Oregon Countryside & Back To California

With only 3 days remaining before a prior engagement back in Marin we needed to make the most of our time left in Oregon. So with fond memories of the Rogue River in our minds we returned to the coast and headed north toward Battle Rock and Bandon.

At first glance, the modest Battle Rock stands as one of many small rocky islands that pepper the Oregon coastline. However, there is a historical significance to this place that provides insight into the recent history of the (US) pacific coastline.

Story Time...

In 1850, US Congress passed the Oregon Donations Land Act, which basically allowed white settlers to claim lands already populated by the Dene Tsut Dah (Native Americans), without any formal negotiation or treaty. Understandably, this Act constructed a recipe for conflict, and in 1851 that conflict arrived when nine men under the command of Captain William Tichenor landed at what is now Battle Rock. For 2 weeks the bravery and gun powder possessed by these nine white settlers repelled an understably irate collection of poorly armed Indian warriors. Eventually, after escaping under the cover of night, Captain William Tichenor and his men returned to this site with a fully equipped army to sweep away any resistance, establish a permanent white settlement and change the course of local history for ever.

Battle Rock

Oregon Coastline

After Battle Rock our journey then took us back towards Highway 5, inland through the open green fields that dominate this beautifully under developed state. We then continued south, eager to put some miles on the clock and reduce the distance between us and Novato. Just shy of the border we rested up in a bland cheap motel in Medford, a sprawl of a former railroad town where we could find little to do other then eat a very large pizza in one of the string of out of town restaurants that appear to define the gastronomic possibilities on offer in this part of the world. The next day we continuing south past the immense Mount Shasta on the way to a comfortable campsite on the banks of Lake Solano. Here, in beautiful and natural surroundings we endeavoured to cook and eat, despite the persistent efforts of a half dozen crazed peacocks who were eager to steal our food.

Mount Shasta

Lake Solano

Crazed Peacock

© All Images By Paul