Bert's Page

2012-01-12T15:01:00.001-08:00

No snow, but still a winter wonderland. Temperatures are very reasonable and sun is out every day. Guests are booking for spring and summer and wedding couples have been exploring the grounds for their event. A very good beginning of 2012. What has the Mayan calendar to say about that?

Fall

2011-11-17T14:10:00.001-08:00

Ooh Fall, ...the colors are incredible with many sunny days a beautiful sight along the McKenzie river. We just returned from our vacation in Northern California with absolutely astonishing sunny weather. The splendor of the Redwoods with all it's autumn colors. You can't ask for more. Shall we clean up all those leaves or let them on the floor until after Thanksgiving?

October??

2011-09-28T16:39:00.000-07:00

Yeah, we all have that feeling.... October?? What happened? Did this summer fall short, ... was it not so hot or is an Indian summer on it's way? Either way, the kids are back in school and the salmon are spawning. It must be that fall is around the corner. Yes, July was colder and more wet than June and business was slow, but here came August. Some of the highlights: - the Reppert/Weinberg bi-annual family reunion took place with even more participants then before, but even that week with Bocce ball, rafting, golf and great food was over before we knew it. Came September. Sure we had a great rafting adventure with a group of people from the Leatherman company from Portland which was awesome, because I met again with James Schmidt and his family and I hooked up with some great people, Tanya and Tim Moomey, relatively new guides on the river, from TnT White Water Rafting and what a blast we had going through Martin Rapids four times in succession.
So here we are, August and September made up for July regarding over night bookings and October is just a couple of days shy from changing the calendar.

Earlier this week I heard on the radio, I 'm sure it was on OPB, that scientists discovered 'new' sub-atomic particles that can travel faster than light. Although this need to be verified by the scientific community it would make a big impact since it would throw over Einstein's theory that nothing can travel faster than light and therefore time travel is not possible. But if this is true and scientifically established and those particles are faster than light, ....well, ...can we than go back to June 2011? For I just loved this summer with all its weather idiosyncrasies and those many guests we saw coming back to our spot on the river and all those rafting and fishing trips I have been doing with so many people, young and less young, familiar and new!

Water safety

2011-06-18T10:43:00.000-07:00

If there is one thing I enjoyed tremendously this week it has been doing a presentation at the Cooper Mountain school in Beaverton, Oregon for third graders. Divided into two groups of about 75 students each I had a captivated audience so open minded and inquisitive about the use of lifejackets this summer during water activities. It makes me rethink the language to use when composing questions. In an answer to one of my questions:- "What kind of bodies of water do we know?" I've got a small dissertation about this kids body and how it was made out of this precious water.

It also made me realize that the teachers, who are dedicating their time and efforts, have to use a language that third graders understand all the time.
Anyhow it was a blast. With the help of my laptop connected to the overhead projector I was able to show pictures and text to emphasize the importance of wearing a life jacket and how important it is to tighten the bottom strap of the jacket and/or having an extra strap attached to the jacket looped between the legs. I threw in a little science by using statistics to show these little fellows the odds of an accident when not wearing one. As an river guide/outfitter I hope it all contribute to a great summer while spending time on beaches, lakes and rivers wearing lifejackets in safe manner.

2011-06-15T15:51:00.000-07:00

Many people are thinking this spring in the Pacific North West has been cold and wet. I don't blame them, yes, ...but there have been years that set a record and I don't think this was one of them. Actually I would say this spring made our garden incredible lush and green and full of colors of blooming flowers. The rhododendrons , azalea's, lilacs, snowballs are so voluminous and big and with so many flowers it looks like our yard is on fire.

With weddings coming up next week and summer we called in some help us to get the whole property to look at it's best. Ellie, my innkeeper and sister in law, has made together with Yvette and my wife a tremendous effort to get all the flowerbeds, pathways, sitting area's, trails etc. ready, and it looks fantastic. There's still work to be done, but for now the blend of the manicured and natural area's make this Bed and Breakfast stand out in it's own way.

Last weekend it was gorgeous weather and guests enjoyed the property sitting in lounge chairs watching the river flow by and by walking the river trail that starts at the waterfront. With fresh wood chips on top it will take you into the forest and meanders towards the entrance bypassing many indigenous plants and trees. There's even an old trunk covered with lichens (see picture below: a combination of a fungus and algae) some of them in bloom. It is beautiful and the McKenzie River Inn is shaping up for summer.

2011-03-10T10:25:00.000-08:00

Now here is a thought. March and April 2011 is the month to start your McKenzie River Inn savings account. Stay for “ two nights in March & April and we'll deposit a $100 credit in your account for any return visit. When you stay with us in March and/or April and return again for any two night stay during 2011, even in the summer, you'll have a $100 credit waiting for you. It's like getting paid to enjoy yourself. There is limited space available for this special offer, so make your reservations soon."

2010-12-11T15:48:00.000-08:00

As Christmas is approaching we also have to get things ready for after the Holidays. The big walnut tree that lines the drive way across the log cabin begs for a trim. Many 'runners' go vertical up from the main branches forming quite a load, especially with snow. Boat, fishing- and rafting gear needs to be cleaned and stored and here and there replaced, painted or otherwise maintained. Did I mentioned carpet? We can't replace it all at one time, but I really need take out the one that is an eyesore (actually for my eye's) for some time now and bring in some new colors and higher quality. Those are just a few things that comes to my mind knowing that this month of December makes me read an extra book and pull out that nice bottle of wine that is waiting in the cellar and ready to be opened, and sit in front of the fireplace and know we are going to lift these chores over the Holidays. Sounds like a very good new years resolution to me!!...Happy Holidays!

A great Summer!

2010-07-24T12:27:00.000-07:00

We are in full swing and so is the summer weather. Guests are appreciating the blue sunny skies and green lawns and orchard that we have been watering religiously. The annual BBQ (last Saturday of June) brought us many guests and visitors and we had the pleasure to have Alphonse, wine maker and owner of Rolling Bay Winery, (www.rollingbaywinery.com) doing the honors of serving a variety of award winning wines (his Manitou Red won several gold medals this year) to our guests.
For our musical needs Bert played light and sang acoustic songs along side with Jacob (Jaap) on flute. It turned out to be another successful combination. Guests raved about the wines and appreciated the musicians efforts to please everyone with origin al and known songs. Local Howard Pinnock at 104 years of age, enjoyed a fishing trip with William and the festivities and delicous food prepared by Hubertina and Ellie. Cedric dressed up in his outfit of his ballet recital and Isabelle looked gorgeous in her Flamenco dress Jacob brought over from Spain where he lives.

Next day family and friends could enjoy rafting and a drift-boat float on the fabulous McKenzie river.
We also had the pleasure of having Berts niece Odette, who's living in Berlin, Germany, over. Her husband Ben had to be in Portland for a work shop and spend some time at the McKenzie River Inn. A great way of seeing each other again after such a long time. The introduction to the magnificent Koosah and Sahalie waterfalls as much as the lava fields and the town of Sister was one of the highlights of their stay with us.
Together with seeing many returning guests again we already experience another excellent season.

Spring fever

2010-04-06T09:09:00.000-07:00

After months of sunny weather we allow the rain to fill up the river and form snow caps on the mountains to ensure required water levels for the summer season. River rafting and fly-fishing are just around the corner and yes, we've been out there already and did some great training runs on the upper McKenzie. A special thanks to my mock-clients Theresa, Dick, Nadine andRon to warm me up for this upcoming season.

At the McKenzie River Inn we have been upgrading our wireless high speed internet for better accessibility and

of course higher speeds. Especially for our business guests it is a must to have a broadband connection that meets the highest demands for internet access. Our internet service provider ensured us designated server space an routing to it, so drop outs should be a thing of the past.

The McKenzie River Inn hosted for the fourth year the 28th annual Public Interest Environmental Law Conference with more participants than ever before and our lodge, as well our cabins were jam-packed with people, drawing in representatives as far as from the Dakota's. Over the years I have been reporting about this event and have to say that we keep learning more and more about the perspective of the first Americans. It is obvious that the complexity of environmental issue's and the necessity to find solutions for it's problems (as well for the economic, social and ecological situations) a matter is for all of us, and needless to say, to be dealt with and overcome.

The added value for all participants of this conference is the force or feeling that unites people in general and especially within the realm of common emotion and/or interest. Clearly at the end of the conference there was a bond of understanding between all of us, as a (growing) group.

As I'm out and about, guests and other people will often ask me if the bed and breakfast business has slowed down due to the recession. You know with the recession our country is in, my expectation was that people wouldn't to be traveling as much, I was wrong. I can happily reply that business hasn't been bad. Yes, it slowed down mid-October last year as it always does and we didn't get that Indian summer we wished for. So who are these people that can afford and keep traveling? This is my take on it. There are still the events in the area that attract certain guests--events that people look forward to or plan for year after year. But, in between the events, what reasons do people find to travel? I think that recession or no-recession, people work hard and need a vacation. Those people are usually resourceful and taking vacations closer to home. Some guests come from as close as an hour's drive, some come from the Portland area or Roseburg or coast to get a peak at our historic lodge and to experience the bed and breakfast hospitality. Guests may not be traveling as far to get away, but they still can feel rested, relaxed and "vacationed" by checking into a bed and breakfast or one of our cabins.

Low cost and free activities in Eugene or here in the McKenzie Valley enhance their get-a-way so once here guests do not need to spend a lot of money to have fun. Some bring their mountain bikes and ride our beautiful and free McKenzie River Trail or experience hiking in our Willamette National Forest. Others take great pleasure in a soak in the Terwilliger Hot Spring or spent a few hours floating the McKenzie river in a drift boat. For lunch and dinner, the McKenzie Valley has a wide variety of restaurants to choose from so dining out does not have to be expensive.

The recession has not been to bad for the bed and breakfast business in general. For us it's actually great to see people stretching their imaginations to come up with ways to vacation without emptying their wallets. So, if you've been thinking of spring flowers and the sme

ll of a cup of steaming hot coffee and a peach cobbler, you might consider a drive to the McKenzie river and if you there stay in a room or cabin at the McKenzie River Inn. I have to get back to work ....for you.

Winter in Lane County

2010-01-22T10:49:00.001-08:00

After the Artic cold spell in November we are experiencing a total different weather pattern in January with temperatures hovering around the low and mid-fifties for almost two weeks now. Some of our Indian Plum and rose bushes have new leaves on their branches and with a little concern for what still has to come I watch this young fresh green. Blooming purple forest violets, beat the prim roses with their colorful display on the front lawn at the river and it's hard to believe we have snow in the forecast tomorrow night January 22nd. Hmm, ....isn't that Hubertina's birthday?

Earlier this week I was able to work on my drift boat that was in need of some TLC. With these temperatures urethane and epoxy cures within normal dry times what makes me getting ahead of the fishing season which start this weekend when we are fishing for Steelhead below the Leaburg dam. Checking gear, tackle and material has been high on the priority list and the push for completing this task becomes a lot easier with this unusual 'warm' weather.

We also start our preparations for the upcoming 28th annual Public Interest Environmental Law Conference at the end of February. After a very successful conference in 2009 we are looking at an even higher attendance this year resulting in a five day event instead of the three days in previous years. As one of the international 13 indigenous Grandmothers (www.grandmotherscouncil.com) Agnes Pilgrim (oldest living member of the Eastern Oregon Takelma tribe) confirmed her presence as well as Art George, Benny Mills, Joe Brown, Joe Cross and Calvin Hecocta (member of the Numa tribe near Beatty, Oregon). This all will be topped of with a traditional fish bake at the McKenzie River Inn Bed & Breakfast and Cabins.
A good start of a new year. Hope you too will do well in 2010.

Annual BBQ and Wine Tasting

2009-07-15T17:35:00.000-07:00

For our 10th annual BBQ and Wine tasting we wanted to do something different. So we had Alphonse (www.rollingbaywinery.com) doing the honors of serving a variety of wines to our guests. For our musical needs Bert played light acoustic songs along side with Rachel on cello. It turned out to be quite successful. Guests raved about the wines and appreciated the musicians efforts to please everyone. Isabelle's (Hubertina's and Bert's daughter) birthday was celebrated with a sing along birthday song and in return Isabelle sang, shy but not overwhelmed, "Midnight Sun" into the microphone accompanied by guitar and cello. You have to start somewhere!

Next day family and friends could enjoy rafting and a driftboat float. We put in at Hamlin boat ramp to float down to the McKenzie River Inn. The weather was outstanding and the kids loved the excitement.

This weekend also means the spin-off for the summer season and it turned out July as one of the busiest months of the year. Two weeks in July we welcomed back the Weinberg/Reppert reunion and what a great week that was. From Bacchi Ball to Badminton tournaments, from rafting to hiking, this family is able to cram in quite some activities in a week stay. If you work, or start working, in the hospitality business and read this blog, I can tell you right now that guests like these are one of the highlights of being in this business. We are grateful to have them coming back every other year and to share our spot on the McKenzie river with them. With the help and exchange of pictures (thanks Jill!) we can look back on other great and successful summer.

Nice weather and a spring garden

2009-06-05T09:53:00.000-07:00

Nice weather and a beautiful spring garden have drawn many guests to our spot on the McKenzie river these first five Months. January and February gave us many sunny day's to bridge the change of seasons from winter into spring. After the first week May was warm and gave us the stunning view on the blooming Azalea's, Camellia's and Rhododendrons.

We are very content with having so many returning guests. Some are coming back every year, others several times a year and other guests return after they stayed with us at the McKenzie River Inn years ago. The connection and contacts we have with our guests is for us unique and is one of the reasons we appreciate being in the hospitality industry. It also means we can rely on a strong following even if this industry is hit hard by the economic decline and accommodation reports are showing 50 to 54% less bookings. So, thank you all for coming back to our spot in the Cascade mountains, it means a lot to us and are always looking forward to your stay with us.

This year we welcome back the Weinberg/Reppert family who have their biannual reunion week in July. We are all excited to see you playing Bacchi ball again in our orchard and having fun going down the river rafting with us. We love to show you the improvements we have made to our facilities and above all the new paint-job.

In the meantime we prepare for our annual BBQ and wine tasting. This year Bert will perform acoustic songs along side with Rachel Barton-Russell on cello and vocals and the latest news is that Hubertina's and Ellie's brother Alphonse will do the honor of introducing a variety of wines. Alphonse is a winemaker for over twenty years and recently opened his own winery with partner David Verwolf on Bainbridge Island called "Rolling Bay Winery". His dedication has lead him to several award winning wines over the last four years. He still follow

classes in wine making to achieve that edge that is needed to make outstanding wines. For guests at the McKenzie River Inn having a taste of the several kinds of fermented grapes is complementary on the days we are having wine tasting and till so far we received raving comments about the Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris.

Alphonse told me the other day that his blend of Pinot Gris and Chardonnay left him with quite some satisfied customers and the "Pinonnay", as I call it, sold out pretty quick. I'm looking forward to our tenth annual BBQ and to see colleagues, guests, friends and family again.

The river levels are dropping as we speak and this will tremendously improve the (fly-) fishing over the coming weeks. So wade out to cast out a line, or climb in my boat and start fishing. Life is good!

Environmental Law Conference

2009-03-09T12:22:00.000-07:00

It was a warm welcome again for our guests for the Environmental Law Conference. Some arrived early, others came in a day later, but everybody was counted for. It was heartwarming to have Agnes Baker Pilgrim and her daughter Nadine amongst them for the third consecutive year. As one of the international 13 indigenous Grandmothers (www.grandmotherscouncil.com) Agnes Pilgrim enlightens the world with her teachings and stories and her visions for our Planet. As a member of this council of extraordinary women and oldest living member of the Eastern Oregon Takelma tribe she travels the world to give her views and provides her wisdom regarding the healing of our injured planet. She also gives her input about ending war and poverty when she speaks with spiritual leaders as his holiness Pope Benedict XVI or his holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.

With a mid-day session lead by William Blair from Infraspect (www.infraspect.com) many topics of the conference were reviewed and discussed among the participating guests. Although we have seen different scenarios in the last three years it always boils down to the impact of the environmental implications of the destruction, pollution and the vast changing of the ancestral lands of the indigenous people and the hurt that is felt because of it. Although we learn more about the perspective of the first Americans it is obvious that environmental issue's and our quest to find solutions for the economic, social and ecological problems are approached from a Western point of view. Here at the McKenzie River Inn it became clear that not bringing their perspective to the program would be an other missed opportunity to enrich the lawmaking process that would give the indigenous people a reflected voice and a hard fought recognition of how they have to deal with the protection of their communities from the above mentioned environmental changes. After all, shared strategies, scientific research and legal input from the many different parties and angles, would more effectively promote environmental protection.

Thanks to the generous salmon contribution from Tim Hermach of the Native Forest Council, we all enjoyed each others company during a dinner on Saturday prepared by Ellie, William and myself. After dinner and around a crackling fire we talked on a lighter note, laughed at jokes and looked back to the 2009 Environmental Law Conference with the knowledge to have learned from each other experiences facing similar environmental challenges to come to more successful environmental policies. As for the McKenzie River Inn, we can not be more thankful for the wonderful guests we could share our place on the McKenzie river with. Hope to see you all back next year.

Sun and snow

2009-01-30T19:55:00.000-08:00

What a great winter it has been, and just when you think it is over it rears it's snowy head.

A more than usual snowfall in December created a beautiful scenery, snow covered hills, ripe on the tree's, tracks of the local wildlife and birds foraging for food on the feeders. Cedric and Isabelle enjoyed the sledding when we took them up on the mountain for a couple of days and found many other families enjoying the snow and hills.

Although highway 126 was drive able all the way up to our entrance we had a plow coming in to clean our driveway so guests, who were spending Christmas at the McKenzie

River Inn, had easy access to their rooms and cabins.

January counted for many sunny day's here at the McKenzie as well the first week of February. It certainly gave us the opportunity to clean up the fallen branches and an apple tree that fell over in our orchard after it couldn't bare the snow load. Guests staying in the cabins always seem to find an array of activities to do in the wintertime. From skiing at Hoodoo to visiting the falls and hiking the trails or fishing for Steelhead. One of our guests stayed with us last summer and as a birdwatcher (he counted over a hundred different species on our property) hiked the logging trails and returned with some great and sometimes stunning pictures of the local wildlife in this winter wonderland.

This time of year also means allocating time for projects. From upgrading the facilities to remodeling, like the bathroom of one of the cabins. We also start our preparations for the upcoming 27th annual Public Interest Environmental Law Conference at the end of February. We are thrilled to be chosen again as the location for facilitating this event. After a very successful conference in 2008 we expect the return of familiar and also new faces and rumors are that a traditional fish bake might be part of this three day event at the McKenzie River Inn Bed & Breakfast and Cabins.

Apple cider and plum jam

2008-09-17T11:08:00.000-07:00

Laborday weekend we pressed 62 gallons (237 liters) of apple juice. Day's before, Bert, Maya and Cameron picked the fruit from the tree's and placed the top filled cans under the carport next to the apple press and tables for processing. It was a very nice, partly clouded day with a temperature hovering around 78 degrees. After Bert picked up the press in Eugene we started pressing at 10 AM and found ourselves cleaning up around 8 PM. Several of our guests made their way to the canopy that day for a taste of fresh organic juice or to give a hand with the press by loading the apples in the hopper or to crush the fruit with the manually operated press. Many topics past for great conversation especially when Mike (tennis teammate of Bert) and his wife joined the action. After making breakfast and routing the cleaning ladies to the cabins and rooms Ellie joined the fun in the afternoon. Bert returned the cider press the next day.

The following weekend Hubertina and Ellie (with the help of Cedric and Isabelle) made jams and sauces from the fruit of orchard. The kitchen transferred from a decent looking cooking facility into a sticky and sweet fruit smelling bubbly damp canning factory and avoidance was the key word if you did not participate. The end result was another year supply of preserved fruit that was nicely displayed with the dried fruit on the table in the dining room of the lodge. When we open a jar this winter it will remind us of the hard labor everyone put in these two weekends of September. We are sure our guests will appreciate the taste of a blend of five different kinds of plum on a Belgium hazelnut waffle or English muffin or the with blueberries and cinnamon topped off pears as an opener for breakfast.

Summerfun

2008-08-15T10:02:00.000-07:00

Early this morning swarms of Mayflies above the grapes danced their way into reproduction. At the waterfront guests sipping their coffee at one of the picnic tables while enjoying the river view. I walk around with my point and shoot camera trying to capture the new paint job on the lodge and cabins. After all I like to show off the results on this blog. Hubertina did a fabulous job putting the color combination together and the feedback from guests has been great so far. So has been the quality and flexibility of our paint contractor who went the extra mile adding trim pieces and doing shingle repair. Thanks Virgil (www.OpusInc.us)), also for being creative with the shop doors and your help putting up gutters! It really shows!
After yesterdays hot weather we are in for a new one. Over a hundred degrees! Last time I wrote a posting about our annual BBQ party I reported something similar. Today we experience a nice breeze though, making it more bearable.
I'm making my way into the orchard. A sweet fruity smell welcomes me. I disturb a black tail deer, munching on apples that lay on the ground. We make eye contact and she takes of into the forest. It's going to be later than last year, but we are going to have a huge harvest, the fruit tree's are loaded. Ellie told me a few day's ago she's on her last jar of plum jam for our guests breakfast, reminding me at the same time that we lost two plum tree's this year. Hopefully pressing for apple cider won't be at the same time as the wine crush on Bainbridge island. You have to keep them separated!
I walk past the canopy and take a peek at my drift boat. There is some wear and tear on the chines, but the hull let the under layer of green paint shine and make this old timer look great. This summer I started guiding for myself and James, our web master (www.bigapplewebdesign.net) did a great job putting a web site together for my guide service (check out: www.bertsguideservice.com). In June there was some big water in the McKenzie and it was tough getting that nymph to the bottom. I have been enjoying it tremendously and always look forward to the next trip. Alright, with this hot weather we are calling it the "dog days" for a reason, making the fishing really slow, but we also know this weather won't last and can go out and hook a few!
I'm making it back to the drive way and follow the path to the river front. After a two hundred feet I stand in front of the lodge. The darker green paint on the shingles gives it a more distinguished look especially with the white trim, ..I like it, ....one more picture!

Hot Party

2008-07-13T08:49:00.000-07:00

When it comes down to parties you do want to have good weather. In previous years we could rely on ideal weather conditions, not to warm not to cold. As far as I can remember only 2004 gave us some drizzle in the morning. This years annual BBQ and commemorating the Inn's being in business for 30 years was the hottest party on record. With 98 degrees (37 Celsius) and a high humidity our guests were in for a challenge. Although people showed up at four PM, most came in later, as was the five man's band just when the temperature dropped to more desirable conditions. Friends from Idaho and Portland Oregon, family from California, some arriving the day before, joined the festivities. The Olympic Trials in Eugene added excitement to the conversations especially for those who just came back from a day spend at Hayward Field. A variety of courses and side dishes where available in a buffet style set up close to the rivers edge. Later in the evening the temperature dropped as a breeze introduced some thunder clouds. With a smaller crowd, but bigger topics, the setting was compromised to the canopy when sprinkles fell and a showcase of lightning behind the butte lighted up the sky and the roaring river. With just a handful of people left we decided it to call it a day after it was said that it was an other great party and anniversary at the McKenzie River Inn. Next day many enjoyed the cooler temperatures as they were floating down the river in an original wooden McKenzie drift boat bringing an end to an weekend full of socializing and interaction. We are very appreciative of all guests showing up and especially the persons attending to the chicken, ribs and salmon as well the man and women who help preparing the side dishes and setting the tables to make this event an other success. Also many thanks for the musicians entertaining us with songs from the sixties to present. See you all next year!

Spring preparation

2008-04-24T10:36:00.000-07:00

Well, here we are! A shipload of snow in the mountains, a weather change for the better, and a lot of work to do. Fisherman's weekend (April 26th) coming up with hobnobbing at the boat show next door at the Eagle Rock Lodge, as a kick off for the fishing season. It looks like we have a bigger draw to guided fly-fishing on the river this year, since many of the lakes are snow blocked and inaccessible for fisherman.

In the meantime we prepare ourselves for a new paint job on the Lodge and cabins. We are looking forward to new colors on the cedar shakes and fresh painted eve's and trim. Hopefully the weather helps us out to have this done before our annual BBQ party on Saturday the 28th of June. The preparations are in full swing. We are celebrating and commemorating the Inn's being in business for 30 years, it will be a big event. It all starts around 4.00 PM. The McKenzie River inn will be providing gifts, music, salmon, ribs & chicken as well our usual wine tasting featuring award winning wines by Al de Klerk. If you are interested in joining make sure you RSVP at 541 822 6260.

Law conference

2008-03-10T00:01:00.000-07:00

For a second year in a row the McKenzie River Inn hosted a wealth of people from March 4th to march 7th. This time for the 26th annual Public Interest Environmental Law Conference. The three day event was as spectacular as the people themselves. We had the pleasure to share idea's and gather the long lost wisdom from elder Americans about the many topics that concern so many of us. From compelling a climate of change to the reduction of our carbon footprint, workshops, panels, scientists, activists and other participants yielded an abundance of energy, innovation and inspiration for all who attended.
On a personal note I have learned these four days a great deal about the implications of the destruction, pollution and the vast changing of the ancestral lands of the indigenous people (who are and have been living in harmony with their natural surroundings with respect for all forms of life) and how they have to deal with the protection of their communities from these environmental changes.

With contributions of the Native Forest Council (thanks Tim ) and Infraspect (thanks William) a salmon dinner was prepared by Ellie, our innkeeper, and myself at the main lodge on the day of our guests arrival. We all could enjoy each others company while exchanging expertise and insights not only within the political realm of climate change but also in conjunction with finding solutions from the social and ecological angle. Despite that the perception of developments in environment law is no light material it was obvious that our guests were able to enjoy our facilities and setting at the river. We found ourselves fortunate enough to have such great guests and to host and meet people from all over the country. The overall sound of all the different voices was for us as pleasing as an overstuffed pillow.

Winter spell

2008-01-23T17:33:00.000-08:00

January started out with a winter chill. Nearly 10 feet (3 meters) of winter snow has accumulated already in parts of the Cascades and guests have been skiing at Hoodoo in excellent snow powder and taken beautiful pictures of a winter wonderland on the McKenzie which lasted at our place for a day or five. Fortunately the elevation of the McKenzie River Inn is about a thousand feet and the snow mostly doesn't stick so the road stays clear.
It is also the time of year that people start making plans for their summer travels and for couples with wedding plans to check for available dates. Fishing season is just a couple of months ahead of us and equipment is being checked. Drift boats are getting a fresh coat of varnish and the rafts inspected and washed for the fishing and rafting season. It's a great time of the year!

Back country on the DeSchutes river

2007-09-20T23:06:00.000-07:00

Early Friday morning on September the 14th we left the McKenzie River Inn for a three day private float on the DeSchutes. After seeing our first sign of wildlife, a (blond) black bear, just before Olallie Campground we ate breakfast at my favorite restaurant "The Gallery" in the little town of Sisters. We enjoyed breakfast and met with Ken, son of Don Hill the boat-builder from Springfield, who would join us for our adventure.
Cody was still a sleep in my Subaru when we headed out for the Bitter Brush Ranch 25 miles east from Sisters. Darrell, the owner, ensured us to do the turn around, since we had to cover 43 (river-) miles from Mecca Flat to the take out in Maupin. After showing us around on his 17.000 or so acres of high desert land with a drop dead cliff and gorgeous river frontage around Frog Spring, we headed back to Mecca Flat for take off.
Everything went smooth. William did an excellent job for putting this together, thanks Bill!
With two rafts, a fourteen feet NRS with paddle-assist and being the cargo-boat and a sixteen feet cataraft and a total of six passengers we made our journey to our first camp for an overnight sensation at Whiskey Dick (see picture above). William cooked us a wonderful meal and after the clean up we all gathered together to evaluate the first day's drift. Although non of us came to it, the fishing looked pretty good that evening. After more socializing we went to bed early. I shared the tent with Joe who, compared to the rest of the crew, was fairly new to river travel.
When I opened the tent the next morning I saw the full glory of the high desert mountain-range (see picture above), Joe and William were already preparing breakfast. One of the highlights (after a great breakfast) that day would be negotiating White Horse, a class IV rapid. From a scouting rock we received instructions from William ("this is a five stroke rapid") and saw several vessels going through this impressive water-mass. Ron left no doubt that he was here before and in a classic formula maneuver brought the sixteen foot cataraft to an inch from the first can opener (a sharp rock just above the water surface). All enjoyed the excitement and felt the adrenaline and made ourselves up for an other great day on the DeSchutes.
Camp for the second night was made at Rainbow Bend. It gave us an opportunity to fish and relax and to go over the ins and outs of being a river guide and floating a river like the DeSchutes. William and I caught some trout, but as always, ...the big one got away!
A strong wind made it extremely difficult to keep a straight line on the third day, but the weather couldn't have been better. Some excitement was there when Ron parked his cataraft on the twin rocks in the tail end of Boxcar Rapids. Professionally and without panic and with a little help from gravity we were able to slide between the rocks, we smiled ...and made our exit.
It was at the take out in Maupin when rain made it's entry and for all of us that was okay, we had three day's of learning and expanding our skills, to hang out together as a group and above all ......having fun! It was a great (long) weekend for all of us,
Thanks to all of you guy's and especially William to make this trip a success!