The Byways-by-Bus Committee regularly sponsors bus trips to points of interest both in and out of state — the Oregon Coast, Crater Lake, the Rogue River Canyon, Columbia Gorge, Alaska, and many other places. The trips may vary from one-day excursions to multi-day trips covering several states. They look for the unusual and prefer the back roads and sometimes the rails or waterways.

BY-WAYS-BY BUS

2006 Bus Trips Descriptions

Historic Homes of Eugene & The Register Guard
Thursday, April 6, 2006

LEADER: MARY ELLEN WEST CO-LEADER: BETTE HACK

Join Lucille McKenzie, local historian, as we drive by historic homes of Eugene with guided visits at the Shelton-McMurphey-Johnson House and the Hope Mausoleum (located at the Masonic Cemetery). Lunch (your cost) in an old train car at the Oregon Electric Station, a historic landmark. At 2 p.m. we will tour The Register Guard facility. The tour takes 90 minutes, all walking If you prefer not to participate at the Register Guard , PLEASE notify the Reservations Person when you sign up. Those who prefer to end the day at 2 p.m. will be dropped of at Shopko. Shuttle service will be provided to return you to Shopko after the tour. (4 p.m.)

COST: $24 Member, $26 Non member. DUE MARCH 21
RESERVATIONS AND CHECKS TO: MARY LEE CHEADLE 689-1085
3225 RICHARD AVE, EUGENE 97402

MEET THE MOTHER OF MERIWETHER LEWIS at the COLUMBIA GORGE INTERPRETIVE CENTER
Tuesday, APRIL 18, 2006

LEADER: RAY JENSEN

Our route: I-5 to Tualatin for rest stop, then across the Columbia River to the new Captain Wm. Clark Park at Cottonwood Beach in Washougal, where the Expedition camped March 31–April 5, 1806.

Arrive by noon for our sack lunch (inside or outside) at the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center. Next a monolog by Merna deBolt who will present her interpretation of Lucy Marks, in costume. There will be plenty of time to enjoy the entire center. There are a wide variety of displays , some world renown. Our return route: over the Bridge of the Gods; maybe a stop at Multnomah Falls or Bonneville Dam. Back I-5 and in Eugene by 6 p.m.

COST: $38 Member $40 Non member DUE MARCH 31
RESERVATIONS AND CHECKS TO: VERNA KOCKEN 736-5180
2263 37th ST, SPRINGFIELD 97477

THOMPSON’S GRIST MILL AND OTHER TREASURES IN BROWNSVILLE
Tuesday, MAY 2, 2006

LEADER: MARY ELLEN WEST CO-LEADER: RAY JENSEN

The Historic Thompson’s Grist Mill is being restored and is opening to the public this spring. It is now a state park. Our guides will be Glen Harrison, a Linn County and Oregon Trail guru, a state park staff person and a mill owners descendent. We will then proceed to Brownsville. We will lunch (your cost) in the oldest commercial building in Brownsville. After lunch the Linn County Historical Museum people will provide a museum tour, a visit to the elegant Moyer House and a bus tour of the historic town of Brownsville (Pretend you are in a horse drawn carriage). Then we will return over backroads to Eugene by 5 p.m.

COST: $33 Members, $35 Non members DUE APRIL 18
RESERVATIONS AND CHECKS TO: MARY LEE CHEADLE phone 689-1085
3225 RICHARD AVE, EUGENE 97402

FINDING THE LOST COUNTY OF UMPQUA
Tuesday, MAY 23, 2006

LEADER: RAY JENSEN CO-LEADER: VERNA KOCKEN

We will travel South on I-5 through Oakland, then to the Melrose District, the Melqua Road (Cleveland Rapids) and then to the Henry Estate Winery (coffee break) on the site of the old Fort McKay where the the Calapooya Creek enters the Umpqua River. Then the twisty scenic Tyee Road along the River to Elkton. Go west on Hwy #34 to Scottsburg with our sack lunch in the Myrtlewood Grove at Scottsburg County Park In the early afternoon we will stop at the Dean Creek Elk Viewing area. Then to the Umpqua Discovery Center which features a new $1.2 million exhibit “Pathways to Discovery-Exploring Tidewater Country.” Afterwards we may go to the Dunes Visitor Center or the Lighthouse. Our return trip will be north on Hwy 101 to Florence (ice cream) and return to Eugene by 6 p.m. Note: At one time there really was a county of Umpqua. Come aboard for some history, great scenery and more.

COST: $29 Member $31 Non member DUE APRIL 30
RESERVATIONS AND CHECKS TO: Verna Kocken 736-5180
2263 37th St. Springfield, 97477

MT. SHASTA, MT. LASSEN AND YOSEMITE
Monday–Sunday, JUNE 5–11, 2006

LEADER: LIZ REANIER CO-LEADER: DON PAYNE

This is an abbreviated itinerary. We will travel I-5 to Redding the first day with a big stop to check out the Mt. Shasta area. Then the second day will be a long drive to Yosemite. Lodging at Yosemite will be at the east end of Yosemite Valley at Curry Village which lies directly below Glacier Point. These accommodations are tent cabins which means there is a wooden floor and lower sides and a tent for the cover. No running water or toilets in cabins. Each cabin sleeps, two. You will have your own iron bed, mattress, pillow, and linens included. Details later. Toilets and showers are centrally located. My friend found them quite nice this past summer. You will have a bear proof storage unit for your possessions. There are a number of food options in the village. There are free shuttles available everywhere. You will not be allowed food coolers in the park. You will need to provide all meals and personal expense money.

We plan to schedule a guided tour of the park for one day of your stay in the park and a bus tour to the Mariposa Grove of Sequoias the other day. Remainder of time you may chose mini group activities or go it on your own. If you are a hiker, there are plenty of opportunities you may arrange. Plan for a hiking buddy. Or go on ranger led hikes. Questions- call Liz. Yosemite is inspiring, sensational scenery, lots to see. We scheduled this trip to avoid the extreme heat of the summer.

We will leave the park on day 5 traveling back to La Quinta Inn in Redding for 2 more nights stay. Routing will depend on weather and if roads are open. Day 6 we will make a round trip to Mt. Lassen and day 7 we will head for home. There will be lots of stops to rest, lunch, take pictures, take in the views.

COST $600 Member $614 Non member DEPOSIT NOW! $125, There is a non-refundable cancellations fee of $25. Your need your GOLDEN AGE PASS or you pay $20 extra for park fees. If you are 62 years of age or older you qualify for a pass. If you do not have one, and qualify, Liz will take you to BLM for one Just call her.

Partial Payment $275 Due April 2 and Balance due on May 1
RESERVATIONS AND CHECKS TO: JANET SPEELMAN 344-3019
1496 W.28th,Eugene 97405

YAQUINA HEAD LIGHTHOUSE AND BIRDS, AND OREGON COAST AQUARIUM
Tuesday, JUNE 20, 2006

LEADER: RICK AHRENS CO-LEADER: LIZ REANIER

We will travel Hwys 99W and 101 to Newport where we’ll visit the Oregon Coast Aquarium with sea otters, a wonderful walk through aviary of seabirds and of course the Passages of the Deep exhibit where you can walk through the acrylic tunnel and view fish, sharks and other sea life. We will lunch at the Aquarium, your cost. Then we will head to Yaquina Head and stop at a very nice museum on coastal history and wildlife. Then we will go out to the lighthouse where we'll be able to view a colony of over 25,000 nesting seabirds just offshore. Bring your binoculars and dress for the weather. On the way over Rick Ahrens will give a talk on the natural history of the Oregon Coast.

COST: $40 Members $42 Non members DUE JUNE 1
RESERVATIONS AND CHECKS TO: VERNA KOCKEN 736-5180
2263 37th ST SPRINGFIELD 97477

WILDLIFE IMAGES REHABILITATION & EDUCATION CENTER
Wednesday, JULY 12, 2006

LEADER: RAY JENSEN CO-LEADER: LIZ REANIER

We will travel south on I-5 to the Wolf Creek turnoff for the Galice-Rogue By-way where we will have several stops. We will have our picnic lunch at Indian Mary Park. Then to WILDLIFE IMAGES for a 1:30 p.m. guided tour, which begins at their gift shop. We will see grizzlies, bobcats, the Eagle flight enclosure and other birds, a timber wolf and more. This is a 24 acre complex in natural habitat on the Rouge River west of Grants Pass.

We will return home via Merlin or Grants Pass with ice cream at Rice Hill.

COST: $34 Members $36 Nonmembers DUE JUNE 23
RESERVATIONS AND CHECKS TO: BARBARA PAYNE phone 746-1964
39478 Walterville Ln, Springfield 97478

GREAT OREGON STEAM UP
Saturday, AUG 5, 2006

LEADER: JOHN MCMANIGAL CO-LEADER: RAY JENSEN

We will leave SHOPKO parking lot at 8am. We will drive directly to the Brooks turnoff, with perhaps a stop at the Santiam River Rest Stop. Since this is such a short drive, there will be no coffee break.. The Steam Up is a big show featuring authentic vintage farm machinery in action and much more. A truck museum, cat museum, log sawing, a railroad, & a tractor pull. There is a grand review parade around the whole area. There is a miniature train that takes passengers. There are many places to buy food at reasonable prices , but you could bring your own. Other activities open all day are Country Store with flour milling, flea market, swap meet, and blacksmith shop. Return home by 5 p.m.

COST: $29 Members $31 Non members DUE JULY 21
RESERVATIONS AND CHECKS TO: LENORE MCMANIGAL 345-2036
741 E. 38th, EUGENE 97405

OREGON ZOO WITH RICK AHRENS
Tuesday, AUG 15, 2006

LEADER: RICK AHRENS CO-LEADER: LIZ REANIER

Join us for a beautiful summer day at the zoo. On the way to Portland, Rick Ahrens a former zookeeper, will give a talk on the history of zoos and be available to answer questions. Many like to follow him around the zoo for all the additional info. If you have not been to the Oregon Zoo for a few years, there are several new exhibits to see. Be sure not to miss the bird program at the amphitheater, with several of the flying raptors. Of course you can go around on your own and if you tire there are golf carts you can catch from one area to the next. There are food services around the park. (Your cost).

COST: $30 member, $32 Non member DUE JULY 20
RESERVATIONS AND CHECKS TO: JANET SPEELMAN 344-3019
1496 W. 28th EUGENE 97405

SW OREGON—ROGUE RIVER-COAST-REDWOODS
Monday–Wednesday, SEPT 11–13, 2006

LEADERS: BARBARA & PAUL BEARD, EWART BALDWIN

WE WILL BE LOADING AT SHOPKO AT 7:15 FOR A 7:30 A.M. DEPARTURE.

We will be traveling I-5 to HWY 42 to reach the Rogue River. Bring your sack lunch. After lunch we will board the jet boat for an exciting ride up The Rogue, one of the last untouched rivers in the West. We will have dinner at the historic LUCAS LODGE (dinner included) arriving at Gold Beach by dusk. Lodging will be in Gold Beach.

Day 2- We will have breakfast provided at our motel then board the bus for our trek south along the coast. Our first sighting of the redwoods will be on the Chetco River. We will tour Brookings Harbor with you lunch along the harbor. After lunch we will travel into California arriving in the heart of the redwoods for a tour and gondola ride at Trees of Mystery (Klamath), The gondola ride is over the redwoods with great views from atop the mountain. Your lodging will be at The Trees of Mystery. Dinner is your cost.

Day 3- After breakfast (included) we will board the bus for our trip north through redwoods coming into Oregon on Hwy 199 stopping at the historic Wolf Creek Inn for lunch (provided). Then I-5 to Eugene by 6:30 p.m.

Come join us for some new sights, sounds and smells, fresh clear mountain air, and wonderful ocean breezes.

Note: A complete itinerary will be provided riders after a thorough scouting trip tells us how the rains and snow of winter have altered the highways.

Your only costs are one lunch and one dinner. Bring your Golden Age Pass.

COSTS: $300 Members $306 Non members $50 Deposit due NOW!
$25 is non refundable if cancellation occurs. Balance DUE AUG 10
RESERVATIONS AND CHECKS TO: LIZ REANIER 687-1925
853 ASCOT DRIVE, EUGENE 97401

MT. HOOD, LUNCH AT TIMBERLINE LODGE, WARM SPRINGS MUSEUM
Tuesday, OCTOBER 3, 2006

LEADERS: DON AND BARBARA PAYNE CO-LEADER: LIZ REANIER

A spectacular scenic long days ride to Mt. Hood via I-5 to Salem, coffee break at Stayton City Park, view point in Sandy (Jonsrud’s Vista) then on to Mt. Hood. You will be served a sit down lunch at Timberline( cost included). After a relaxing lunch we will continue our loop on Hwy 26 to Warm Springs and a stop at the museum (cost included). On our final leg of the trip home we will stop at Crooked River Gorge then thru Terrebone to Sisters and home by 7:30 p.m. A great farewell to summer.

COST: $62 Members $64 Non member DUE SEPT 21
RESERVATIONS AND CHECKS TO: MARY LEE CHEADLE 689-1085
3225 RICHARD AVE, EUGENE 97402

FALL COLOR- WILLAMETTE VALLEY, KING ESTATE FOR LUNCH &COVERED BRIDGES
Tuesday, OCT 17, 2006

LEADER: BETTE HACK CO-LEADER: LIZ REANIER

We will drive around several color filled areas of Eugene, have a coffee break at a local park then head south on Willamette taking in the Spencer Butte Park and then Fox Hollow Road and connect with the Lorane Highway driving out to the King Estates for lunch (price included). We will leave approximately 1:30 for the Cottage Grove area and all the covered bridges along the route from Dorena Dam, Diston and Culp Creek. Home by 6 p.m.

COST: $42 Members $44 Non members DUE SEPT 25
RESERVATIONS AND CHECKS TO: MARY LEE CHEADLE 689-1085
3225 RICHARD AVE, EUGENE 97402

SHORE ACRES LIGHTS - SEA LIONS-SEALS
Friday, DEC 1, 2006

LEADER: LIZ REANIER COLEADER: RICK AHRENS

We will leave SHOPKOP at NOON, driving I-5, Drain. Elkton to Reedsport. Then Hwy 101 to Shore Acres turn off. Weather permitting we'll go just beyond Shore Acres to Simpson Reef Overlook and view the California Sea Lions and Harbor Seals hauled out on an offshore island. Rick will also talk about the Northern Elephant Seals that haul out and have their pups here early in January. Rick will talk about them on the way over and share his knowledge viewing them. We will arrive at Shore Acres by 4pm, when the lights go on. Everyone will enjoy strolling around enjoying the sights and hopefully a beautiful sunset. We will reboard the bus at 6pm for a sit down dinner, to be arranged at your cost. After dinner we will return to Eugene approximately 10:30pm. Riders will be PROVIDED TRANSPORTATION for this trip, just LET REGISTRAR KNOW.

COST: $30 MEMBER $32 NON MEMBERS DUE NOV 1
DINNER WILL BE YOUR COST
RESERVATIONS AND CHECKS TO: JANET SPEELMAN 344-3019
1496 W. 28TH AVENUE, EUGENE 97405

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Bus Trips - Details Of Participation

1. GENERAL INFORMATION: Your trip fees include transportation, lodging and taxes, museum fees, admission charges, donations in lieu of admission fees, the tip for the driver and the daily trip fees. Meals are not included, except where specified in a trip write up. Personal expenses are not covered. Bring your own sack lunch and non-alcoholic beverage. We schedule frequent rest stops and usually lunch at wayside parks. Be sure to check write-ups for details. Wear your name tags at all times. Wear sensible walking shoes and bring your Golden Age pass. We also always carry water.
2. WHO IS ELIGIBLE: Any Obsidian may sign up for these trips. Non-members must be accompanied by an Obsidian host and are welcome to join us. The trip leader has the authority to exclude anyone who may present a danger to the group or to himself because of physical, medical or emotional conditions.
3. TRANSPORTATION: We charter buses from Oregon Coachways, which are modern, safe, clean, comfortable, air-conditioned and have an on board toilet facility. Their drivers are experienced and well trained to insure enjoyable traveling.
4. LOADING SITE
   1. ALL TRIPS: We will load at Shopko on Coburg Road near the bus stop on Coburg Road. It is the south end of their garden shop in the summer.
   2. LOADING INFORMATION: Usually we load at 7:45 a.m., departing promptly at 8:00 a.m. and return between 5 and 6 p.m. These times are subject to change so always check the monthly Obsidian Bulletin and any trip descriptions for details. On extended trips we encourage you to arrange private transportation to the loading site. We suggest that you do not leave your car overnight. Also please notify the trip leader if you must cancel at the last minute.
5. COSTS OF TRIPS: Costs are estimated far in advance. Trip Leaders anticipate the number of riders, transportation costs, entrance fees, tips, donations, etc., lodging (2 persons, 2 beds) and the daily fee to the Club. The leaders volunteer their time and pay the same as all other riders. Please carry your Golden Age Pass and any other membership card that gives you free admission to an attraction. Please notify the leader that you have them as it sometimes reduces our fees.
6. LODGING: Room costs are based on booking for non-smoking, 2 persons, 2 beds. You are requested to select you roommate. Sometimes the leader or reservations person can assist you in that selection. The final selection is the riders responsibility. If you need special considerations, let the leader know. Frequently there are no elevators, so pack luggage you can carry up a flight of stairs. Be sure your luggage is labeled.
7. POLICY FOR SINGLES:  We encourage the single traveler to participate. Occasionally, we can provide a single room, at a much higher rate. Our basic policy is 2 persons, 2 beds in order to minimize cost of the trip. We will assist you in finding a roommate.
8. PAYMENT: Make a SEPARATE CHECK FOR EACH TRIP, payable to the OBSIDIANS BUS TRIP ACCOUNT. Please observe the due dates for payments, especially when advance deposits are required. Priority on trips is based on the dates you paid in full.
9. WAITING LIST: A waiting list will be maintained if a trip is over subscribed. Only persons sincerely interested in participating should sign up. If your interests or availability changes — please inform the reservations person and/or the leader. The leader makes the ultimate selection based on the vacancy.
10. CANCELLATIONS: CAUSE PROBLEMS. Leaders frequently must make guarantees and large payments 30 days in advance. Often motels require room lists 4 weeks in advance. If you must cancel, inform the leader IMMEDIATELY. Sometimes we are unable to recover costs, therefore you would be expected to pay them. If you are able to find a possible replacement that is appreciated but it will still be the leader’s ultimate selection, subject to the approval of the roommate. Persons on the waiting list have priority. . . It is difficult.
11. REFUNDS: There will be no refunds on one day trips unless the leader is notified in advance, as there is sometimes a waiting list. On multi-day trips partial or full refunds may be made after the trip, if cancellations are made at least one week in advance of the trip. Any refund is also contingent upon recovery of lodging costs, fees prepaid, admissions, etc. Refunds will only be made if a trip has generated a surplus; such refund will be determined after the trip when all financial data has been examined.
12. REBATES: Sometimes rebates may be awarded at the end of our trip season, if a trip has a substantial excess in revenue.
13. INSURANCE: Our charter bus companies carry the required liability and accident insurance. All riders are expected to provide their own medical, liability and accident insurance. Obsidians, Inc. requires each rider to sign a release prior to each trip. In addition, the Bus Committee requires that you fill out a medical information form that will be carried in a sealed envelope on all trips you participate in. This form will be used in the event of an emergency, thus the data must be updated annually. It will be held confidential. If you have serious updates during the season, please file a new form. Notify the reservations person if you do not have the form. Read trip descriptions, talk to the leaders and determine if you will be able to participate in planned activities.
14. SIGN UP: Signing up for a trip shows interest in taking the trip and your intent to pay the costs by the due date. Keep track of trips you sign for so you can pay on time and also keep the leader informed if you must cancel. Leaders use the rally sign-up to determine if a trip must be canceled and also use the list to make the detailed, special arrangements that make our trips special. We welcome additional riders, so check with reservations and/or leader if interested at a later date. New non-Obsidian riders are to be sponsored by an Obsidian rider.
15. WEARING FRAGRANCES: The Federal Disabilities Act states that one should refrain from using scented deodorant, perfumes and heavy aftershaves in consideration of those who have allergies and related illnesses. Our close proximity of riders on the bus makes this very important. It may mean you need to wash wearing apparel to get rid of the problem.
16. FINAL NOTE: Dates, itineraries or boarding sites may be changed so watch the monthly Obsidian Bulletin for updates. A waiting list will be maintained if a trip is over subscribed. Following is a description for each of our 2006 offerings. Multi-day trips have detailed descriptions nearer departure date. We hope you will find the trips appealing and will join us for an enjoyable experience.

BUS COMMITTEE OFFICERS: Liz Reanier, Chairman, Bette Hack, Secretary, Ben Jeffries, Treasurer, Lenore McManigal, Auditor, Rick Ahrens, Ethel Allen, Ewart Baldwin, Barbara Beard, Paul Beard, Patricia Bitner, Mary Lee Cheadle, Evelyn Hile, Pat Jeffries, Ray Jensen, Rosella Jones, Verna Kocken, Barbara Payne, Don Payne, Janet Speelman, Richard Speelman, Mary Ellen West, Vera Wolley.

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