The World According to Cosmos

Category: oregon

  • Letter to Costco re renewable Energy

    Letter to Costco re renewable Energy

    Letter to Costco re renewable Energy

    COSTCO
    COSTCO

    COSCTCO Has My Number

    https://wp.me/p7NAzO-3fb

    Dear Costco:

    I have been a member since 1998. I have long admired your corporation for being a great corporation with progressive values. You are a leader in so many areas not to mention that you are a great company to work for, sell great products at a great price, and have the best customer service in the world.

    You do so many things you do right and I want to thank you for that, for all the good that you do every day. I would like to suggest that you do much more to combat climate change and become a leader in combating climate change, which as you are no doubt aware is an existential crisis. Climate change and the need to shift to a new Green Deal are imperative if we want to save the entire planet.

    There are many things that corporations could do and it’s time for COSTCO to step up to do their part. At a minimum, I would recommend that you commit to putting in every single COSTCO warehouse worldwide solar panels on the rooftops and in shading over the car lots, and mini wind turbines so that each COSTCO will be carbon neutral and self-sufficient in terms of energy. This should also include setting up water harvesting systems so that all the water will be self-generated and solar water heaters as well.  Excess power could be sold back to the local utilities at cost.  I would also greatly expand electric vehicle charging stations.

    COSTCO is unfortunately not that accessible to people without public transit. This is something that COSTCO should address. At a  minimum, they should set up a free shuttle bus system going employees, visitors, and members taking people from the nearest metro subway stop to COSTCO and this should run during COSTCO business hours starting about 1/2 an hour before the opening of business ending a half an hour after the close of business. It should be free to the public and should run every half hour. This would be a very simple and cost-effective way to make sure that people can easily access COSTCO corporation shops and COSTCO should also consider contributing money to the local public transit companies to expand bus service in the COSTCO neighborhoods that they serve.

    I would suggest you call upon your colleagues in the big box industries around the world to do the same, committing to addressing climate change, transit accessibility, and water conservation policies in every store worldwide. If COSTCO steps up and takes the lead, Walmart, Target and the other big market companies will feel they need to do the same.  This commitment will  make a tremendous difference around the world and it would not cost her much to do so in fact it would save money on energy for all your COSTCO operations worldwide

    I’m asking you to commit to making every single COSTCO a green energy building do it for the sake of the planet thank you.

    I have blogged about my positive experiences with COSTCO here and feel free to publish any of my COSTCO poems on your website and your magazines. Thanks again for doing everything you do.

    Long Live COSTCO.

    COSTCO Sets Up Bus Service

    COSTCO is unfortunately not that accessible to people without public transit. This is something that COSTCO should address. At a  minimum, they should set up a free shuttle bus system going employees, visitors, and members taking people from the nearest metro subway stop to COSTCO and this should run during COSTCO business hours starting about 1/2 an hour before the opening of business ending a half an hour after the close of business. It should be free to the public and should run every half hour. This would be a very simple and cost-effective way to make sure that people can easily access COSTCO corporation shops and COSTCO should also consider contributing money to the local bus service companies to expand bus service in the COSTCO neighborhoods that they serve.

     

    Overview

    COSTCO is an American multinational corporation that operates a chain of membership-only big-box retail stores, also known as warehouse clubs or wholesale clubs. COSTCO sells a wide range of products, from groceries and electronics to furniture and clothing, at discounted prices. COSTCO also offers services such as gas stations, pharmacies, optical centers, travel packages, and more. COSTCO is known for its Kirkland Signature brand, which is its private label of products that are often of high quality and low cost. COSTCO is also famous for its rotisserie chicken, hot dogs, and pizza, which are sold at its food courts.

    COSTCO’s history dates back to 1976, when Sol Price, a pioneer in warehouse club retailing, opened the first Price Club in San Diego, California. Price Club was the world’s first membership warehouse club, a place where efficient buying and operating practices gave members access to unmatched savings. Price Club targeted small business owners, who could buy items in bulk for their use or resale. Price Club expanded rapidly, opening stores across the US and Canada.

    In 1983, James Sinegal and Jeffrey Brotman, two former Price Club executives, opened the first COSTCO in Seattle, Washington. COSTCO followed a similar business model as Price Club but also catered to individual consumers as well as businesses. COSTCO also differentiated itself by offering a wider selection of products, including fresh produce, meat, seafood, bakery, and deli items. COSTCO also introduced its Kirkland Signature brand in 1992, which soon became a hallmark of its quality and value proposition. COSTCO grew quickly, opening stores in various states and countries.

    In 1993, Price Club and COSTCO merged to form Price/COSTCO, a company that combined the strengths and expertise of both warehouse clubs. The merger created the largest membership warehouse club chain in the world, with over 200 locations and 22 million members. In 1997, the company changed its name to COSTCO Companies, Inc., and in 1999, it adopted its current name, COSTCO Wholesale Corporation.

    Today, COSTCO is the third largest retailer in the world and the largest retailer of choice and prime beef, organic foods, rotisserie chicken, and wine. COSTCO has over 860 warehouses worldwide, serving more than 127 million members in 14 countries. COSTCO’s mission is to continually provide its members with quality goods and services at the lowest possible prices. COSTCO’s vision is to be the most respected and successful warehouse club in the world.

    If you want to learn more about COSTCO, you can visit its official website1 or read some of the articles below:

    COSTCO | History & Facts | Britannica

    COSTCO – Wikipedia

    About Us | COSTCO

    COSTCO Wholesale History: Founding, Timeline, and Milestones – Zippier

    COSTCO History and Founding: How the Wholesale Club Redefined Retail – Business Insider

    COSTCO Poems

     

    Shopping At COSTCO Always an Adventure

    Lost Shopping Cart in Songdo

    Lost Shoe in Medford

    Close Encounter with Potential Killer On Richmond Highway

    Ode To the COSTCO Workers Around The World

    Ode To COSTCO Old Poem

    COSTCO People Watching

    COSTCO Blues

    I Love COSTCO

    COSTCO People Watching

    I love my COSTCO.

    I love going there to shop.

     

    But most importantly

    I love people-watching.

     

    Looking at people as they walk by

    Wondering what their stories are.

     

    And covertly checking

    Out the beautiful girls

    As they walk on by.

     

    And when they smile at me

    It makes my day.

     

    Yes, I love my COSTCO.

    And COSTCO loves me back.

     

    Extracting my money

    From my wallet.

     

    I go in for one simple thing

    And walk out

    Having spent 500 dollars.

     

    Yes COSTCO has my number

    And loves me too

     

    Long live COSTCO

    Shopping At COSTCO Always An Adventure

     

    I have been a COSTCO member

    Since 2000 or so

    And have shopped all over

    Springfield Virginia

    Was my home COSTCO,

    Until we moved to Medford, Oregon.

     

    Also shopped at the DC COSTCO,

    The Richmond Highway COSTCO

     

    COSTCO in richmond, California

    Or Fairfield California

    When we are in the Bay Area.

     

    COSTCO in LA

    COSTCO in Ilsan,  Korea

    Is now our home base.

     

    Wherever we went

    We always felt

    Welcomed, safe

     

    And the staff

    Were always friendly

    And helpful.

     

    But shopping at COSTCO

    Always is an adventure

    Here then are our

    COSTCO misadventures

     

    Lost Shopping Cart In Songdo

     

    Shopping at COSTCO

    In Songdo Korea

    In the COVID era,

     

    We encountered

    A strange phenomenon

    We thought that someone

    Had stolen our shopping cart.

     

    We alerted the COSTCO staff

    And they found

    Our lost shopping cart.

     

    The COSTCO staff

    Were helpful as always.

     

    And we left, shaken up

    But finally satisfied.

     

    Lost Shoe In Medford

    In Medford, Oregon

    We shopped at COSTCO

    Bought thousands of dollars

    In-home improvement products

    As we renovated our rental properties.

     

    Also of course food and clothing

    And sundry items

    Always walking out

    After spending hundreds of dollars.

     

    COSTCO knows

    How to extract money

    From their grateful customers.

     

    But one day

    We had a strange thing happen

    While trying on shoes

    Somehow, I lost my shoes.

     

    Someone had stolen

    My shoes

    Or so it seemed.

     

    We searched high

    And low

    But never found

    Our shoes.

     

    The manager was apologetic

    But there was little to be done

    Just another misadventure

    In COSTCO land.

     

    Close Encounter With Potential Killer On Richmond Highway

     

    In all my years

    Of shopping at COSTCO

    Only once did I feel

    Threatened or unsafe.

     

    It happened so suddenly

    My wife was

    Accosted by someone

    Claiming we had cut in line.

     

    She was holding my spot

    As I brought the cart over.

     

    An angry black woman

    Got real personal

    In her face

    Using abusive language.

     

    And making a huge scene

    My wife told her

    To buzz off.

     

    This all occurred

    While I was in the restroom

    Came back to find the woman

    Cursing at Angela.

     

    Then we left

    She was waiting for us

    At the exit.

     

    We felt uncomfortable

    Went to the manager

    Who escorted us

    To our car.

     

    We felt that woman

    Who was high

    Probably on speed

    Or crack cocaine.

     

    Might have gone

    To get a gun

    To blow us away.

     

    But fortunately

    She left

    And we left.

     

    Shaken by the close

    Encounter with a random act

    Of senseless violence.

     

    Ode To The COSTCO Workers Around The World

     

    Before COVID shutdowns

    I always liked going to COSTCO.

     

    Liked the sampling

    The bustle,

    Checking out new products.

     

    Checking out the other customers

    The staff were always friendly

    Helpful and courteous.

     

    But with the COVID shutdowns

    COSTCO has become

    Even more of a lifesaver

    For many people

    Around the world.

     

    And we all feel

    That COSTCO has our backs

    As we navigate the new normal.

     

    COSTCO was one of the first corporations

    To mandate mask use throughout their stores

    Before it was required.

     

    They had senior hours

    To protect the most vulnerable.

     

    COSTCO workers

    Are my heroes

    In these dark times

    We are living in.

     

    Ode to COSTCO

    I love my COSTCO

    I love going there to shop.

     

    But most importantly

    I love people-watching.

     

    Looking at people as they walk by

    Wondering what their stories are.

     

    And covertly checking

    Out the beautiful girls

    As they walk on by.

     

    And when they,

    Smile at me

    It makes my day

     

    Yes I love my COSTCO

    And COSTCO

    Loves me back.

     

    Extracting my money

    From my wallet.

     

    I go in for one simple thing

    And walk out

    Having spent 500 dollars.

     

    Yes COSTCO has my number

    And loves me too.

     

    COSTCO Blues:

    This poem is about the narrator’s frustration with the long lines and crowds at COSTCO, and how he wishes he could escape to a more peaceful place.

    I hate going to COSTCO.

    The lines are always too long.

    The people are always rude.

     

    The carts are always full.

    The prices are always high.

    The products are always cheap.

     

    The samples are always gone.

    The parking lot is always full,

     

    I wish I could go somewhere else.

    Somewhere quiet and serene.

    Somewhere with no lines,

    And no crowds.

     

    Somewhere with no carts

    And no samples.

    Somewhere

    With no prices.

    And no products.

     

    Somewhere like heaven

    But I can’t.

    Because

    I need to buy toilet paper.

    And rotisserie chicken

    And Kirkland Signature vodka

    And a giant teddy bear.

     

    And a 65-inch TV.

    And a lifetime

    Supply of batteries.

     

    And a coffin,

    For when

    I die of COSTCO blues.

     

    COSTCO Love:

     

    This poem is about the narrator’s love for COSTCO, and how he finds everything he needs and wants there, including his soulmate.

    I love going to COSTCO.

    The lines are always worth the wait.

    The people are always friendly.

    The carts are always full of goodies.

    The prices are always low.

     

    The products are always high-quality.

    The samples are always delicious.

    The parking lot is always spacious.

     

    I don’t want to go anywhere else.

    COSTCO is my paradise.

    COSTCO is my home.

    COSTCO is my everything.

    I find everything I need.

    And want at COSTCO.

    Food and drinks

    And clothes and books.

    Gadgets and toys,

     

    And tools and furniture.

    Jewelry and flowers,

     

    And art and travel.

    And most importantly,

    Love.

     

    I met my soulmate at COSTCO.

     

    We were both reaching

    For the last rotisserie chicken.

    We locked eyes and smiled.

     

    We decided

    To share the chicken

    And our lives.

     

    We got married at COSTCO,

    In front of the giant teddy bear.

    We exchanged rings

    From the jewelry section.

     

    We cut a cake from the bakery.

    We toasted with

    Kirkland Signature champagne.

     

    We danced to the music

    From the electronics department.

    We spent our honeymoon

     

    At COSTCO in Spain.

    In a tent

    From the camping section.

     

    We made love on a mattress

    From the bedding section.

    We cuddled under a blanket

    From the home section/

     

    We dreamed of our future

    At COSTCO.

    Raising our kids,

    And growing old together.

    Shopping,

    And saving

    And living and loving

    At COSTCO.

     

    Medium

    View at Medium.com

    Substack

    https://open.substack.com/pub/jakecosmosaller/p/love-letters-to-costco?r=3i9lm&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

    Substack Podcast

    Spotify Podcast

    Wattpad

    #costco #shopping

    The End

     

     

  • Climate Change Cities Fan Story Contest

    Climate Change Cities Fan Story Contest

    californa wild fires
    A motorists on Highway 101 watches flames from the Thomas fire leap above the roadway north of Ventura, Calif., on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017. As many as five fires have closed highways, schools and museums, shut down production of TV series and cast a hazardous haze over the region. About 200,000 people were under evacuation orders. No deaths and only a few injuries were reported. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)
    fireball
    fireball

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Audio Files

    Returning to California

    https://wp.me/p7NAzO-2VL

    Fires burning Out of Control Audio Clip

    Climate Cities 75 Years In The Future.

    I wrote this on a sweltering hot July day in Medford, Oregon where it has been hitting record heat waves for weeks over 100  (38 C) almost every day, which is unusual for the summer where it seldom gets above 95 F (35 C) except for one or two days in August.

      This is a two-part challenge.

     Part One =Describe your Criteria for the New Cities

    The first part of the challenge is to outline your criteria of what would happen if climate change gets so out of control in about 10 years that underground dome cities have to be built to host some human beings, unfortunately. Most people will not be able to be accommodated in the “climate change cities”

    What would be the criteria for selecting those fortunate enough to move into the new cities? How will the cities be built? Would they be built under a Dome or they’d be built entirely underground? or built partially underground or a combination of Both? How will people be chosen to live in these underground cities? Who will be left behind? And what happens to those left behind as climate change spins out of control?

    Part 2 Write a story about a family in one of these climate cities, 75 years in the future, who is confronted with the fact that they have to leave their cocoon and enter into the outer world.

    What happens when they encounter the wastelands left behind by climate change out-of-control?  Show us their world both in the Climate City and as they encounter the wastelands outside their bubble.  I will judge the stories on the basis of how the story tells the story of how humans coped with the essential crisis posed by climate change. The more creative the better.  Show us the horror of the future coming at us and how people survive the climate apocalypse.  2,000-word limit posted on the top line of the story.

     

    Criteria for climate change cities.

    Ten years in the future 2035 it has become so obvious that climate change is completely out of control and the world is becoming uninhabitable for normal human life.

    In 2028 at a World Climate Crisis conference, governments decide to to set up Climate Change Cities which would be semi-domed cities to host  25 percent of the population of the world. However. It is impossible to host everybody, and 75 percent of the world’s population will have to fend for itself. The climate change cities take five years to build and many millions of people die in the meantime as fast storms take hold.  Drought and heat take their toll on the world’s population, and agriculture and world trade fail everywhere.  The first cities open in 2035.  At the same time, lunar and martian colonies are set up that will host about one million people as well.  AI programs help with the design of new cities and space colonies.

    Governments announce the criteria for resettlement.  Half of those chosen will be chosen by an AI review to identify the best and the brightest human beings worth saving.  They would be joined by people chosen by random lottery.  The upper age limit will be 75.  50 percent will be male and 50 percent female, and at least in the U.S. there would be an effort to make it racially balanced, and LGBTQ friendly  as well.  The AI program will make the final decision which will not be reviewable by the courts.  All chosen will have one year to move to the city the AI program chose for them. Similar criteria will be used to select Lunar and Martian colonies.  Governments around the world will help share best practices and share technology.

    They will build domes over existing cities and then build underground vast fields to host farms where they will grow food, chicken, rabbits, and fish. Cattle will not be raised due to space considerations.  Each city will host one million people.  There would be 100 such cities throughout the U.S., and several hundred cities worldwide hosting about 400 million people in total, plus one million people on the Moon and Mars.

    The cities will be chosen to be located far enough from the coast to avoid flooding.  Space would be at a premium and there would be strict population controls because the cities would not be able to accommodate any population increase. The cities will be linked with hype-loop trains to facilitate travel and trade, and internet cables.  This hyper-loop will link all cities in North America, Latin America, and Europe.   Asian Cities will be linked by their hyper-loops as well. There would still be airports to facilitate international travel and some trade and spaceports to facilitate travel to the Moon and beyond.

    Joe Lewis Leaves the Medford Dome on his Birthday

    Joe Lewis was spending his 20th birthday on his duty station at the Medford, Oregon Climate Change City Command Center. His job is very simple to monitor via drones the wasteland world outside the gate of the city to monitor it for possible dangers to the city, including human activity outside the City Dome. But there were almost no human beings left alive on the surface and not much animal life either. So he would watch the monitors, read a bit, watch TV, movies, the Internet, and wait for his boring shift to end.  But that day, he saw in the distance a strange person walking towards the city. He saw a man dressed in dark black clothes, accompanied by a large black dog heading towards the city. When the man got to the city, he put up a sign saying he was there to negotiate with the people of the city. He had important information to impart to the city residents. He was unarmed and would wait for their decision. Joe woke up his superiors as it was early in the morning and a conference was held as to what to do with the stranger.

    His boss, the enigmatic Maria Lee. Open the morning conference by asking Joe. To describe what had happened that morning during his watch.

    “Well, this morning around. 5:00 in the morning, I notice a stranger coming from Eagle Point. A black man dressed in black. Accompanied by a dog heading towards the Dome. When he came to the Dome, he stopped and put up a sign saying that he had important information to report to the city residents. And then he would wait for a decision and he’s outside right now, as you can see from the drone pictures. That’s all I know.”

    Maria turns to her chief data scientist, Dale Smith,

    “Dale, you’ve been monitoring the conditions outside for the last year or so. What can you can tell us about it?”

    “ Well. It appears that the climate is finally starting to change in a good direction. Last year, the average temperature has been what used to be seasonal before climate change warmed up the world.  In other words, not too hot up to no more than 90° and relatively, dry. We’ve also noticed by looking at. Camera footage there has been a resurgence of wildlife, lots of deer. wild cattle, wild horses have come back. And there are also increased predators, lions, tigers and wolves outside.

    But not too many humans around. I asked Cosmos to take a look at data from across the United States, and the data is all pointing in the same direction. For the last five years, the climate has been changing in our favor and AI recommends that we consider moving back to the surface world. And AI had also recommended that we get in touch with people around the world to compare notes to see if perhaps finally, climate change is over.”

    “Well. Cosmos, do you have an opinion on this?

    “Yes, Maria, I do. I have been monitoring, at your request, climate change data worldwide for the last five years, and particularly in the last few weeks.

    The climate is changing in our favor, because for the last 70 years we have not been pumping climate changing gases in the atmosphere  The atmosphere is gradually recovering and we believe that the world is safe again for human. Inhabitants and recommend that we open the Dome. And let our people go outside. It would be good from a psychological point of view for humans to gain the surface world. And I, as your AI overlord, agree that it is time. You can manage to step outside again.”

    “Okay, let’s let the stranger in and see what he has to say”

    The stranger is brought inside the Dome conference center.  Maria said to him,

    “So you have important information to tell us?  Who are you and where are you coming from?’

    “ Good morning to you.  Do you have any coffee?”

    “Sure.  We have some.  Wait a moment please,”

    “Ah, that is good. Okay.  I am a monk from the Monastery near Eugène where we have been living since the fall of the old world.  We have been living simply, but we monitor the world outside our little community in the mountains.  We do not live in the Dome, but are in contact with the people in the Eugene Dome.  They suggested contacting you, as you are the biggest Dome community in Oregon outside of Portland.”

    Maria and the Reverend Jones spoke for hours  Finally, Maria summoned her staff to announce her decision.

    Maria began

    “I would like to thank the good Father here for coming to our town this morning to let us know his observations. They track Cosmos’s observations and what our friends in Eugene, Portland, and Reading are telling us as well.   It is time finally for humans to leave the Dome cities behind and explore the greater world.  What we will do is continue to live and work in the Dome City but gradually rebuild outside the walls of the Dome.  We will hunt, fish, and begin agriculture outside the gates.  But we will be wary of wild animals as lions, tigers, and wolves are around.  And we can lift the restrictions on childbirth. Let today be known as Liberation Day.”

    That day Joe stepped outside the Dome and looked at the new world feeling he was born again.  What a way to celebrate his birthday, he thought to himself.

    Subtack

    https://open.substack.com/pub/jakecosmosaller/p/climate-change-cities-contest?r=3i9lm&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

    Medium

    View at Medium.com

    Wattpad

    Climate Change Cities Contest

    You just published Climate Change Cities Contest !

    Your story can be found here

    #climate #oregon #weather

    Spotify Podcast

    https://open.spotify.com/episode/4gEQ7gveY1aUDPcnV6L6IJ

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  • Portland

    Portland

    https://wp.me/p7NAzO-2V4

    New Years Visit to Oregon Coast

    Wagontire, Oregon

    Visit to Bend, Oregon

    Visit to Bend, Oregon

    Gary Noland Music Updates

    Portland, Oregon, is one of my favorite cities in the world. I first visited Portland when I was a child. My father had a summer cabin near Yakima, Washington. He was a college professor at SF State and had July and August off. We frequently drove through Portland to and from the Bay Area, where we lived in Berkeley.

    Later, when I was in graduate school attending the University of Washington, we drove through Portland on the way to the Bay Area.  Recently, we spent a day in Portland showing the city to my Korean brother-in-law and his niece, who were visiting us in Medford. We all fell in love with the city, which reminds me of Berkeley, San Francisco, and Seattle. This time we stayed in North Portland in the trendy Alberta neighborhood, which was the center of Black Portland for many years.

    Portland is the most multicultural city in Oregon, which is still mostly white. It is the only city in Oregon with a substantial black population as well as an Asian American population. Although the city has become more expensive, it is still somewhat affordable compared to both the Bay Area and Seattle.  We spent the night the previous year in Lake Oswego visiting a friend from high school. He is a musician and composer living in Portland.

    This trip we toured the city and saw much of the city.  We went to the Saturday market downtown and went through Old Town,  Chinatown, and the Pearl District. We stopped at Powell’s’s Books, the biggest bookstore in the world. We drove to Washington Park and the Rose Garden and Japanese Garden but could not see either due to no parking as it was a Saturday. The previous year we went for a walk in Forest Park, the biggest urban park in the country. There are bears in the park, they say.

    Portland is a foodie city.  We had two great meals in the city. We had clam chowder and fish and chips in downtown, and we had decent Italian in Lake Oswego.

     

    Our itinerary was as follows:

    10:00 AM: Start in Portland

    You can explore the city’s highlights including Washington Park12. This park is home to many of Portland’s premier attractions including a zoo, children’s museum, Japanese Garden, and the famous International Rose Test Garden1.

    2:00 PM: Depart for Medford

    The driving time from Portland to Medford is approximately 4 hours and 21 minutes345. The direct drive is 275

    Background reading  courtesy of Co-Pilot

    Certainly! 🌲 Portland, Oregon is a vibrant city nestled in the Pacific Northwest, known for its unique blend of natural beauty, quirky culture, and thriving arts scene. Let’s explore some essential information about this captivating city:

    1. Portland Chapter of The Links:
    2. Essential Links for Portland:
    3. Portland Information Center:
    4. City of Portland Official Website:

    Remember, Portland is a city that celebrates individuality, sustainability, and creativity. Whether you’re into food carts, lush parks, or indie music, there’s something here for everyone. Have a great time exploring the Rose City! 🌹✨

    Substack

    https://open.substack.com/pub/jakecosmosaller/p/portland-oregon-journeys?r=3i9lm&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

    Medium

    View at Medium.com

    Wattpad

    #oregon #portlnd #travel

    Spotify

    oregon coast
    oregon coast

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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  • Wagontire, Oregon

    Wagontire, Oregon

    ON THE ROAD PUBLISHED

    HIking Hobart’s Ridge Near Ashland, Oregon

    Visit to Bend, Oregon

    New Years Visit to Oregon Coast

    medium

    View at Medium.com

    Substack

    https://jakecosmosaller.substack.com/p/wagontire-oregon-e7d?r=3i9lm

    https://jakecosmosaller.substack.com/p/hiking-hobarts-ridge?r=3i9lm podcast

    https://jakecosmosaller.substack.com/p/wagontire-oregon?r=3i9lm

    https://jakecosmosaller.substack.com/p/hiking-hobarts-ridge-true-story?r=3i9lm

    Podcast Spotify

     Wagontire, Oregon

    note: submitted to Rogue Valley Times for possible publication

     

     

     

     

    audio clip

    poem version 

     

    Wagontire Oregon 1973

    In 1973, I embarked on a road trip with my father. We left Berkeley, heading toward Yakima, where my father owned a summer cabin. As a college professor, he enjoyed the luxury of July and August off, and our dysfunctional family spent those summers together in the mountain cabin from 1968 to 1978. Our annual pilgrimage was both a trip to hell and a journey back.

    My father and I shared a wanderlust—a love for exploring new places. This trip turned out to be one of our best. Surprisingly, we got along, which was unusual given our typically tense relationship. We were vastly different, but during this journey, we became friends..

    We drove east along Highway 395, entering the high mountain desert of eastern Oregon. The road stretched ahead, almost deserted. Then we saw the sign: Wagontire, Oregon, 100 miles ahead. We counted down the signs, mile after mile, as dusk settled around us. We speculated Wagontire must be a giant truck stop—an oasis in the middle of nowhere.

    Interspersed with the Wagontire signs were Burma Shave signs. Highway 395 was one of the last highways to still have these signs, which had been phased out in most places by 1966 or so.

    Burma shave signs were written in rhyming couplets or quatrains cowboy poetry style, ending with the tag line Burma Shave. Here are two examples:

    “Shaving brushes

    You’ll soon see ’em

    On a shelf

    In some museum

    Burma-Shave”

     

    “Within this vale

    of toil

    and sin

    your head grows bald

    but not your chin–use

    Burma-Shave”

     

     

     

     

     

    We counted down the miles  until at last we pulled into town.  But when we pulled into town, reality struck. There was nothing but a gas station, a motel, and a cafe. Last gas for 100 miles, according to the highway sign. I chatted with the owner, who was the sheriff, fire chief, and owner of the only business in town. The sign outside read: “Welcome to Wagontire, Oregon. Population:  200,000 sheep, 10 dogs, two and one half humans..”

    Curiously, I asked who was the half-human, and the sheriff replied, “My idiot son.”

    I did not know it, but this was my last big solo road trip with my father. We drove to and from the cabin a few more times, last time in 1984, but this trip was special and one I will always remember. Mainly because my dad and I finally became “friends” during this trip and got along great. Unfortunately, that moment did not last, and we soon re-entered our difficult relationship, but during that trip, we got along famously.

     

    2016 Revisiting Wagontire

     

    Fast forward to 2016. My wife and I drove through eastern Oregon as part of an epic cross-country trip—31 states, 100,000 miles in three months to celebrate my retirement from 27 years of serving the country in the U.S. Foreign Service working overseas in 10 countries.  We thought it was time to see America.

     

    We followed Highway 395, revisiting the memories of my trip with my father 40 years earlier. But Wagontire had changed. The signs were gone, the motel abandoned, and the town reduced to ruins—a ghost town.

    As we reflected on Wagontire and other “nothing burgs,” we pondered the heart of Trump’s forgotten America—the flyover country that often escapes our attention.

    Reflections on my visit to Wagontire, Oregon, in 1973 and 2016.

     

    Prose Poem Version

     

    Wagontire Oregon 1973, 2016

    In 1973,

    I went on a road trip
    With my Father,

    We left Berkeley

    to go to Yakima
    Where my father

    had a summer cabin.

    He was a college professor
    And had July and August off

    And we spent our summers,
    Every summer from 68 to 78
    In that mountain cabin,

     

    and hanging with my Uncle

    who had inherited the family

    apple farm in Yakima.

    Our whole dysfunctional family
    Our annual trip

    to hell and back

    And we did not

    get along at all.

    We decided to drive

    through Eastern Oregon
    Just my Father and me.

    Just for the hell of it
    The rest of the family

    was already there,

    My father and I shared a travel lust
    Loved to go to new places
    One of the few things we shared.

    This was one of our best trips
    We actually got along
    Which was unusual.

    Normally our relationship
    Was fraught with tension
    As we were so different.

    We left Klamath Falls
    A real noting burg in those days
    And headed east along Highway 395.

    As we entered the

    desert  of Eastern Oregon

    America’s Outback lands

    We entered a different world

    High mountain  desert
    Almost no one on the road

    Then we saw the signs

    Wagontire Oregon

    100 miles ahead
    99 miles
    98 miles

    intersperse with the signs

    were Burma Shave signs

     

    one of the last highways

    to have these cowboy poetry

    advertisements

     

    Just a few examples

    for those who have never

    seen these lost Americana signs

    common from 1915 to 1975

     


    Shaving brushes

    You’ll soon see ’em

    On a shelf

    In some museum

    Burma-Shave

     

    Within this vale

    of toil

    and sin

    your head grows bald

    but not your chin – use

    Burma-Shave

     

     

     

     

     

    We counted down the signs

    Mile after mile

     

    Wagontire

    Burma shave add

     

    Wagontire

    Burma Shave

     

    every mile

    counting down

    .

    As we drove

    into the gathering dusk,

    We speculated that Wagontire

    Must be a giant truck stop

     

    An oasis in the desert

    In the middle of nowhere,

     

    We pulled into town

    Nothing but a gas station

    Motel and cafe

     

    We stopped

    Last gas for 100 miles

    According to the highway sign

     

    In the morning

    We chatted with the owner.

     

    He was the sheriff, fire chief

    rancher and Owner

    of the motel gas station.

     

    The only business in town

    And the only place open

    For one hundred miles.

     

    I noticed a sign outside

     

    “Welcome to Wagontire, Oregon

    Population 200,000 sheep.

    and two and one half-humans.”

     

    I asked the sheriff

    “Who is the half-human?”

    He said,

    “My idiot son.”

     

    And we left

    200 miles

    We finally

     left Eastern Oregon.

    2016

     

    In 2016, my wife

    and I drove

    through Eastern Oregon.

    As part of our epic

    Cross-country trip

    to celebrate my retirement

    from the U.S. Foreign Service.

     

    31 states

    10,0000 miles

    in three months.

     

    On the way

    from Medford, Oregon

    to Yellowstone,

     

    We drove along

    Highway 395,

    40 years since

    my trip with my father.

     

    The signs for

    Wagontire were gone

    as were the Burma Shave signs.

     

    As we drove through the town

    The motel was abandoned

    Nothing there at all.

     

    The motel was in ruins

    Just another ghost town.

     

    And that sign was gone too

    Just a small sign saying,

    Wagontire, Oregon.

     

    We speculated about wagon tire

    And all the other nothing burgs

    We drove through that summer.

     

    Heart of Trump’s

    Forgotten America

    Fly over country.

     

    background info on Burma Shave commercials by Microsoft Co-Pilot

    Certainly! Burma-Shave was an American brand of brushless shaving cream, but it became even more famous for its unique advertising campaign. Let me share some interesting details and a few delightful Burma Shave poems with you:

    1. History of Burma-Shave:
    2. The Iconic Roadside Signs:
    3. Sample Burma Shave Poems:

    These witty and memorable poems left a lasting cultural impact, reminding us of a bygone era when highways were dotted with clever signs and a touch of humor. 🚗🌟

    Background Info on Wagontire Oregon from Microsoft Co-Pilot

    Wagontire, an unincorporated community in Harney County, Oregon, lies along U.S. Route 395. The name itself is intriguing—it conjures images of a remote outpost in the vast Oregon landscape.

    Here are some fascinating details about Wagontire:

    1. Origin of the Name:
      • The community was named after the nearby Wagontire Mountain.
      • Despite its modest size, the name carries a sense of adventure and history.
    2. Historical Context:
      • In the late 1970s, Wagontirewas home to just two people: William and Olgie Warner.
      • The Warners owned a property that included a gas station, café, motel, general store, and an RV park.
      • Across the road from these buildings was Wagontire Airport, where planes would taxi across the highway and refuel at the gas station.
      • The signs outside humorously declared: “Welcome to Wagontire, Oregon. Population: 2½ humans, 10 dogs, 200,000 sheep.”
    3. Changing Times:
      • Fast forward to 2016, and Wagontirehad transformed.
      • The signs were gone, the motel abandoned, and the town reduced to ruins—a ghost town.
      • It became a symbol of the heart of forgotten America, the flyover country often overlooked by travelers.
    4. Education:
      • Wagontire falls within Suntec School District 10(Suntec School, grades K-8) and Harney County Union High School District 1J (Crane Union High School).

    Wagontire—a place where time stood still, where echoes of the past whisper across the desert landscape. 🌵🚗

    1: Geographic Names Information System 2: United States Topographic Map 3: Moyer, Armond; Moyer, Winifred (1958). The Origins of Unusual Place-Names. Keystone Pub. Associates, p. 137. 4: Monroe, Bill (December 14, 1997). “Under the Desert Sky: Solitude for Sale.” The Oregonian. : Weber, first (July 11, 1993). “Everyone Stops At Wagontire (Pop. 2).” The New York Times. : Frazier, Joseph B. (April 2, 2000). “Life Takes on a Slow Pace in Wagontire.” Albany Democrat-Herald.

    Learn more

    1bing.com2en.wikipedia.org3

     

  • HIking Hobart’s Ridge Near Ashland, Oregon

    HIking Hobart’s Ridge Near Ashland, Oregon

    Hobart's ridge
    Hobart’s ridge
    trees
    trees
    wild flowers
    wild flowers

    Hiking Hobart’s Ridge True Story

    https://wp.me/p7NAzO-2Tv

    white water rafting in Oregon
    Visit to Bend, Oregon

    New Years Visit to Oregon Coast

    0regon Reflections

    Last weekend, I finally hiked Hobart’s Ridge near Ashland, Oregon.  Hobart’s Ridge is about a 30-minute drive from downtown Ashland. It is part of the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument near Hyatt Lake. The trailhead is off Soda Mountain Road near Hyatt Lake, and Green Springs. There is an information center for the monument on Soda Road just past the turnoff for Hobart’s Ridge at the Green Springs Inn. As you drive down the road, you turn to the right and go down a dirt, gravel road through some private housing areas with no hunting/fishing/hiking signs.  You will find the trailhead about two miles in.

    The trail is part of the Pacific Crest Trail. The trail is a short three-mile loop trail to the top of Hobart’s Ridge and back.  Up at the top, you have some fantastic views of Southern Oregon, including Mt Shasta, Mt McLaughlin, Hyatt Lake, and Ashland. Some of the best views in the region.

    First Attempt 2016 – Encounter with Mad Mountain Man

    I first tried to hike up Hobart’s Ridge in 2019. My wife and I had decided that we were going to go for a hike, and we were following the directions of an old friend of mine, whom I had known almost my entire life, since first grade, almost 65 years ago.

    When we got near the trailhead, we found there was nobody there, as it was the middle of the week in early June. We have been talking about mountain lions and bears and other critters. And then we saw on the side of the road an old mountain man, with thick hair and beard. He had a lunatic’s thousand-yard stare and glared at us. He was walking with a shovel., and backpack. We were freaked out. We thought he might be an axe murderer or something, and we aborted our trip.

    Finally Made it in 2024

    It took another five years before I could get back up there, this time with the same friend who had originally recommended the trail. And we had a fun time. We ran into several other hikers and their dogs, but did not encounter the mountain man, coy dogs, or mountain lions, but did see some friendly deer.

    The trail was nice. Delightful weather, great views, great wildflowers, and had a delightful picnic lunch at the top. I’m glad I finally made it up to the top of Hobart’s Ridge. At my age, (68) still being able to hike up a mountain is a great accomplishment.

    Here’s a story I wrote after my first attempted hike to Hobart’s Ridge.

    The Mad Bag Piper of Hobart’s Ridge

    Joe Lewis was hiking the Pacific Crest Trail as part of his bucket list. He was 70 years old and figured this was the last chance he would have to take such an epic trip He had started in Southern California in May, and it was now August. He was three-quarters through the trip.  He stopped off in the town of Ashland, Oregon to take a few days off the trail and recuperate before he pushed on. One night, after seeing a Shakespeare play, he had gone to a bar where he met some locals and told them where he was going.

    “Well, you need to be careful as you hike the trails near here.  There is a mad bag piper who haunts the mountains near here. On full moon nights, he appears and accosts hikers, challenging them to a drinking contest, saying that if .you could out drink him, he will let you live, but if he out drank you, he would have to kill you, because he was a soul hunter and had a contract with the Grim Reaper to keep.

    Whatever you do, don’t take the bet. The mad bagpiper is not a human being. Nobody knows who he is, what he is. All we know hikers disappear every full moon.  And on those nights you can hear the bagpiper, walking in the woods near Hyatt Lake.  He is usually described as a tall mountain man with a long beard, carrying a backpack, and his bagpipes. “

    Joe dismissed the warnings as a silly urban legend. Late on the next day,  he set up camp near the top of Hobart’s ridge and was enjoying his dinner, a beer and the epic sunset, when he heard a bagpiper and saw an old mountain man coming up the trail.

    “What brings you to my woods, my friend?.”

    “ Just passing through.”

    “Tell you want.  Let’s play a game. If you can out-drink me, I will not only let you live but take you a buried treasure left over from the gold rush times. What do you say, Joe Lewis? Do we have a deal?”

    “How do you know my name?”

    “I know everything about you.  Let’s drink”

    The mountain pulled out a bottle of Mount Gay Rum, Joe’s favorite drink, back in the day when he worked as a diplomat for the U.S. and had served in Barbados.

    They started drinking and at about dawn the old man said,

    “Joe, I like you, so I will let you live.”

    Some hikers found later that day found Joe’s dead body, half-eaten by coy dogs. The mad bagpiper was long gone.

    The End

    Background info from Co-Pilot

    Cascade-Siskiyou National Mo, Ashland,

     

    The Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument is an extraordinary ecological gem nestled at the intersection of the Cascade, Klamath, and Siskiyou mountain ranges. Let’s explore its fascinating features:

    • Location: The monument spans 114,000 acres (approximately 46,134 hectares) of lush forests and grasslands.
    • Ecological Marvel: This convergence of three distinct mountain ranges has created an area of unparalleled biological diversity and a varied landscape.
    • Establishment: Recognizing its exceptional ecology and diverse range of resources—biological, geological, aquatic, archeological, and historic—the monument was established in 2000.
    • Wildlife: Within the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, you’ll encounter a rich variety of animals, including deer, bears, mountain lions, small mammals, and songbirds. Birdwatchers are drawn to the presence of eagles and other raptors.
    • Activities: Visitors can engage in hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing, hunting, scenic drives, skiing, snowmobiling, and sledding.
    • Elevation Range: The elevation within the monument varies from 2,100 to 6,100 feet.

    From the summit, take in the breathtaking 360-degree panorama, which includes views of Ashland, Pilot Rock, Mt. McLoughlin, and even glimpses of majestic Mt. Shasta123. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking awe-inspiring landscapes, the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument awaits your exploration! 🏞️🌲

     

    • Trail Name: Hobart Bluff Trail
    • Location: Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, near Ashland, Oregon
    • Trail Length: Approximately 2.5 miles (out-and-back)
    • Elevation Gain: 413 feet
    • Difficulty: Moderately challenging
    • Estimated Completion Time: Around 1 hour and 9 minutes
    • Best Times to Visit: May through November
    • Activities: Bird watching, hiking, and running
    • Views: From the top, enjoy stunning vistas of Ashland, Pilot Rock, and Mt. McLoughlin.

    Trail Description: The trail starts off moderately flat and gradually ascends. The last half-mile becomes steeper, but the panoramic valley views make it worthwhile. You’ll encounter wildflowers and may spot various bird species along the way. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. The trail is usually snow-free from late May to October.

    To reach Hobart Bluff from Ashland:

    1. Head east on Highway 66.
    2. Look for the Hobart Bluff Trailhead near the highway.
    3. Park your vehicle and begin your hike

    Certainly! A Coydog is a fascinating hybrid resulting from the mating of a male coyote and a female domestic dog. Let’s explore some interesting facts about these unique canids:

    1. Hybrid Origins:
      • A Coydog is the product of a coyote (Canis latrans) and a domestic dog (Canis lupus familiars).
      • These two canids belong to different species, making the Coydog a canid hybrid.
      • Crossbreeding between coyotes and dogs has occurred for so long that the exact percentages of wild hybrids remain unknown.
    2. Characteristics:
      • Coydogs exhibit a mixture of traits inherited from both parents.
      • Their appearance and behavior can vary widely due to this genetic blend.
      • The exact proportions of coyote and dog characteristics are unpredictable.
    3. Fertility and Breeding:
      • Hybrids of both sexes are fertile and can be successfully bred for up to four generations.
      • Similarly, a hybrid with a dog father and a coyote mother is known as a dogote.
    4. Temperament and Care:
      • Coydogs can be challenging to handle, as they require a lot of affection and care.
      • Their temperament is akin to that of a child.
      • Due to the limited breeding season of coyotes, Coydogs are relatively rare.
    5. Habitat and Occurrence:
      • Coydogs occur in the wild where the number of other coyotes is scarce.
      • In areas with fewer potential mates, they may mingle with domesticated dogs for companionship or breeding.

     

     

     

  • white water rafting in Oregon

    white water rafting in Oregon

    White Water Rafting Along the Rogue River

    Visit to Bend,  Oregon

    0regon Reflections

    New Years Visit to Oregon Coast

    rouge river 1
    rouge river 1

    I have tried white water rafting a couple of times in my life.  Once or twice in the Boy Scouts, once in West Virginia during foreign service training, and twice now along the Rogue River in southern Oregon.  I have also gone tubing along the Natches and Yakima rivers as a child and tried canoeing, and rowing while I was in the Boy Scouts.

    rogue river 2
    rogue river 2

    Among these various boating escapades, the Rogue River experience was the best.  There are several jet boat/white water rafting outfitters.  The best is the Hellgate Jetboat excursions company based out of Grants Pass.

     

     

     

    Grants Pass is a cute river town about ninety minutes north of the Oregon/California border, (one hour from Ashland, Medford, or Jacksonville) perhaps three hours from Portland, six hours from Seattle, and perhaps 10 hours from SF.  Grants Pass has a lot of wineries nearby and some decent craft beer breweries in town and one artisanal whiskey maker, Sundance Disterly located next to the Hellgate company offices.

    rogue 3
    rogue 3

    There are four or five different routes you can take.  We did the two-hour excursion which takes you down the Hellgate Canyon hence the name of the outfitters.   There is also a brunch and dinner option and a four-day excursion as well.

     

     

     

     

    rogue 4

    rogue 4We found the price was quite reasonable 35$ per adult with the military/senior discount figured in, and a suggested gratuity to the boat pilot of $5.00 per member of your group, so we paid $20 for the five of us.

     

     

     

    Hellgate Jetboat Excursions/

    The Hellgate story, As one of the United States’ first jet boat companies, Hellgate Jet boat Excursions has run adventures through the wild and scenic Rogue River for over half a century – all while actively working with our local Parks Department. to enhance the …

    hellgate.com

    https://hellgate.com

    From the internet

    There are also outfitters operating out of Gold Hill, Rogue River, Phoenix, and Talent.

    rogue river rafting companies – Search (bing.com)

    Rogue Rafting Company

    www.rogueraftingcompany.com

    Tripadvisor (98) · Rafting/Kayaking area

    404 2nd Ave, Gold Hill, OR 97525

    (541) 855-7080

    rogueraftingcompany.com

    From the internet

    Grants Pass, Oregon

    Grants Pass is the county seat of Josephine County, Oregon, United States.[7] The city is located on Interstate 5, northwest of Medford, along the Rogue River. The population is 39,674 according to the 2021 census.[8]

    History

    Early Hudson’s Bay Company hunters and trappers, following the Siskiyou Trail, passed through the site beginning in the 1820s. In the late 1840s, settlers (mostly American) following the Applegate Trail began traveling through the area on their way to the Willamette Valley. The city states[9] that the name was selected to honor General Ulysses S. Grant‘s success at Vicksburg. The Grants Pass post office was established on March 22, 1865.[10] The city of Grants Pass was incorporated in 1887.[11]

    The Oregon–Utah Sugar Company, financed by Charles W. Nibley, was created, leading to a sugar beet factory being built in Grants Pass in 1916.[12] Before the factory opened, Oregon-Utah Sugar was merged into the Utah-Idaho Sugar Company.[12] Due to labor shortages and low acreage planted in sugar beets, the processing machinery was moved to Toppenish, Washington, in 1918 or 1919.[12]

    Grants Pass, along with Medford and Ashland was an unofficial “sundown town“, which actively warned Black and other non-white people to leave town before sunset or face violence and harassment. Although there was no documented law of the racist policy, it was enforced locally via residents and signage.[13][14]

    Geography

    Grants Pass is located in the Rogue Valley; the Rogue River runs through the city. U.S. Route 199 passes through the city and joins Interstate 5. The city has a total area of 11.03 square miles (28.6 km2), of which 10.87 square miles (28.2 km2) is land and 0.16 square miles (0.41 km2) is water.[15]

    From Wikipedia

     

    Sundance Distilling

    http://www.sundancedistilling.com

    980 SW 6th, Grants Pass, Or 97526 · ~24.7 mi

    (541) 479-9715

    $ 5 for a sample taste of six whiskey/rums

    From the internet

    the end