6th Decade on this planet

Well it's finally happened. No more put'n it off. I hit 60. I'm getting email from funeral homes, nursing homes, scooter stores, and viagra dealers. So what more fitting way to celebrate the passing of that land mark than to go check out what underground looks like. So into the Oregon Caves National Monument we went.

One of the first things I noticed is that when you turn out all the lights it's dark and it enhances your chances of smacking your head. However when you throw a little light on you are surounded by surrealistic carvings that have taken millenia to make. (or just 6000 years according to some)

The first white guy who found the cave went in after his hunting dog who chased a bear into the cave. He went in well prepared.... His gun wouldn't fit through the hole, he had a few matches in his pocket, a knife on his belt and the sounds of a dog and a bear fighting. Makes sense to me. Once more giving truth to the saying "If you're gunna be dumb, you got to be tough". He obviously got out but it didn't occure to him that it might be a good idea to leave the cave till he burnt up his last match. When he finally did make it outside there was his dog waiting for him.

The cave was pretty cool (44 F) with many large rooms but early visitors had freely helped themselves to souviners and taken many of the the stalagtits and mites that were there.

The Lodge was actually more interesting than the caves. (they had beer)

It was sided with Port Orford Ceader Bark and if you get up close and look at you swear you're looking at a tree.

The Lobby was fantastic with large timber framing, great views, comfortable chairs (excellent for napping), and a large friendly fire place.

The coffee shop was of the same vintage

So were the milk shakes and malts!!!!!! Apparently Sue has taken out the life insurance policy because my bday lunch was this with a huge basket of fries.