALTERVILLE LN, SPRINGFIELD 97478
NORTH UMPQUA RIVER — STEAMBOAT INN
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
LEADER: VERNA KOCKEN
CO-LEADER: LIZ REANIER
From the 1920s the North Umpqua River has been known for its rugged beauty and for fly fishing. The North Umpqua Highway brings fishermen, photographers and all the rest of us who revel in the spectacular scenery. This visit to the North Umpqua Highway culminates with lunch at the historic Steamboat Inn (cost included), known as a haven for fishermen and for its wonderful food. Stops along the way will include Colliding Rivers in Glide and a stop at Susan Creek Campground Campground with an optional hike to the Falls (a moderate on mile hike). If time permits we will stop for ice cream at Rice Hill.
COST: $43 members $45 (non members) DUE APRIL 16
RESERVATIONS AND CHECKS TO: SHARON CUTSFORTH 746-4929
1120 S. 39th ST. SPRINGFIELD, 97478
EXPLORING FLORENCE — DUNE BUGGIE
RIDE
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
LEADERS: BARBARA AND PAUL BEARD
We will travel the backroads to Cheshire and the Triangle Lake route through Swisshome to the Florence area. We will explore the old historic buildings along the waterfront and the museum. We will have lunch at Driftwood Shores Resort (cost included). For your dining experience we will enjoy piano music by Paul.
After lunch we will head south to Dune City where we will board large dune buggies to learn about and ride the dunes with expert tour guides. Hopefully the wild rhodies will be showing their color by this time. Our homeward bound trip will take us out the Route F east to Eugene with an afternoon snack stop at the Gingerbread House (your treat not included in trip fee). Approximate time back in Eugene by 5:30 or 6 p.m.
Some riders may prefer not to ride the dune buggies. If so your
COST: $45 member $47 (non member)
Leaders hope you will enjoy a dune buggie ride. So your
COST: $55 member $57 (non member) DUE MAY 5
RESERVATIONS AND CHECKS TO: MARY LEE CHEADLE 689-1085
3225 RICHARD AVE EUGENE 97402
TILLAMOOK BURN — TILLAMOOK
FORESTRY CENTER
Thursday, May 29, 2008
LEADER: RAY JENSEN
CO-LEADER: LIZ REANIER
The huge Tillamook fire of 1933 with repeats at six year intervals was undoubtedly Oregon’s worst natural disaster. 12 billion board feet of mostly old growth timber was scorched over 2500 square miles.
Restoration efforts, including state funding, better forestry and logging practices, improved nursery seedlings, better tree planting techniques and many volunteer hours, all contributed to establish a beautiful green forest.
The recently opened Tillamook Forest Center celebrates this success. Featured at this Interpretive Center are: a unique building in an historic setting, a replica of a fire lookout tower, a donkey engine, a 250 foot suspension bridge across the Wilson River, hiking trails and more.
Inside we begin with a 15 minute film “The Legacy of Fire” with noise and explosiveness similar to the Mt. St. Helens eruption in 1980. There are interpretive displays, maps, many pictures, a gift shop and hopefully a demonstration talk by a fire veteran.
Also we plan one or two short hikes (optional) across the Wilson River. Bring your sack lunch — we can eat under cover or outside.
Our route — North on I-5 with rest stop at Santiam. Then exit #278 at Donald and scenic backroads through Newberg and Forest Grove onto Highway 6. At the summit we will stop to point out exactly where it all began on August 14, 1933. Plenty of time to arrive about 1 p.m. at the Tillamook Forestry Center. Leave about 2:30 or so. Return route depends on time and weather. Home by 6 p.m.
We hope some riders will come prepared to share personal experiences about the burn and replanting efforts. In December, 2007 14 inches of rain were recorded at nearby Lee’s Camp so be prepared for the weather.
COST $39 member $41 (non member) Due by MAY 20
RESERVATIONS AND CHECKS TO: VERNA KOCKEN 736-5180
2263 37th ST. SPRINGFIELD 97477
TOURING SW OREGON — ROGUE VALLEY
& HEADWATERS OF UMPQUA RIVER
Monday–Wednesday, June 23–25, 2008
LEADERS: BEN JEFFRIES, BARBARA & PAUL BEARD
We will travel south on I-5 to the Grants Pass area. We will tour the Applegate Museum at Sunny Valley before entering Grants Pass—checking into the Riverside Inn on the Rogue River mid-afternoon. Our sack lunch will be enjoyed in one of the parks along the way. We will have a jet boat ride and barbecued dinner at the O.K. Corral on the Rogue. We will leave our lodging area at 4:15 p.m. This will be a night to remember. Spectacular river views through Hellsgate Canyon with dinner on the Rogue River at the Corral, high above the river. Rides are provided from dock to dinner site. We will return to the motel about 8 p.m. Bring your hat and jacket.
Day 2 will commence with a continental breakfast. After breakfast we will load the bus and head south to Medford. Our first stop will be a rural church that draws approximately 6000 worshipers. After a look see we will proceed on to Harry and David’s plant tour, see packing of fruit, the baking building and chocolate factory. We will stop at the company store for you to spend your Harry & David gift coupon. Then on to Roxy Ann Winery where we will lunch in their gardens (so bring your picnic lunch). They will provide wine tasting. The setting is an 1878 pear orchard. Most buildings are on the historic registry.
In the afternoon we will travel to Dogs for the Deaf, the largest and oldest Hearing Dog training center in the world. See dogs being trained and view a video. Later in the afternoon we will visit the improved Crater Rock Museum. Ewart claims this is one of the best collections we have seen. Our lodging for the second night will be at the Comfort Inn in Medford. There are several restaurants for you to select dinner (at your cost).
Day 3 we will have a continental breakfast then board the bus for a trek on Hwy 62 up the mountains stopping at the many view points along the Rogue River (some of its wildest points). Diamond Lake and Lemolo Resort will be on the agenda for a lunch served at one of the lodges (price included). Our route home takes us to the headwaters of both the Rogue and Umpqua Rivers. We will stop at the place they count the steelhead and salmon at Winchester. Arrival time back in Eugene approx. 6 p.m.
COST: $309 members $315 (non member) $50 deposit NOW Final payment by JUNE 10
RESERVATIONS AND CHECKS TO: MARY LEE CHEADLE 689-1085
3225 RICHARD AVE EUGENE 97402
FRENCH PRAIRIE — HOME OF FIRST
SETTLERS
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
LEADER: MARY ELLEN WEST
CO-LEADER: RAY JENSEN
July will feature a history trip to the French Prairie area in and around St. Paul. This is where the remaining French Canadian fur traders claimed the first farming settlements in Oregon. Volunteers from the St. Paul Historical Society will be our guides to the early history including cemeteries and historic homes. The St. Louis Church, home to Marie Dorian will be open as well as the St. Paul Catholic Church. Lunch will be at the Mustang restaurant in St. Paul (your cost). We will also visit several farm and garden businesses including Ferguson’s Fragrance Nursery, near St. Paul and on the way home we will stop at Bauman Farm, a family farm since 1896 with ice cream and other goodies.
COST: $39 members $41 (non members) DUE JULY 1
RESERVATIONS AND CHECKS TO: JANET SPEELMAN 344-3019
1496 WEST 28TH St. Eugene 97405
OREGON GARDEN — SILVER FALLS
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
LEADER: BETTE HACK
CO-LEADER: LIZ REANIER
We will drive to Silver Falls State Park where we will have our morning coffee break. We will go to the South Falls and do a short hike and viewing of the area. We will return through Silverton and drive to the Oregon Garden for lunch (on your own) and tour the gardens. They now have trams which accommodate 48 people and leaves every 30 minutes from the visitor center. Tram cost is included. Those wishing to tour the Gordon House, designed by Frank L. Wright will need to pay an additional $4 at the time you register and indicate you want the tour. Travel back roads home to Eugene by 6 p.m.
COST: $40 member $42 (non member) DUE JULY 28
RESERVATIONS AND CHECKS TO: PAT BITNER 485-3971
1925 EAST 26TH, EUGENE 97403
LAKE CHELAN — NORTH CASCADES
Tuesday–Saturday, September 2–6, 2008
LEADER: BEN JEFFRIES
CO-LEADER: EWART BALDWIN
Day 1 is a long day of driving with rest stops, lunch . . . lodging in Wenatchee, dinner on your own.
Day 2 activities: Liberty Orchards (home of Applets and Cotlets) factory tour and store. Pioneer Village and County Historical Museum, Cashmere, (museum, Native American, natural history and pioneer exhibits). Village, twenty, late 1800s original pioneer structures with interior artifacts. Lunch in Leavenworth (on your own). Then we will visit an apple packing and shipping plant and lastly the Rock Reach Dam & Museum of the Columbia (history, and railroad exhibits and dam building displays). Also, there are flowers, art and craft exhibits and a mile long fish ladder with viewing site. We will stay in Chelan motel two nights.
Day 3 Lake Chelan (55 miles in length, as narrow as one quarter mile, deepest point 1,486 ft.) This depth and surrounding mountains make the lake North America’s deepest gorge. Pyramid Peak is 8,245 ft. We catch “Lady of the Lake II”, (cost included) holds up to 350 passengers, at 8:30 a.m. Proceed to Stehekin Landing at 12:30. Back on Boat at 2 p.m. and into Chelan at 6 p.m. Stehekin has 72 year-round residents, 23 miles of roads (4 paved). While in Stehekin you may choose to take a bus tour to 312 foot Rainbow Falls (at your extra cost of $7.00). Bus guide gives an informative and humorous narration. Box lunches, available by order, for bus to Falls at $9.00 (your cost). Enroute we pass by a dock leading to Holden Village. Ewart worked at Holden, the largest copper mine in Washington and now a Lutheran Church retreat. Dinner in Chelan (your cost).
Day 4 To Winthrop, 350 population, look at this Old West theme town with false-fronted buildings, wooden sidewalks and old fashioned streetlights. Reminiscent of 1890s mining boom. Leaving Winthrop we enter North Cascades National Park, an area of jagged peaks, deep valleys, waterfalls and over 300 glaciers, the most in any park in the lower 48 states. We will have an opportunity to stop at several overlooks giving spectacular views and to walk some short trails, some on board walks which offer additional grandeur. We will stop at the Newhalem Visitor Center. It has exhibits, theater presentations and ranger presentations. At same stop we can visit Skagit project complex with short trail in the best stand of Cedars in the Park, can cross pedestrian suspension bridge, look at the Gorge powerhouse or Ladder Creek Falls. Lodging for the night at Best Western in Marysville.
Day 5 is again a long travel day with rest stops and lunch and a break by visiting the Port of Tacoma. Estimated arrival time in Eugene — 6 p.m. or as traffic permits.
COST: $450 members $460 (non members) $100 Deposit NOW, $200 JULY 10, $150
(160) AUGUST 18
RESERVATIONS AND CHECKS TO: JANET SPEELMAN 344-3019
1496 WEST 28TH St. Eugene 97405
OCTOBERFEST
Thursday, September 11, 2008
LEADERS: BARBARA & DON PAYNE
We will depart from Eugene driving through farm lands of the Willamette Valley to Mt. Angel for the Octoberfest., one of the nations largest annual festivals of German culture. It was started in 1966. It is Senior Day! No admission. Highlights include over 50 food booths and over 60 artists will display their works. Plenty of music and dancing as well. So bring your pocket book and walking shoes for a fun day. Home by 6 p.m.
COST: $28 member $30 (non member) DUE AUGUST 27
RESERVATIONS AND CHECKS TO: VERNA KOCKEN 736-5180
2263 37th ST. SPRINGFIELD 97477
HIGH DESERT MUSEUM OVER TWO
MOUNTAIN PASSES
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
LEADERS: PAUL & BARBARA BEARD
If you have not been to the High Desert Museum since July 2007, you are in for a thrilling day. We will leave Eugene heading through Springfield and up Hwy 126 over the McKenzie and Santiam to our destination — the High Desert Museum to arrive before the big bird show at 11 a.m. Hear it is a real treat. The museum is always adding and changing exhibits. You will wander the grounds at your leisure. Lunch is served in their cafeteria (your cost). Our return route will allow us to view the Cascades from many angles, the Three Sisters, the cinder cones and Cascade Lakes as we connect with Hwy 58 and our route down the Willamette Pass which will most probably give us our first showing fall color. One of the few remaining drive-in A&W Root Beer stands is located in Oakridge — we may just have to take a break for a root beer float. The day is packed with fun and spectacular sights only Oregon offers through our famous mountains. Come join in the fun.
COST: $45 member $47 (non member) DUE SEPTEMBER 16
RESERVATIONS AND CHECKS TO: BARBARA PAYNE 746-1964
39478 WALTERVILLE LN, SPRINGFIELD 97478
FALL COLOR — WILDLIFE SAFARI
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
LEADER: RAY JENSEN
CO-LEADER: LIZ REANIER
Our fall foliage route to the Wildlife Safari has not been set; we will travel where the color in Douglas County is best. Perhaps through London and over the Shoestring Road to Oakland or possibly the Myrtle Creek area. At the Wildlife Safari we will have a step on guide for our first circuit; then lunch (at your cost) at their White Rhino restaurant. During mid day plenty of time to see displays and demonstrations then our second drive through. Our return route will be through Looking Glass, Melrose and Umpqua. Back in Eugene by 6 p.m.
COST: $38 member $40 (non member) DUE OCTOBER 7
RESERVATIONS AND CHECKS TO: MARY LEE CHEADLE 689-1085
3225 RICHARD AVE EUGENE 97402
LIMO RIDE EUGENE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
Thursday, December 11, 2008
LEADERS: BARBARA PAYNE, LIZ REANIER
We will meet at SHOPKOP on Coburg Road at 6:45 p.m. to board the LIMO for a fabulous two hour ride around Eugene. No walking, no cold, just a relaxing ride to see the lights. Of course, if you want some more socializing we are going to informally gather at Papa’s Pizza on Coburg Road about 5 p.m. When you register let us know if you plan to come for pizza so we have some ready for you. Donation toward pizza price will be determined later.
Of course we’ll provide rides, if you speak up at the time of registration. There is a limit of 44! So don’t be left out by not meeting the deadline or earlier.
COST: $24 member $26 (non member) DUE NOVEMBER 7
RESERVATIONS AND CHECKS TO: JANET SPEELMAN 344-3019
1496 WEST 28TH St. Eugene 97405
Bus Trips - Details Of Participation
- GENERAL INFORMATION: Your trip fees include transportation, lodging and taxes, museum fees, admission charges, donations in lieu of admission fees, the tip for the driver and the daily trip fees. Meals are not included, except where specified in a trip write up. Personal expenses are not covered. Bring your own sack lunch and non-alcoholic beverage. We schedule frequent rest stops and usually lunch at wayside parks. Be sure to check writeups for details. Wear your name tags at all times. Wear sensible walking shoes and bring your Golden Age pass. We also always carry water.
- WHO IS ELIGIBLE: Any Obsidian may sign up for these trips. Non-members must be accompanied by an Obsidian host and are welcome to join us. The trip leader has the authority to exclude anyone who may present a danger to the group or to himself because of physical, medical or emotional conditions.
- TRANSPORTATION: We charter buses from Oregon California & Washington (formerly Oregon Coachways) which are modern, safe, clean, comfortable, air-conditioned and have an on board toilet facility. Their drivers are experienced and well trained to insure enjoyable traveling.
- LOADING SITE
- ALL TRIPS: We will load at Shopko on Coburg Road near the bus stop on Coburg Road. It is the south end of their garden shop in the summer.
- LOADING INFORMATION: Usually we load at 7:30 a.m., departing promptly at 8:00 a.m. and return between 5 and 6 p.m. These times are subject to change so always check the monthly Obsidian Bulletin and any trip descriptions for details. On extended trips we encourage you to arrange private transportation to the loading site. We suggest that you do not leave your car overnight. Also please notify the trip leader if you must cancel at the last minute.
- COSTS OF TRIPS: Costs are estimated far in advance. Trip Leaders anticipate the number of riders, transportation costs, entrance fees, tips, donations, etc., lodging (2 persons, 2 beds) and the daily fee to the Club. The leaders volunteer their time and pay the same as all other riders. Please carry your Golden Age Pass and any other membership card that gives you free admission to an attraction. Please notify the leader that you have them as it sometimes reduces our fees.
- LODGING: Room costs are based on booking for non-smoking, 2 persons, 2 beds. You are requested to select your roommate. Sometimes the leader or reservations person can assist you in that selection. The final selection is the riders responsibility. If you need special considerations, let the leader know. Frequently there are no elevators, so pack luggage you can carry up a flight of stairs. Be sure your luggage is labeled.
- POLICY FOR SINGLES: We encourage the single traveler to participate. Occasionally, we can provide a single room, at a much higher rate. Our basic policy is based on 2 persons, 2 beds in order to minimize cost of the trip. We will assist you in finding a roommate.
- PAYMENT: Make a SEPARATE CHECK FOR EACH TRIP, payable to the OBSIDIANS BUS TRIP ACCOUNT. Please observe the due dates for payments, especially when advance deposits are required. Priority on trips is based on the dates you paid in full.
- WAITING LIST: A waiting list will be maintained if a trip is over subscribed. Only persons sincerely interested in participating should sign up. If your interests or availability changes — please inform the reservations person and/or the leader. The leader makes the ultimate selection based on the vacancy.
- CANCELLATIONS: CAUSE PROBLEMS. Leaders frequently must make guarantees and large payments 30 days in advance. Often motels require room lists 4 weeks in advance. If you must cancel, inform the leader IMMEDIATELY. Sometimes we are unable to recover costs, therefore you would be expected to pay them. If you are able to find a possible replacement that is appreciated but it will still be the leader’s ultimate selection, subject to the approval of the roommate. Persons on the waiting list have priority. . . It is difficult.
- REFUNDS: There will be no refunds on one day trips unless the leader is notified in advance, as there is sometimes a waiting list. On multi-day trips partial or full refunds may be made after the trip, if cancellations are made at least one week in advance of the trip. Any refund is also contingent upon recovery of lodging costs, fees prepaid, admissions, etc. Refunds will only be made if a trip has generated a surplus; such refund will be determined after the trip when all financial data has been examined.
- REBATES: Sometimes rebates may be awarded at the end of our trip season, if a trip has a substantial excess in revenue. We annually donate excess funds to Obsidians building fund.
- INSURANCE: Our charter bus companies carry the required liability and accident insurance. All riders are expected to provide their own medical, liability and accident insurance. Obsidians, Inc. requires each rider to sign a release prior to each trip. In addition, the Bus Committee requires that you fill out a medical information form that will be carried in a sealed envelope on all trips you participate in. This form will be used in the event of an emergency, thus the data must be updated annually. It will be held confidential. If you have serious updates during the season, please file a new form. Notify the reservations person if you do not have the form. Read trip descriptions, talk to the leaders and determine if you will be able to participate in planned activities.
- SIGN UP: Signing up for a trip shows interest in taking the trip and your intent to pay the costs by the due date. Keep track of trips you sign for so you can pay on time and also keep the leader informed if you must cancel. Leaders use the rally sign-up to determine if a trip must be canceled and also use the list to make the detailed, special arrangements that make our trips special. We welcome additional riders, so check with reservations and/or leader if interested at a later date. New non-Obsidian riders are to be sponsored by an Obsidian rider.
- WEARING FRAGRANCES: The Federal Disabilities Act states that one should refrain from using scented deodorant, perfumes and heavy aftershaves in consideration of those who have allergies and related illnesses. Our close proximity of riders on the bus makes this very important. It may mean you need to wash wearing apparel to get rid of the problem.
- FINAL NOTE: Dates, itineraries or boarding sites may be changed so watch the monthly Obsidian Bulletin for updates. A waiting list will be maintained if a trip is over subscribed. Following is a description for each of our 2008 offerings. Multi-day trips have detailed descriptions nearer to the departure date. We hope you will find the trips appealing and will join us for an enjoyable experience.
BUS COMMITTEE OFFICERS: Liz Reanier, Chairman, Bette Hack, Secretary, Ben Jeffries, Treasurer, Lenore McManigal, Auditor, Rick Ahrens, Ethel Allen, Ewart Baldwin, Barbara Beard, Paul Beard, Patricia Bitner, Mary Lee Cheadle, Sharon Cutsforth, Evelyn Hile, Pat Jeffries, Ray Jensen, Rosella Jones, Verna Kocken, Barbara Payne, Don Payne, Janet Speelman, Richard Speelman, Mary Ellen West, Vera Wolley.