Trip Report

We left Valley River Center at 8:00 a.m. under cloudy skies but no rain. We headed east on I-105 through Springfield and exited at 42nd Street (the Marcola exit) and turned north for the Mohawk Valley. We crossed the McKenzie River bridge and went by the Springfield Country Club. We came to Marcola with what remains of the old Fisher lumber mill, once one of the valley’s larger operations but burned out 50 years ago. We took the loop trip by what used to be Wendling and drove by two covered bridges. Back on the Marcola Road, we continued through Mabel and took the Brush Creek Road to Crawfordsville. turned right on Hwy. 228 through Sweet Home and then the South Santiam Highway to Cascadia Park. It was truly a Fall day, and we saw lots of color along this route. After a morning break with coffee and goodies, we continued on to Suttle Lake and took the second exit following the road by many camp sites to a picnic area right on the lake for lunch. By now, we had sun but the wind off the lake was cold so we didn't linger long, but this is a very scenic spot. The sign there, however, said it was closing October 17. We returned via the Santiam to the Clear Lake cutoff on the McKenzie and stopped at Sahalie Falls. Ray Jensen led a group on the trail between Sahalie and Koosah Falls. The falls had lots of water and were very scenic, but it was cloudy again. We drove on to Belknap Springs Resort and stayed for about an hour, enjoying the newly landscaped gardens and hot springs across the footbridge as well as the newly renovated lodge (with free coffee). On the drive home, we had just come to Walterville when the bus driver noticed the bus overheating, so he pulled in at the Walterville School., donned his mechanic’s jacket and found a short piece of hose split. Another bus was sent and we were home by 6:15.

Thanks to all who furnished goodies, to Ray for leading the hike, to Kathleen for taking reservations and to Gary Tolle, our driver. Those who enjoyed a real Fall day were: Ethel Allen, Mary Jane Arpin, Mary Bridgeinan, Marian Borchardt, Mary Lee Cheadle, Florence Douglas, Elena Girrard, Dora Harris, Evelyn Hile, Jean & Ray Jensen, Helen Knowlton, Dodie Leppmann, Bonnie McKee, Cleora Mersdorf, Barbara & Walt Miller, Frances Newsom. Joyce Nolte, Liz Reanier, Edna Robertson, Kathleen Schlenker, Carole Sherbina, Peggy Surotek, Dick & Janet Speelman, Louise Thurber, Janet Vaughn, Caroline & Christof Wegelin and Bette Hack, leader.