SAM(ANTHA) GILBERT

We had the slowest start to this day, the last day, than any before. I think we all stayed put because we knew if we got up, we’d eventually clean up, pack up, and leave...and no one said it out loud, but no one wanted to leave. That’s my take anyway, but I’ve been known to be wrong... Regardless, we silently decided to let time win again, and make the most of the day, starting with a stroll along the beach. A thousand and one birds were feeding on something spectacular just

Is everyone getting sick of us yet? Not to worry, we’re nearly home... Our penultimate day started with a fantastic breakfast at a spot...

Yesterday was our last big(gish) mileage day of the trip. We cruised right through the Bay Area on 680, miraculously avoiding any and all traffic in garlic country and landed in Carmel, CA, mid-evening. Carmel-by-the-Sea. I still consider Carmel to be Clint Eastwood’s little paradise, although, it’s not as little as I recall... Our accommodations were, again, made via Air BnB and the cute, little bungalow in the heart of downtown was within walking distance to everything. In

We are water seekers. And what a brilliant day on Lake Shasta! The sun dragged us out of our air mattress nest around 8AM and there was already fresh coffee brewing downstairs in the kitchen. Everyone lazed about, existing together as if we’d all known each other our entire lives…as it tends to go on the water…and when surrounded by good people. It’s amazing how these guys can go from zero to 90, in every way, just by stepping from the houseboat to the speed boat. It wasn’t

Yesterday we said “Adios Bart” to Klamabama...not for good, just for now. The hospitality and generosity of those who made time to visit...

Plans for our last full day in Klamath were chalk full of history as we were able to schedule a couple of really interesting tours. First up was the Baldwin Hotel. Don’t laugh, that place is fascinating! George Baldwin was Klamath innovation at its finest and the fact the building is still standing is a testament to the quality and care that encompassed the ingenuity of the early 20th Century. Carved into a basalt hillside, the Baldwin has stood since 1905, had its own theate

In stark contrast to Spring Creek and Crater Lake in nearly every way, our traveling quartet ventured south for a visit to the Lava Beds National Monument . First though, we stopped off at the Tule Lake National Monument which consists of the Tule Lake Segregation Center and the WWII prisoner of war camp for German and Italian soldiers. The former was the largest site where Japanese Americans were incarcerated for no reason other than their appearance. There’s not much left

Yesterday was the perfect tweener day and I enraptured the group with a tour of my own personal, historical, Klamtucky landmarks: former residences, schools, and other local places of note. They were thrilled…!!! We kicked the day off with breakfast at The Klamath Grill with the one and only Bobby Thompson. It was comforting to see the walls are still littered with old Western movie six-sheets and I was equally pleased to see an abundance of familiar faces: Randall Paul, Denn

Crater Lake...Oregon’s sapphire. I have been to Crater Lake at least two dozen times and it never disappoints. It’s not just the interesting rock formations, the unimaginable color of the water, the fact that you’re standing inside a volcano...it’s also counting how many different languages you hear on the trail; people from all over the planet falling over themselves being polite to, and taking photos for, each other. (This time, the large group of Mennonites were my favorit

I find that you always get the best rest after a day on the water and boy, did we sleep hard in our swanky Running Y suite. It was time for a slow day and we took one. There was a lot of moseying, meandering, and sipping coffee on the patio before we got our act together and decided to try our hand at the driving range down the road. The Running Y golf course was designed by Arnold Palmer and considered one of his Sweet 16 (one of his favorites). Now, I do not profess to be