We also finally made it to Crater Lake (previous trips had too much wildfire smoke), but I was too committed to the silly alliteration to include it in the title.
Sometimes a dear pal reaches out to say they might be busy in August, so would it be possible for me to come visit earlier. Of course! Which is how I found myself in Medford for the 4th of July weekend. It was lovely. Always great to spend some time with Tiffany and Josh (and more precious since they moved out of state a few years ago) and their delightful cats. (Please don’t tell Lag that I’m not posting a pic of him here. Just didn’t get a cute one this trip. But did get cuddles. which is more important).
Got to see their new house (it’s lovely, with a great patio area. Was treated to some epic bbq ribs in the sunshine.
Later that evening, we loaded up snacks, folding chairs, cozy blankets, and grabbed a good patch of lawn for the fireworks show. Yay!
“I’m perfecting my mochi pancake recipe” are wonderful words to wake up to. What a lovely way to start the day.
Also, there’s a neighborhood pool that we got to use. Spent some wonderful time floating and chatting and trying to avoid the children in the inflatable tank floatie with squirt guns. Very fun! And an excellent way to cool off.
Then it’s off to Ashland. Exploring town. Delicious meal at “secret Italian” restaurant. Osteria La Briccola is on the 2nd story of a building that doesn’t have a super obvious second story access point. It’s good to have friends “in the know.” Delicious as always, with a lovely view of the river.
We wandered through the park. Found a shady spot near the water. Book reading and good conversations.
Then it’s time for the free Green Show before that evening’s plays. Sunglasses buddies.
“Into the Woods” was great fun with some fantastic and memorable performances! Lovely weather for the outdoor Elizabethan theatre.
The next morning, we’re off to Crater Lake! Perfect weather. And the park is just stunning. We took so many photos! So many. It just didn’t look real. Like we were standing in front of fake scenic backdrops. Wonderful picnic views.
On our drive back, I mention I’d seen a Sonic drive thru near their house. I’d never been before. And they had a special limited PICKLE menu. Including a pickle slushie. Which the internet maintained was interesting and not terrible. I HAD to try it. My pals were happy to oblige. The color was truly intense and not a color that consumables should be. But, Not as terrible as it should be. (Although the popping boba with pickle juice were little abomination bombs). But nice dill flavor with a little sweetness that kind of worked. I mean, your girl LOVES a slushie. But this seemed like the worst idea. I’d expected to only take the one sip. But ended up drinking half of it. Ha. I don’t think I’d repeat the experience, but it was interesting and drinkable. The tater tots with pickle flavoring were delicious. And the one bite of the pickle burger was also great, until I saw how pink and uncooked the beef patty was. So that got thrown out, unfortunately. Bummer.
That evening we returned to Ashland for the Merry Wives of Windsor. Delightful production! Had never seen a production of this play before. I’ve read it, and it’s a bit clunky. But they did a fantastic job.
Monday morning, Tiffany’s off to work. Josh and I are excellent Breakfast Buddies!! We both sure do enjoy restaurant breakfast. And Morning Glory Cafe in Ashland lets you pick “one pancake” instead of hash browns. And then they actually bring you TWO pancakes with homemade marionberry compote! Yum.
Tiffany had mentioned she was gonna swing by Harry & David’s for a Rainier Cherry sale. Upon her arrival, the cherries were even cheaper than advertised. So she came home with two giant flats. Delicious! She even sent me home with two large containers in my carry-on.
Lovely final meal, snacking our way through local Rogue Valley cheeses and cherries and two different kinds of homemade hummus.
It was a lovely and easygoing weekend all around! Full of people I love, theatre, gorgeous nature, and delicious meals.