Umpqua edition

UmpqUa Edition

River Memories

A publicAtion of the news-Review

August 25, 2013

Page 2 — Roseburg, Oregon — Sunday, August 25, 2013UMPQUA EDITION

Scenes of the Seasons........................4

A Family Affair.......................................5

Camping Creekside..............................6

Float Your Boat...................................10

Photographing the North Umpqua....12

River Appreciation Day.......................13

Passing on His Pastime......................14

Little River Lore.................................19

Christmas Flood................................20

Family Ties.........................................21

Riverside Hunting..............................22

Home on the River.............................24

Raised by the River............................26

Watery Playgrounds Abound............28

Three years ago, The News-Review asked readers to identify and rank their favorite 100 aspects of

Douglas County. No. 1 honors went to the Umpqua

River, by a water slide (“landslide” doesn’t seem right to describe a river). Though more than 1,000 days have passed since the voting, we don’t have any reason to believe Douglas County residents are any less fond of the waterways that travel through our cities, towns and

rural outposts. We have a special reason to love

the Umpqua River and its tributaries. Usually, big watersheds spread across several counties. The Umpqua Basin lies entirely within our county borders.

It also complements the county’s land-based attractions, creating a haven for anglers, hunters, rafters and wildlife watchers.

Summer seems like the most natural time to enjoy what our rivers and their offshoots have to offer. But county residents submitting stories and photos of their river memories covered the seasonal spectrum. What

they had to show and tell appears within these pages.

In addition, 44 readers entered our Umpqua Edition photo contest. The editor’s choice award went to Amy Smith of Oakland, whose “Umpqua Reflections” photo is on the cover of this section. To view the people’s choice award, go to http://nrtoday.upickem.net/engine/Winners.aspx?PageType=WINNER&contestid=98060.

So wade on into our special sec-tion. The water’s fine.

— Tricia Jones, Umpqua Edition editor

REVELING IN OUR RIVERSThe News-Review

Readers’ stories and photos awash in appreciation for Umpqua River system

STORY INDEX

COVER PHOTO:

“Umpqua Reflec-

tions,” a photo of

the North Umpqua

River submitted

by Amy Smith of Oakland

410 S.E. Spruce St., Roseburg • Take exit 124 East 541-672-9731 • visitroseburg.com

Stop by the Roseburg Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center for

Information about Roseburg and the Land of Umpqua

Visit Roseburg in the Heart of the

Roseburg, Oregon — Sunday, August 25, 2013 Umpqua Edition — Page 3

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

835 Sheridan541-673-7122

By changing our throw away habits, we promote a healthier pollution free environment.

HERE’S HOW WE DID IN 2012Cardboard ................. 874 tonsUsed Motor Oil .......... 761 gals.Wood Waste ......... 1280 cu. yds.All Other .................... 509 tons

“Recycle, Help the Planet survive.”

Thank you for your cooperation in helping to conserve our landfill resources.


The beautiful Umpqua River literally runs through my front yard, by virtue of a property

description that ends in the middle of the river. Thus I have a front-row seat on a never-ending kaleidoscope of scenes that vary from one season to the next, from the first light of dawn to the last hour of dusk, and from one patch of weather to another.

Winter brings a stark, barren world with a variety of ways to

view the river. Sometimes it is barely seen during a heavy rain, or gusting winds cause nonstop ripples to chase one another across the current, or it may not be visible at all through a thick fog. Snowflakes falling silently create a magical scene, best viewed through a picture win-dow next to a crackling fire. The water itself varies from deep, silent and green, to a snow-melting milky green, to café au lait as mud begins to enter from steep hillsides. Occasion-ally our usually well-behaved river becomes an angry, roaring

torrent, racing to the sea with an array of gifts picked up along the way. I’ve seen runaway boats, unhinged docks, plastic bottles, tubs, buckets, whole logs, lumber, even a mass of orange pumpkins picked up from a flooded field.

I was astonished after seeing birds riding by on half-sub-merged stumps, until it was ex-plained to me that as the water rises, insects flee to the stumps, resulting in cruise dining for a clever bird. Once I was witness to the astounding sight of ice sheets floating by!

Winter eventually gives way to the scene turning green with the arrival of spring. The gray, lichen-loaded trees lining the banks are clothed in new green leaves and fields grow lush with fresh grass. The water level drops, revealing grass-covered rocks emerging and little rapids developing. Insects hatch and swallows swoop above the water, enjoying the rich feast. Turkey vultures ar-rive to soar in endless circles or line up on fence posts with

Photo courtesy of J. Yvonne JonesElk enjoy a fall day in 2009 on the banks of the Umpqua River as seen from the home of J. Yvonne Jones of Umpqua.

J. YVONNE JONES

Scenes of the Seasons

Turn to SCENES, page 16

River puts on riveting show, regardless of the season

Authorized Dealer for Linwood Custom Homes

2225 NW Stewart Pkwy, Suite 102 Roseburg, OR 97471 541.229.1174 [email protected]

Live in one side and rent out the other–––or rent out both sides! Great income potential! Call for info!

Investment/Income Duplex: 3 bdrm/3 bath each sideHome package only $132,000!

Since 1910

“A whole lot more than an office products store”

www.roseburgbook.com

FAX: 541-673-6112PHONE: 541-673-5356

549 SE Jackson St.Roseburg, Or 97470

M-F 8:30-5:30Sat 10-4

Screenprinting & Embroidery

Spotlight your Businessor Special Event!

541-673-3716 429 SE Main St. • Roseburg • www.pctshirts.com

Your Logo/Design can be imprinted on T-Shirts, Caps, Jackets, Key Chains, Pens & Pencils, Balloons + 1000s more to choose from

www.wildlifesafari.net (541) 679-6761 Call Today!

ecSTATIC about

Winston, OregonConservation, Education & Research

Animal Encounters • Kid’s Camps • Guided ToursTake Interstate 5 to Exit 119 (HWY 42)

and follow the signs.For those traveling with pets, kennels are available.


Is there anyone in Douglas County (aka the Umpqua Watershed) who does not have a

personal connection to a bounding creek or one of our great rivers?

Our family has lived on the North Umpqua for more than three decades, and the river, from the top of the Cascades at Maidu Lake to the Pacific Ocean at Winchester Bay, has been a vital part of our

A FAMILY AFFAIR

Photo courtesy of Diane Williams‘Earth Water Air,’ an oil painting by Diane Williams, was displayed in the Umpqua Valley Art Associations Member-ship Show this summer. The painting is not for sale.

DIANE WILLIAMS

Turn to FAMILY, page 7

RENTALS • SALESL E A S I N G • PA RT S

WE CAN SUPPLY ALL YOUR EQUIPMENT NEEDSRENTALS, SALES, LEASING & PARTS

HEAVY EQUIPMENT RENTALS AVAILABLE FOR YOUR CONSTRUCTION & LOGGING PROJECTS

& SMALLER EQUIPMENT FOR HOME OWNERS

“Serving All of Oregon!”

4373 Hwy. 99 South • Roseburg

•OregonTractor&EquipmentCo. is your Hyundai and Liebherr dealer! We feature a wide range of new and used equipment - excavators (mini to gigantic), log loaders, wheel loaders, skid steers, dozers and graders - available for rental, purchase and rent-to-purchase. We are also a dealer for Eco-Crusher buckets, LaBounty Shears & many other brands of attachments.

•Oregon Tractor & Equipment Co. employs top notch mechanics with years of experience who have the knowledge and working ability to repair all types & brands of equipment. Field service available.

•Oregon Tractor & Equipment Co. Our parts department carries quality new and used components & makes hydraulic hoses. Now handles parts for all brands of equipment.

Construction & Logging Equipment

Call 541-679-6211Days/Eves

Page 6 — Roseburg, Oregon — Sunday, August 25, 2013

Departing Rose-burg’s hub of civilization in search of

a weekend camping spot for my family, a

sense of freedom grew as I followed the North Umpqua Highway east.

Traffic thinned by the time I passed the Ore-gon State Fish and Wild-life building and the scenery was transformed

from city dwellings to open farmlands. This well-traveled route to Bend was one I’d been on many times before, always wondering what the campgrounds were like, not to mention the

many falls and hiking trails marked along the way. I’ve only lived in Douglas County for 30 years, and it was time I spent part of a day

Camping Creekside

A pool at a camp-site off Rock Creek Road on the North Umpqua Highway shelters several unseen salmon. Photo courtesy of Emily Blakely

EMILY BLAKELY

UMPQUA EDITION

Rustic camp sites offer soulful solitude

LAND OF THE UMPQUA

Douglas County sunriseScent of Evergreen

boughSweet welcoming for

travelersOf yesterday and now

Behind the ConestogaOr walking with the

quail Now and then a bite

or twoThen hit the rugged trail

Into the Umpqua ValleyGramps and Grandma

cameAlong the winding

ApplegateTheir old ox going lame

Decided to settleNext to a river there

And with the wooded valley

Began their love affair

Fish to catch in the Umpqua

Deer and elk abound,Plenty of veggies to

pick and cookFruit of this fertile

ground.

CHORUS:

Land of the Umpqua A hundred valleys

strong We’re blessed to be

living here And we praise you

with this song.

Members of An Association of Writers collaborated to write this song in celebration of Oregon’s sesquicentennial. Turn to CAMPING, page 15

AlignmentsBrakesShocks & StrutsSuspensionWheel BalanceCustom ExhaustCustom U-Bolts

We put you back where you belong...We put you back where you belong...on the Road!on the Road!

Mon.-Fri., 8:00 to 5:30 • Sat., 8:00 to 12:00541-672-9491 • 1540 NE Diamond Lake Blvd, Roseburg

Gene’s Brake & aliGnment, inc.

For the Best Qualityand Service Since 1979

Cars, Trucks Motorhomes, RVs

Jay & Jan TaylorOwners

good for one FREE appetizer or dessert

With purchase of regular priced adult entree, not combinable with any other offer or promotion.exp: 6/1/2014(NRPCVG 2013)

“Where Food, Fun & Family Really Come Together” rodeosteakhousegrill.com

Roseburg, OR (541) 440-3760Tillamook, OR (503) 842-8288Coos Bay, OR (541) 808-0644


lives as we swim and boat the waters and hike the trails following its descent. Our sons, Spencer and Alex, have moved away, but like salmon, they return to the river they know best.

One memorable day a de-cade ago, Spencer worked in the water, moving rocks from the river bed to the bank, shoring up a vulnerable spot. I asked what he was thinking. He replied, “I’m in contact with three forms of matter: solid earth, liquid water, gaseous air. Water is heavier than air and runs downhill.”

I liked what I heard and asked for more. He went on: “Human bodies are about 65 percent water; I’ve lived here most of my life, so I’m most-ly North Umpqua River.”

Delighted, I added, “And you’re shedding skin cells, so the river shares your DNA.”

There was more, but this is enough to tell today. The paint is barely dry on the painting, a work I’ve long wanted to do to commemo-rate that day. The kid in the picture looks as much like Alex as his brother, and both boys—and John and I as well—love our rushing, crashing, green and liv-

ing river, the mighty North Umpqua.

Diane Williams is a writer and a painter who lives in Winchester on the North Umpqua River. Current projects include several children’s books designed to involve readers in creating part of the story and adding to the illustrations.

Family: River water runs through family’s blood

Continued from page 5

Our sons, Spencer

and Alex, have moved

away, but like salmon, they return to the river they know

best.

QuarterFlashUmpqua Community College Presents

QuarterFlashSaturday, Sept. 7Saturday, Sept. 7

5:30 p.m. Opener8 p.m. QuarterFlash

Tickets $10

Swanson AmphitheatreUCC Campus

I-5 Exit 129Roseburg

Beer, wine, and food available.

tickets.umpqua.edutickets.umpqua.eduPh

oto

by O

wen

Car

ey

I - 5 E x i t 1 2 9 •Ro s e b u r g

UCC’s Third AnnualHarvest Festival

S a t u r d a y , O c t . 1 91 - 3 p . m .

UCC C amp u s1 1 4 0 Umpqu a C o l l e g e Rd .

Wear Your Costume!Free fun for kids

Open to all

541.440.7749

UC

C is

an

equa

l opp

ortu

nity

empl

oyer

and

edu

cato

r.

UCC is an equal opportunity employer and educator.

Free!

• Modern Units With or Without Kitchens• Picnic & Bar-B-Que Area • Weekly, Winter & Work Rates • Excellent

Fishing, Swimming, Hiking, Hunting & Rafting Nearby • Close to Sporting Goods Stores & Restaurants • Short 1/2 Hr. East of

Roseburg & on the way to Crater Lake

Your Host: Norman Call541-496-3403

28866 North Umpqua HwyIdleyld Park, OR 97447

[email protected] • www.dogwoodmotel.com

Page 8 — Umpqua Edition Roseburg, Oregon — Sunday, August 25, 2013

Experience Success With A Proven

REALTOR®!PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT TREASURER SECRETARY

Douglas CountyMillion Dollar Club

Carol BlockPrudential Real

Estate Professionals673-1890 / 643-8852

Sherri BrownCENTURY 21 The NeilCompany Real Estate673-4417 / 580-3385

Shirley Byrd-SolemCENTURY 21 The NeilCompany Real Estate673-4417 / 430-9795

Lisa CarterRE/MAX

Professional Realty673-3272 / 670-9272

Jerry ChartierPrudential Real


Mike ChartierPrudential Real


James CoonG. Stiles Realty

672-1616 / 680-9071

Patty CooperCENTURY 21 The NeilCompany Real Estate673-4417 / 580-1352

Bertha EgbertPrudential Real


Frank Elst, Jr.CENTURY 21 The NeilCompany Real Estate673-4417 / 643-1900

Carolyn FerchTrueblood Real Estate

863-5777 / 430-0116

Diana FletcherCENTURY 21 The NeilCompany Real Estate673-4417 / 784-8088

Kelly ForneyRE/MAX


Walt GaynerWalt GaynerReal Estate

672-6205 / 580-7100

Teresa GideonTrueblood Real Estate

863-5777 / 733-7133

Mary GilbertPrudential Real


Lisa GillRoseburg

Homes Realty580-1362

Veronica GillespieCENTURY 21 The NeilCompany Real Estate673-4417 / 580-0246

Joanne GrahamCENTURY 21 The NeilCompany Real Estate673-4417 / 580-1399

Randy GrimesCENTURY 21 The NeilCompany Real Estate673-4417 / 430-2350

Joe HajosPrudential Real


Gorden HanksPrudential Real


Marv HashRE/MAX


Loyd HastingsPrudential Real


Victoria HawksHawks & Co., Realtors

673-6499

Roger HelliwellG. Stiles Realty

672-1616 / 643-6646

Bev HeyerIntegrity Team

Real Estate673-3334 / 637-9400

Tamara HoffHoff’s Frontier

Real Estate670-2763

Ben HorlingsRE/MAX


Neil HummelCENTURY 21 The NeilCompany Real Estate673-4417 / 680-2374

Linda JacobsonRE/MAX


Kelley JarvisPrudential Real


Greg JohnsonG. Stiles Realty

672-1616 / 430-4734

Janet JohnstonPrudential Real


Marilyn KittelmanAlpine Real Estate

580-8988

Jennifer KramerPrudential Real


Denny KruseG. Stiles Realty

672-1616 / 580-2616

Marilyn LaBarreCENTURY 21 The NeilCompany Real Estate673-4417 / 580-8015

Todd LindbloomRE/MAX


Debi LochnerCENTURY 21 The NeilCompany Real Estate673-4417 / 430-1299

Vince LytsellHoff’s Frontier

Real Estate643-9683

Muriel MaddenCENTURY 21 The NeilCompany Real Estate673-4417 / 430-2748

Cindy MahaffyCENTURY 21 The NeilCompany Real Estate673-4417 / 733-8833

Brenda MajorCENTURY 21 The NeilCompany Real Estate673-4417 / 430-4383

Judy MarkovichCENTURY 21 The NeilCompany Real Estate673-4417 / 580-1205

Linda MartinCENTURY 21 The NeilCompany Real Estate673-4417 / 430-3418

Joe MartinRE/MAX


Nataly MattoxRE/MAX


Patrice GlasscockAll AmericanReal Estate

957-1516 / 817-5536

Tracy GrubbsCENTURY 21 The NeilCompany Real Estate673-4417 / 430-6212

Diane McKillopPrudential Real


Patti ArchambaultRE/MAX


Linda AustinCENTURY 21 The NeilCompany Real Estate673-4417 / 643-0062

Gail AzpeitiaG. Stiles Realty

672-1616 / 430-8474

Beverly BeierG. Stiles Realty

672-1616 / 430-2556

JT BerkPrudential Real



www.douglascountymi l l iondol larc lub.comVisit our Website for links to the best in the business!

Dave MeadorPrudential Real


Jeanne MeadorPrudential Real


Irene MyhreMyhre Oregon

Real Estate643-0617

Lou Ann OsbornTrueblood Real Estate

863-5777 / 863-1564

Diana OsgoodRE/MAX


John ProhoroffTrueblood Real Estate

863-5777 / 643-9576

Greg ReynoldsPrudential Real


Rick RichtikCENTURY 21 The NeilCompany Real Estate673-4417 / 430-3241

Bernis Kay WagnerCENTURY 21 The NeilCompany Real Estate673-4417 / 643-3906

Judi Young-JohnsonAll AmericanReal Estate

957-1516 / 430-2671

Tim SmithRE/MAX


Roger SnyderPrudential Real


Wayne SpicerCENTURY 21 The NeilCompany Real Estate673-4417 / 430-8480

Dianne StevensCENTURY 21 The NeilCompany Real Estate673-4417 / 430-9552

Janet StringfellowRE/MAX


Ben TatoneRoseburg

Homes Realty580-2211

Jody TatoneRE/MAX


Carol ThompsonRE/MAX


Linda TiptonRE/MAX


Mark TownsendPrudential Real


Jonna WagnerCENTURY 21 The NeilCompany Real Estate673-4417 / 530-3184

Lu ZuverCENTURY 21 The NeilCompany Real Estate673-4417 / 430-4671

Dawn TrapalisRE/MAX


Laurie WalkerCENTURY 21 The NeilCompany Real Estate673-4417 / 430-0911

Velda TraylorCENTURY 21 The NeilCompany Real Estate673-4417 / 430-6306

We gratefully acknowledge the supportof the following affiliate members:

American Home Lending, LLC ~ AmeriTitleDohzier Appraisal Service ~ First American Title Company

Fotan Web & Graphic Design ~ Good News Home InspectionsPremier Home Loans ~ Ticor Title ~ Umpqua Bank

Wells Fargo Home Mortgage ~ Western Title and Escrow

The Million Dollar Club of Douglas County was created and established in 1985 under the sponsorship of the Douglas County Association of Realtors. Each member has closed a minimum of One Million Dollars in 2012 with most far exceeding the original standard set for membership.

We are committed to the REALTOR® values of honesty, fairness and professionalism and we are dedicated to promoting, preserving and protecting Home Ownership Rights for all! Contact a Million Dollar Club Member or Affiliate and work with the best of the best!

541-672-2460Hosting Guided Fishing Trips for over 33 years!

Excursions available for the:North Umpqua • South Umpqua • Main Umpqua

Elk • Rogue • Sixes • Coquille • Coos

Fish for: Steelhead • Chinook Salmon • Smallmouth Bass • Shad

For more information call 541-672-2460 or visit our website at www.garylewisguideservice.com


Most of us enjoy our wonderful rivers for brief periods of swimming,

boating or just hanging out on the beaches. On occasion, ideas of adventure intrude, and many of us have heard stories over the years of an alleged annual Boy Scout canoe trip down the Umpqua all the way to Reedsport.

In our small-boat circle that tempting voyage remained long in the “Let’s do that someday when we get around to it” category. In 2003, we faced the music: “Are we ever going to do this trip or just talk about it?” We dozen or so made out our wills, set a date, gathered our small flotilla, allotted duties, counted heads and gear, encouraged other friends to join us en route and set out bravely from River Forks Park in early July. After all, if Scouts could do it, why couldn’t we

voyageurs? We had several drift boats, a kayak, (which was soon abandoned), and one intrepid canoeist.

It is pleasant to float along on a river, and much of the main Umpqua is devoid of buildings and settlement. At times one feels really immersed in the natural world. At the end of the day we camped on one of the multitude of sandy beaches, lit campfires beside the moving water and sat around savoring the day, our food and our prog-ress. Most of the land along the way is managed by the Bureau of Land Management; the wa-ter and the shores are public.

The mostly flowing placid scenes are occasionally inter-rupted by fast-moving water and rising pulses. Care must be taken and scouting done from the shore before attempting these rapids. Most are easily passable, but one requiring care is Crow Rapids, about a mile below Cleveland Rapids. It can be handled by walking boats through by a long rope from the left bank.

Another that warrants cau-tion is Smith-Ferry Rapids, about a half mile above the

FLOAT YOUR BOAT

Bob Allen of

Roseburg holds aloft

a catch of bass on the

Umpqua River near Cleveland

Rapids Park.Photo

courtesy of Bob Allen

BOB ALLEN

Roseburg to Reedsport river float well worth the time

Turn to FLOAT, page 11

Eye exams available 7 days a week including evenings

✦ Many insurance plans accepted

✦ Walk-ins available

Winner of the 2012 WalMart “Excellence in Patient Care” Award for the Northwest

Dr. Joyce NewtonOptometric Physician

WalMartVision Center

Office inside

2125 Stewart Pkwy., Roseburg, OR

541-957-8552

LIST OF MERCHANTS:All State Insurance Si, Casa FloresMonarch Medical Weight Loss CenterGame StopGarden Valley Liquor StoreJoAnn Fabric and Craft StoreBeauty Boutique SalonShanti’s Indian CuisineRoseburg Chiropractic CenterJC PennyRoss Dress For LessAll State Real EstateMichaelsPier 1 Imports Dollar TreePetco

Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg, OR • Next to I-5

OUR MERCHANTS WELCOME YOU TO ROSEBURG!

Sally’s Beauty SupplyClaire’s AccessoriesBeds For LessWestern Oregon JewelersJack H. Whitten, CLUValley OpticiansFarmers Insurance GroupUS CellularOne Main FinancialUmpqua BankBank of AmericaNail Trends

Roseburg, Oregon — Sunday, August 25, 2013 — Page 11UMPQUA EDITION

Kellogg bridge. These can be avoided by taking boats through the shallow water stream to the right side and away from the main cur-rent. Just below these rapids is a lovely swimming hole with water pouring over small cliffs, bringing to mind a tropical scene.

Next, just after the town of Elkton, is a small but tricky rapid that can toss boats. Again, lining down with a long rope is easy enough. Lastly, Sawyer Rapids near Scottsburg is a prob-lem but passable by paying attention to how your boat should get through it or again by lining down with a long rope. One more caution: When approaching Reedsport, stay in the far left side of the river along the road, as much of it is very shallow and a boat could get stuck until the tide returns to lift you up.

It took us seven days and about 110 river miles. All

agreed it was worth it. Four of us finished the voyage at Reedsport. We had a little rain one day. Fishing for small-mouth bass was available every day. Friends who could not do the whole trip got on and off

at places like Elkton and Scottsburg. We took occasional breaks to go into the towns for drinks and food. Very few other boats were encoun-tered on the river, which was unex-pected, and we swam every day.

Needless to say, I encourage read-ers to consider this trip. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is work-ing with agencies such as the BLM and Partnership for the Umpqua Rivers to create a water trail for boaters along this very route to Reedsport. It will include campsites, maps and takeout spots along the way. Give them a call to see about progress. I’m glad I did it with my friends, and you will, too!

Bob Allen is a Roseburg resident.

He can be reached at Umpqua Watersheds, 541-672-7065.

Float:Continued from page 10

It is pleasant to float

along on a river, and much of the main

Umpqua is devoid of buildings

and settlement. At times, one feels

really immersed

in the natural world.

Photo submitted by Greg Flick of ElktonThis is a photo that I took of two Sun Oven Solar Cookers at Whistler’s Bend Park in 2010 at the Umpqua River Appreciation Days celebration. This is low-impact use of the Umpqua River. Cookin’ on the river with solar power.

Enjoy your all terrain fun

all year!

Valley Tire CenterLocally Owned & Operated since 1956

541-863-3156715 South Main Street • Myrtle Creek

www.tirefactory.com/valley

2010

Th

e Storage Place

• Heated Storage• Shops• Reasonable Rates

• Many Sizes• Security Guard• Fenced-Lighted• Security Cameras

• Electronic Security Gates• Covered RV-Auto- Boat Storage

172 STORAGE WAY • MYRTLE CREEK, [email protected] • 541-863-3650


I was born and raised in Roseburg and grew up with all things river-related as part of my life. I’m a

fourth-generation Roseburg fisherman dating back to my great-grandfather, Bruce Gilley,

who moved to town in the late 1940s. As much as I enjoy the city, home is and will always be Roseburg. I’ve gotten to pho-tograph all over the world now, but it seems like I always come back to my first muse, that river, when I first picked up a camera in the eighth grade.

On one of my most recent trips home I knew I wanted to take a nice picture that sums up the beauty of Roseburg’s water-ways. So on an April Saturday I woke up at 6 a.m. to get into the car and head up North Bank Road. I went up and down the road, searching for my perfect

shot, and it was almost 8 a.m. when I found the shot I wanted.

It sums up pretty well why I love where I’m from.

Chase Vincent Gilley attends Portland State University and works as a photographer in Portland.

Photo submitted by Chase Vincent GilleySeen on an April morning, the North Umpqua River reminds Portland State University student Chase Vincent Gilley why he always comes home to Roseburg.

North Umpqua River beckons to PSU student

CHASE VINCENT GILLEY

“We deliver, we service,we install, we’re the dealer

who does it all.”

Exit 124West➤

TIM’S

541-672-1661 Hours:

Mon.-Fri. 9-6Sat. 10-5

www.timsapplianceandmattress.com

• Digital Photo Developing Kiosk• Home Decor• Greeting Cards

Save Gas... Shop Local.

Dave Stevens

“Ask us about My Dose Alert ” Find us on Facebook

“Yo ur money buys more at a real drug store!”

Gordon’s Pharmacy & Gifts

For fast and friendly service, visit South County’s only locally owned and operated Pharmacy

314 SW Main • Canyonville • 541-839-4452


Several weeks ago, on July 20 in Elkton, lo-cal river fans celebrat-ed the 27th Annual

River Appreciation Day in Oregon.

The celebration often moves about Douglas County, and this year it was on the banks of the Main Umpqua in the beautiful Elkton Commu-nity Education Center.

This transient festival is about appreciating the wonderful asset we have in our North, South and main Umpqua rivers. We have held it in Canyonville, Glide, Douglas County’s River Forks Park, Roseburg’s Stewart Park Nichols Band Shell and even Black Rock Creek in the Rogue-Umpqua Divide Wilderness.

It began with a group of concerned citizens becoming dismayed at the sewage spills in the South river in 1987 due to repeated power failures at the then newly constructed treatment facility in Roseburg. The budget had not included a backup generator in case of power failures. Political pressure was applied through various means, and a used gen-erator was found and installed.

After all that negativity, we decided to do something positive and affirming on river and water issues. River Day emerged as an idea. As far as we know, since then there have been no sewage spills due to power shortages.

We invited Roseburg Urban Sanitary Authority to come to our first celebration of local rivers at River Forks Park in September 1987. John Kitzha-ber, then president of the Or-egon Senate, was the keynote speaker. Intending to make this an annual event, we asked Dr. Kitzhaber to introduce a bill to the Oregon House and Senate, designating the third Saturday in July as “River Ap-preciation Day in Oregon.” He did just that and got it passed with the help of state Rep. Norm Gershon of Roseburg. It was signed by Gov. Neil Goldschmidt in 1988. We sent copies of the bill to towns and newspapers around the state, hoping for other towns to fol-low our lead.

River Appreciation Day can be every day in our county. Please join us, govern-ment agencies and others in protecting these marvelous waterways that belong to all of us.

Bob Allen lives in Roseburg.

Appointing a day to love your rivers

Photo courtesy of Bob AllenRevelers celebrate 1998 River Appreciation Day at River Forks Park northwest of Roseburg.

BOB ALLEN

Website: www.henryestate.comEmail: [email protected]

HENRY ESTATE WINERYWHERE FRIENDS, MEMORIES, AND A LITTLE BIT OF ADVENTURE ALL JOIN.

For Schedule of EventsGo To:

www.HenryEstate.com

687 Hubbard Creek Rd • PO Box 26 Umpqua, OR 97486 • Winery: 541.459.5120

Toll free: 1.800.782.2686 • Fax: 541.459.5146

Douglas County’s #1 Winery


I’ve been fish-ing our beautiful Umpqua rivers for 10 years, since

I moved to Roseburg in 2004, and will be fishing them for many years to come. A 19-inch smallmouth bass caught out of the South Umpqua is my biggest catch so far.

I’ve been married for five years to my soul mate, Cynthia. We have a beauti-ful daughter, Alyssa Diane.

My daughter is 19 months old and she’s very smart. She’ll pick fishing up very fast.

Nathan Shoultz is a Roseburg resident and Umpqua Community College student.

Avid fisherman angling to teach daughter

Photos submitted by Nathan ShoultzNathan Shoultz of Roseburg holds a 19-inch smallmouth bass caught from the South Ump-qua River about eight years ago.

NATHAN SHOULTZ

Shoultz displays his catch of the day while canoeing in 2012 off Templin Beach Park.

Do you have a reason to celebrate or Just Have Fun??

Call us for your event, small or large and let us make it special for you.We have small event catering available

for as few as 8 people.15332 Old Hwy 99 S, Myrtle Creek, OR • ½ mile off I5 at Exit 112

Welcome to

UMPQUA VALLEY’S PREMIER WINERYEnjoy a glass of wine on our beautiful 150’ river view deck.

Tasting RoomOpen Daily11am-5pm

541.863.7797

800-4MOTEL6 · 541.464.8000

C o i n O p e r a t e d L a u n d r yH B O / E S P N

• 17 & Under Stay Free • 24-Hour Coffee• Free WiFi

www.motel6-roseburg.com3100 NW Aviation Blvd · I-5 Exit 127

PetFriendly!

The Perfect Getaway

OPEN DAILY • (541)-496-0088 • WWW.IDLEYLDLODGE.COM

• BED & BREAKFAST

✓ Reunions ✓ intimate Weddings

✓ Receptions ✓ theme paRties

✓ meetings ✓ FundRaiseRs

…you name it, we can do it!

• CATERING • EVENTS

• RESTAURANT

www.wintergreennursery.net

Cross the bridge south of Winston on 99. Look for the big green roof.

Owned and operated by the Winters family for over 40 years.

• Landscape Contractors License #5200, #10226• Nursery, Trees, Shrubs, Flowers• Florist & Gift Shop• Wedding Garden For Rent Voted Favorite

Nursery & Landscaper

Roseburg, Oregon — Sunday, August 25, 2013 — Page 15

taking some of the turnouts to see the deeper beauty of that Umpqua River drive.

I looked at multiple sites, some directly off the main highway, others a longer distance. Finally, I turned off to Rock Creek Road, a gentle but steady climb that eventu-ally switched pavement for gravel. There were two campgrounds off the beaten path, and I chose the smaller one with more unoccupied camp sites. No phones, no TV — just the trill of songbirds and the sound of bubbling, clear water flow-ing from Rock Creek. More rustic camping doesn’t suit everyone’s idea of a fun time. So we are fortunate to have so many great choices to satisfy our diversity, some much more rustic than at Rock Creek.

Camping:Continued from page 6

Photo courtesy of Emily BlakelyWaters shimmer at an entry point to the Rock Creek Campground off the North Umpqua Highway.

UMPQUA EDITION

Turn to CAMPING, page 17


wings spread open to the sun, like clothes hung up to dry.

Fishing boats begin to drift by or anchor in my “front yard,” affording me the excite-ment of watching fish being

landed. Even the ospreys and bald eagles entertain me with their fishing prowess. It is a breathtaking experience to notice an osprey hovering in midair, then suddenly div-ing headfirst into the water, sometimes emerging victori-

ous, sometimes not so much. Bald eagles, on the other hand, make the plunge feet first, grabbing with powerful talons. I once watched an eagle make the plunge, hooking a fish too large to get airborne. Whether he could not, or would not, let

go is unknown, but after a brief struggle to achieve lift-off, he decided the prudent course was to use those powerful wings in a breast stroke to the nearest emerged rock. After hauling his

Scenes: Wildlife offers endless entertainmentContinued from page 4

UMPQUA EDITION

Photo submitted by Elizabeth Cosslett Meyers of RoseburgThis was taken on our first snowshoe trip to Diamond Lake. We had a wonderful day falling in the snow and blazing a trail, and on our way down the highway, stopped for some thermos hot chocolate and river watching. We ended the day by the fire snug and happy.

Turn to SCENES, page 18

541-863-3134New Address is:

135 S Main St, Myrtle Creek, OR 97457 [email protected]

541-863-7811129 S Old Pacific Hwy, Tri City Visit our website www.corkboot.com

New Location

Same Service

Since 1964

Scott Barraza, Broker .............................. 863-1433Jackie Wagoner, Broker ........................... 670-6486Archie Jones, Broker ................................ 643-6048Carol Matson, Broker ............................... 680-2588R. Todd Theiss, Principal Broker ............... 863-1321

For All Your Real Estate& Financing Needs

ML-295 • NMLS286151

“New Location, Right Next Door!”

Douglas County Specialists Dougco Investments:

541-863-3135

“Trash Douglas County Less”

REDUCE.

REUSE.

RECYCLE.


Selecting a spot was “first-come, first-served.” We arrived early morn-ing one weekend to stake out two sites. Other family members trickled in as their schedules allowed. Wading the shallows, we were taken by the array of rocks showing bright colors under the water’s surface: green, red, orange and a shade of blue mixed with the expected grays and browns. Collecting them was irresistible and pockets were soon dragging from the weight.

The second day we loaded into our vehicles and followed our son’s guid-ing to a unique spot he knew of a few miles away. It was no easy access but worth the effort down a steep, rocky incline to the open area below with a large deep pool at one end. We learned from our son there would likely be salmon in the pool, hidden in dark shadows. The cold water took a little time to get accustomed to, but I waded in and waited with my face submerged to glimpse the fish he hoped to scare up when he dove deep. There was a flash of color, and then with a whirl and a swirl the half-dozen salmon darted away. For me, it was a once-in-a-lifetime gift. It was beautiful.

I was content for the remaining time camping at Rock Creek to let the sun dance on my face through tree leaves as I napped, listen to happy family chatter or watch as a curious doe crept close by. The huge trees were sentinel to a true sanctuary of total refreshment, and I yearn to return there.

Emily Blakely lives in Sutherlin.

Camping:Continued from page 15 Wading the

shallows, we were taken by the array of rocks showing

bright colors

under the water’s surface:

green, red, orange and a shade of

blue mixed with the expected grays and browns.

Collecting them was

irresistible and pockets were soon dragging from the weight.

Dr. Darryl Georgeprovides chronic pain management services to qualified patients with

documented medical problems.

Dr. Darryl Georgewill spend the time needed with you to explain your problems and your options

in words that you can understand.

Dr. Darryl Georgecan provide medical

evaluations and record reviews to qualify you for

the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program.

2031 NE Diamond Lake Blvd., RoseburgAcross from the Dutch Brothers coffee hut

541-672-8366www.doctor-george.net

Are you living with chronic pain?Is your work ability decreasing over time?

Is the quality of your life suffering from lack of care?

Does your doctor ignore your complaints?Did they used to prescribe medications for

you, but have since changed their policy for no good reason?

Is your insurance company denying you care because they are more interested in saving

themselves money?

Don’t let your providers lie to you!Medical Marijuana and prescription pain medications can be used together when

appropriately monitored.

Roseburg FUNERAL ALTERNATIVES

Direct Cremation Services$995

Immediate Burial Services (with casket)$1940

Ph: 541-672-5836email: [email protected]

Pete & Donna Stanton, OwnersVivian Rowsey, Mgr / Funeral Director

2225 NW Stewart Parkway, Ste 103 • Roseburg, Oregon 97471


catch onto the rock, he feasted, then preened until dry enough to fly.

Summer’s arrival drops the water level rapidly, as fields are irrigated upstream. Some summers one can nearly wade across the river in places, an invitation to fun times in and along the water. Inner tubes can be floated a short way down-stream before being hauled out and returned to make the run time after time. For less ambi-tious members of the party, an air mattress floats lazily in a side eddy. Or one can simply sit on a rock with the water rushing over legs and feet. On one occasion, after sitting quietly for some time, I looked down and observed numerous crawfish examining my feet. I learned that day that it is indeed possible to walk on water!

The serious spring fish-ing boats give way to streams

of sailors simply drifting by in metal boats, wooden boats, rafts, canoes and inner tubes. Where they began and where they ended is irrelevant. I simply enjoy the parades. The setting sun daily turns the water into a vast pool of spar-kling diamonds.

By the end of summer, the river is meandering slowly to the ocean, picking up thick clumps of moss along the way. The hillsides turn into a rich tapestry of yellow, gold, red and many shades of green. River eddies swirl with a topping of fallen leaves. Irriga-tion is turned off for the year and the water begins to rise again. Trees once more wear only strands of lichen and the grass is no longer green.

The wildlife to be seen along the river is a definite bonus. Birds of all kinds follow the river path like a highway. Eagles go past like guided missiles, ospreys loop and meander, ducks and geese go by in groups, conversing loudly along the way. Blue herons smoothly glide just above the water, leaving one to won-der how they avoid taking an occasional unplanned dip. Other times they are amus-ing to watch as they poke along in the shallows, bobbing for goodies.

There is a hori-zontal snag extend-ing just above the water that serves as a morning gather-ing place for turtles. Morning and evening the deer emerge to

browse along the river’s edge. Geese nest in hidden spots, then proudly bring the family out to mingle with other families be-fore taking to the water for the first swimming lesson. There have been times when a black bear provides an evening show as it pokes along the banks.

Across the river our own group of 50 to 60 elk provide year-round entertainment. Springtime brings groups of cows with tiny calves frolick-ing joyously. In summer it is a strange sight to see only heads and horns showing above the tall grass. By fall the big, branched bulls posture and bugle, some-times locking horns over some enticing young lady. A special treat is to catch sight of the herd playing in the water like a group of schoolchildren. Then once again it is winter, with the herd quietly grazing in a steady rain.

And the beautiful Umpqua River rolls on, ready to begin another round of amazing scenery!

J. Yvonne Jones is an Umpqua resident.

Scenes: Continued from page 16

UMPQUA EDITION

On one occasion,

after sitting quietly for some time,

I looked down and observed numerous crawfish

examining my feet. I

learned that day that it is indeed possible

to walk on water!

www.HawksCo.com541-673-6499

Buying? Selling?We Know Douglas County!

South Umpqua Property Management

• Houses • Apartments

• Studios • Shops

129 S. Old Pacific Hwy • PO Box 1300 Myrtle Creek, OR 97457

Office: 541-863-5271Fax: 541-863-6695

“We Rent Property”

Auto RepAiR

Mickey Walker 541-672-15271225 NE Stephens • Roseburg, OROpen mid-April through mid-January • www.krusefarms.com

Farm Market Bakery & Gift Shop

• Local produce fresh from our fields• Dried fruits & nuts• Handmade chocolates• Bakery items baked fresh daily• Greenhouse plants in season• Kruse’s own fresh salsa• Local beef and lamb• Lighthouse Center Bakery bread

U-Pick Fruits & Vegetables

In Season532 Melrose Road • Roseburg541-672-5697 • 888-575-4268

Roseburg, OR


Even though 62 years have slipped by, I still get nostalgic when I drive past the old

swimming hole. It is located on Little River,

about a mile up from what’s called the only place in the world where two rivers meet head on, the rivers being Little River and the North Umpqua.

I remember that hot, dusty summer with the smell of ripe blackber-ries in the air. I was a young girl unable to swim, but drawn to the cool water of the river teeming with crawdads, fish and all sorts of snails and other creatures. I was raised by a single mother who also was unable to swim and who was constantly worried about her three children living in close proximity with Little River.

That summer she approached us with an offer. If and when we learned to swim, she would give us a $5 bill. With sparse finances and the fact that $5 was a fortune in 1951, we practiced every chance we got (of course, our daily chores had to be done

before going to the river). By the end of the summer,

all three of her children were able to swim. I am sure I was not a graceful or accomplished swimmer, but I could save myself if the need arose.

Jumping ahead to the year 1979, my mother learned to swim at the YMCA, a feat she was very proud of. Shortly after she learned to swim, I took her to the old swimming hole on Little River, where

she proudly entered the water to show off her swimming skills. Much to the surprise of all present, she didn’t need to swim across the river. Due to her body composition, she was able to bob across the river, moving her hands in a graceful wave to propel her to the other shore.

I now take my grandchildren to swim in Little River and to study the crea-tures that live in its waters. I wonder if 50 years from now they will bring their grandchildren to swim in the waters of Little River.

Juanita Kingery is a Roseburg resident.

Little River looms large

in family lore

JUANITA KINGERY

Jim Dowd, Douglas County residentATRIO Ambassador

ATRIO offers You Medicare and More.Just ask one of your neighbors!

Umpqua Edition Special Tab ad 2013 7.5 x 5

Call your local ATRIO office or agent and ask about ourplans, with monthly premiums that start as low as $0.

Call 541-672-8620Toll-Free (877) 672-8620TTY (800) 735-2900Monday through Friday8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

ATRIO Health Plans is a health plan with a Medicare contract. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium. Y0084_MKG_UES_01 CMS ACCEPTED

2270 NW Aviation DriveSuite 3, Roseburg

www.ATRIOhp.com

When I started looking into Medicare insuranceplans, it was a difficult process. But ATRIOreally helped me. One of the reasons I choseATRIO is they are local. I know those folks andthey know me.”

“


By mid-November in 1964 plans were

put on hold for the Christmas season as the rain-swollen North Umpqua River and its tributaries posed a flood threat. Within days of heavy rainfall the flooding had rav-ished the Northwest, including Douglas

A ChristmAs Flood

Photo courtesy of Laverne WestThis undated photo around Winchester Street in Roseburg shows how flooding could make life damp in Douglas County.

LAVERNE WEST

River made special

Christmas delivery in

1964

Turn to FLOOD, page 23

Don’t Miss Douglas County’s

Greatest Hidden Treasure

Open Mon-Fri 9am-7pm, Sat 9am-6pm • www.harvardavedrugs.com541-672-1961 • 1175 W. Harvard Ave.

Voted #1 Gift Store 12 Years Running!

GIFT SHOP and PHARMACY 4,000 SQ FTof FUN!

elktonr.v.park

On the Banks of the

Umpqua

(541) 584-2832elktonrvpark.com

Ft Umpqua Days Celebration Aug 31 & Sep 1 Historical activities at the Fort Umpqua site

Open Memorial Day through Labor Day • 10-5 daily.Free Admission • Supported by Donations • Easy RV Parking

Website: Elktonbutterflies.com • 15850 Highway 38 W, Elkton, OR 97436 541-584-2692

Elkton Community Education Center

Butterfly Pavilion • Gift Shop • Native Plant Park & Nursery Produce Stand • The Outpost Café • Art Gallery • Tours


Photo courtesy of Marion Cloake Scheleen Marion Cloake of Roseburg, left, enjoys standing on the South Umpqua River on a December day in 1932 when it froze over. Her cousin, Wallace Cloake, who lived on adjacent property, is seen with her, along with his dog, Ring.

MARION CLOAKE SCHELEEN

River view never grows old for

longtime resident

Family Ties

I am sitting on my patio on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. I live on a bend in the river, so it is

on two sides of my property. Turn to VIEW, page 29

Real People. Real Results.

Physician-Guided Weight Loss

“With Monarch I have lost over 100 lbs! Now I’m a more

confident person!”

CALL TOLL FREE FOR SPECIALS1-866-731-LOSE (5673)www.MonarchMedical.net

Before

Finest Mexican & Seafood

Restaurante and LoungeOpen 11 am, 7 days a week • 101 SE Thompson, Winston

To Go Orders/Reservations • Catering Service for ANY Event

541-679-8080www.carlosrestaurante.com

LaVee Hummel1699 W. Harvard Ave., Roseburg, OR 97471

541.580.6929balancedlivingroseburg.com

Colon Hydrotherapy/ColonicsNatural Food Co-Op

Organic Produce


We waited in the middle of a plowed cornfield, adjacent to the South Umpqua River, scan-

ning the early morning skies above a small spread of decoys. All was quiet for many minutes, and then in the distance, we heard the first melodic strains of flying geese.

It was hard to pinpoint them at first, but after a minute or two, I could make out the birds floating in the tangerine sunrise. Adrenaline stirred my senses. They were coming our way.

Minutes passed like hours. The calls of the Canada geese grew in volume. Their forms grew in size. We could tell now there were 20 or more coming toward us in a V-shaped wedge. The flock broke up. Some began swinging north, away from our spread. But some held a steady course that soon would take them over our heads.

I began calling. Would it be enough to attract their attention? I gripped my shotgun tightly and wondered.

The last five minutes seemed like an hour. More of the flock broke off, turn-ing back toward another field. Fewer than a dozen geese remained, but these were convinced our spread was real. At 100 yards out, they cupped their wings and began swinging back and forth in the air as they flexed their rudders and

RIVERSIDE HUNTING

Photo submitted by Mark BaptistaRoseburg’s Mark Baptista displays the day’s take on an October 2012 goose hunting trip at the South Umpqua River off Curry Road.

MARK BAPTISTA

Ambush along South Umpqua provides autumn rush

dropped their landing gear.Too late, the birds realized our

ruse. When the first shot rang out, then another, they tried to turn and gain altitude. I swung on one giant bird and fired. It hit the ground with a hard thump as I tried unsuccess-fully to get another bird in my sights.

When it was over, I realized I was shaking. Excitement does that to me. And this type of hunting, my friends, is exciting.

Canada goose hunting means shooting geese, of course, but it is infinitely more. It is pleasure in perfecting your skills with a shotgun. It is a glorious sunrise or a vivid sunset. It is listening to nature’s most beautiful music. It is a special kind of companionship with men you enjoy and admire.

More, it is the thrilling aerial antics of a flock of wild Canada geese, their haunting calls on a misty morning, the wonder they create as they wing in toward your spread of decoys. Most of all, it is being outdoors in fall, when all of nature unfolds before you. Until you have sat in a decoy spread and watched an autumn day begin, develop and then decline, you have missed one of life’s greatest pleasures.

Mark Baptista is a Roseburg resi-dent and a 1979 graduate of Rose-burg High School.

541-863-3127

Del’s Building Supply

HARDWARE • GARDEN TOOLS • ROOFING SUPPLIES • POTTING SOIL

BUILDING SUPPLIES • PLUMBING • ELECTRICAL • LIGHTING • PAINT Find the right tools and supplies for your projects, plus expert, local advice.

3-Column Ad

May BOM Color Ad Slick

Store Address information here

Get outstanding low prices on quality products.

Sale ends 00/00/08© 2008 True Value Company. All rights reserved.

MAY

9992-Pk. Thumb-Trol Hose Nozzles Flip on and off using your thumb. Cushiongrip. 2-pk. includes nozzle with adjustabletip and nozzle with pattern/dial. L 714 469 B6 While supplies last.

19932-Oz. Spot Weed KillerKills 66 types of weeds. Ready-to-usetrigger spray application. Won’t harmlawns. L 531 416 B12 While supplies last.

17996-Pk. Stainless Steel Solar Light Kit Weather-resistant bronze-finish stainless steel. Bright,white LED light shines for up to 8 hours.Rechargeable AA NiCad batteriesincluded. 12" above-ground height. E 714 782 B8 While supplies last.

102 S. Old Pacific Hwy, Myrtle CreekHours: M-F 8-5:30 • Sat. 8-4 • Sun. 10-4

90th AnniversaryThank you so much to all of our amazing customers. We look forward to building with you for many years to come.

From all of us at

1900 NE Airport RdRoseburg, OR 97470

New ConstructionRemodeling • Additions

General Information

(541) 672-2636

Since 1923


UMPQUA EDITION

County. Thereafter, the event would be known historically as the Christmas flood of 1964, almost 50 years ago.

Being that any time of the year the weather is often unpredictable, locals in Glide use Mount Scott as a weather gauge for snowfall. They also watch the rise of the North Umpqua River after a storm.

In 1964, during a period of 24 hours, more than 3 inches of rain was recorded, melting the snow in higher elevations in the face of growing flood threats. Waters in the river and streams began rising rapidly to flood stage. The angry, roiling waters spilled over their banks, creeping into the lowlands, loosening the soil, causing landslides, toppling trees and blocking roads.

Throngs of curious sightse-ers jumped into their vehicles for a closer, chaotic view unfolding within the river gone wild. They watched large, root-bound trees flow downstream. In the brown waters, brush tangled into whirlpool eddies with lumber, picnic tables, lawn chairs, pump houses, woodsheds, logs, limbs, out-houses and metal barrels were

tossed about. There were also sections of washed-out bridge debris carried from Steam-

boat and Toketee. The rushing waters had a roar to them, plus an unpleasant smell, as they flowed to the sea.

I remember the flood of 1964 well as I was employed as a post office clerk with Postmas-ter Agnes Moore in the tiny post office located alongside the road, with the building facing the North Umpqua River across the Glide Loop roadway.

A few days from Christmas, the post office was busy with customers mailing cards and letters and picking up parcels. Word reached us late in the afternoon that water was creep-ing onto the edge of the road not far from the post office. Postmaster Agnes decided we

had best evacuate the building to be on the safe side. All par-cels were lifted on top of the rural carrier cases and sorting tables. Empty canvas mailbags were stored. All small items were stored as high as space was available. By early next morning, the rain had stopped. The water receded during the night, just missing inches from lapping underneath the doors of the post office.

For a visible reminder of the Christmas Flood of 1964 and for details, visit the Colliding Rivers viewpoint off Highway 138 in Glide.

Laverne West is a Roseburg

resident.

Flood:Continued from page 20

Waters in the river

and streams began rising

rapidly to flood stage. The angry,

roiling waters

spilled over their banks,

creeping into the

lowlands, loosening the soil, causing

landslides, toppling trees and blocking

roads.

www.kubota.com©Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2008

Quality. Reliability. Service.All in the family.

From lawn and garden tractors to compact tractors, excavators and gasoline and diesel utility vehicles. Kubota delivers the highest standards for quality and service. So, climb aboard the Kubota of your choice and join the family.

EVERYTHING YOU

From lawn and garden tractors to compact tractors, excavators and gaso-line and diesel utility vehicles. Kubota delivers the highest standards for quality and service. So, climb aboard the Kubota of your choice and join the family.

541-672-33692165 NE Stephens St.Roseburg, OR 97470

National Landmark & State Park

SERVING BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER

541-866-2474 • Exit #76 Off I-5 www.historicwolfcreekinn.com

NINEHISTORIC

GUESTROOMS


As a molten silver oblong shin-ing of sunset at twilight, the

South Umpqua is a sight I often seek from my small woodland on the town side of the Mount Nebo Ridge. Its seasonal shapes and

colors tickle my memories as it nestles between green banks or overflows, some springtimes, to visit is neighbors a bit too closely. Fresh water has ever been the everyday source of sustenance and pleasure for dwellers of the Umpqua River Valleys.

No one can survive far

from a source of drinking water, one of the elements needed for human life: food, shelter, air, sunlight, water. So our cities, town-ships and villages have been settled beside wa-terways ever since people first crossed the ancient

HOME ON THE RIVER

KATSUE GRANT

Rivers transform travelers into dwellers

Sport, an Irish setter-

Labrador cross

belonging to Joe

Federico of Roseburg,

explores the banks

of the North Umpqua

River.Federico

and Grant share an

appreciation for poetry

and Douglas County

waterways.

Photo courtesy of KatSue

Grant

Turn to HOME, page 25

New to Douglas County? Been here a while?

Need HealtH INsuraNce?Call us first!

• MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT PLANS • MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLANS

• PRESCRIPTION DRUG PLANS

• LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE Independently Serving Douglas

County for more than 20 years

Health Insurance Services

Robert C.FauntLeRoy

JeanneRutter

AmyCallaghan

Sharon Blodgett

Call Today541-672-8046

or use our interactive form online at www.eQuoteLink.com3000 NW Stewart Parkway, Suite 106 • Roseburg


land bridges from the north and southlands of their beginnings. The Umpquas sustained Native Ameri-cans, mountain man beaver trappers, traders, pioneers, ranchers, farm-ers and businessmen, just as they provide for Douglas County people today. Welcome to one of Oregon’s

historic homelands!Visitors travel to see the Rose-

burg area’s many beauty spots and to fly-fish, white water raft, swim, tube-float. We have special annual events on the rivers to help celebrate their existence: Music on the Half Shell (July and August in the South Umpqua’s Stewart Park), River Appreciation Day (this year on July 20, on the main Umpqua by Elkton),

Home:Continued from page 24

Photo courtesy of KatSue GrantRottweiler Rocko, owned by Joe Federico, wants to fetch a stick he sees in the North Umpqua River, but is determined to keep his hind end out of its cold waters.

“MARY PRISCILLA”

Why does she overwhelm my thoughts, my heart, like

a mother? This sigh, once the very air she breathed in, whisper-

ing through it, these tears of unknown reminiscence — hers of

nostalgia for home? I knew her not, yet am of

her in some way, I care not how.

This round stone in my hand is warm of the same

sunthat once tanned her lively

small ones. Perhaps she selected this

selfsame rock born of riverflow,

to throw her arm strength’s length into its surge. Her huge hazel-eyed

sight may have watched pensively

its tiny white splash into the rumbling green,

then swept upwards over those ancient firs rounding

yonder bank,up into that forest-spiked

ridge.See this silvered, mother-length remnant of tree’s

trunk at my feetdecaying decades of

decades? It basked in her gaze as its sap moved, felt her rough-

ened palmrecognized her tread with

its buried roots. Its rings of existence circle upon themselves and my

reverent touch has traced each,trembled as it caressed

those outer ones, built as she walked

upon this place. This grassland meadow sun-sweetly aprons the

North Umpqua

before it trammels the rapids of the river, rushing river —

oh, the river!relentless roaring wresting-life regurgitating-death of

a thing! Frothing teal-green, its

boisterous spring aquamilk nurses

the boulders that long ago supported

her roughened leather soles, high-top boots laced

tightlyto keep her thin feet dry

as she leapt, heart in mouth lest their wellworn

grip slide— and in she tumbles!

foretelling her own grown daughter’s river-demise

longafter Mary’s forced leaving. The cold, cold green flow I now palm-cup to my lips. Can it be the very same,

tingling her lips then, mine now?

Ever-alive, cycling water ’round the earth as cloud

vaporfalling, flow-gathering upon

the good green earth sustained her, the flesh

of her flesh these several generations

and my own needful flesh? Ever-winding seasons be-tween she and me I sense in the ensuing expanses

of time,yet physical or vir-

tual calendar of mankind’s reckoning

unneeded between us.Does soil hold biographies, do trees count memoriesdoes wind carry eons of

trees felled — even voices?I break off a piece of her life held a century and nearly

another within this very tree.

And she lives in my fingers. Turn to HOME, page 30

What makes Riverview Terracethe Number One Retirement Community?

1970 W. Harvard, Roseburg, OR 97470541-672-2500 • riverviewterrace.comMaking the Golden Years, Platinum!

No other place offers resort-style.Umpqua Valley riverside retirement living.Medical and Veterans’ facilities nearby.Best cuisine in our open dining 7am-7pm.Exciting trips to Southern Oregon locales.Rockin’ social events and activities.1 Affordable price & a special place to live!

Call For Availability & Tours!

• FINE FOOD• LODGING

• PERENNIAL GARDENS• WINEMAKER DINNERS

42705 NORTH UMPQUA HWY • IDLEYLD PARK, OR800.840.8825 • 541.498.2230

WWW.THESTEAMBOATINN.COM

You are a stranger here but once...


Being born in the mid-1950s, where things were much less complicated than today, I was fortunate to grow up on the North Umpqua River.

We spent hot summer days on the bank right in our backyard. This started when I was about 3 years old. Mom would pack lunch for my

older brother and sister and me and we’d spend the whole day swimming, fishing, exploring the river bank and just doing what young kids should do in the summer.

We had a dachshund named Tina. Not want-ing to be left behind, she’d follow us to the riv-er and find a good, shady spot to spend the day.

Raised on the

RiveR

Photo courtesy of Sue HatfieldGeese gather for watery companionship on the North Umpqua River near the Roseburg-area home of Sue Hatfield.

SUE HATFIELD

Past, present and future intersect in Umpqua waters

Turn to RAISED, page 27

Too Young to Gamble?

...Don’t Bet on it! In Douglas County, 1/3* of youth over age 10 report gambling! These youth are at 2 to 4 times the risk of

problems as adults! Help us prevent problem gambling. Call 541-672-2691 for more information.

*data is from the Student Wellness Survey 2012, OHA – AMHwww.peerpowerprevention.org


I remember one day she found a piece of cheddar cheese on the bank. Little did she know that it was actually artificial cheese my brother used for fishing bait. Unfortunately, it was attached to a fish hook and she swallowed it, hook and all. All we could see was the end of the fishing line sticking out of her mouth.

Not sure what to do, my mom headed to the house to call the vet. He said just cut the line off as short as possible and eventu-ally the hook would dissolve in her stomach. Evidently it did, because she never had any bad effect from the incident. That episode didn’t stop her from fol-lowing us back to the river the next day. I can’t remember that she ever ate cheese again. I think my brother was more careful with his fishing gear after that, too.

Living on the river in the ’60s also had its downside. The 1964 flood will be embedded in my memory forever. I was 10 and not really old enough to understand the severity of the situation. I do remember though how fast the river rose and surrounded our house. Our neighbor across the road carried me across the front yard through knee-deep water to the safety of higher ground. We were fortu-nate to all get out safely and had

a dry place to stay in our camp trailer. Unfortunately, our house sustained quite a bit of damage. There was about 18 inches of water and mud in our house, which left a horrible mess to clean up. I don’t remember exactly how long it took to get it back to livable, but it did get cleaned up and we moved back in.

One of my most favorite memories of living on the river was the big snow of 1969. We had a wonderful family who had moved next door a couple of years before that, and they had nine kids. Five were older than me and four were younger. Jane was a year younger than me and we quickly became good friends (and still are today). Anyway, along with other kids in the neighborhood, we all got together and made an inner tube slide down to the river. There was so much snow that Jane’s dad made a berm in the track so it curved right before heading into the water. We spent hours tubing that hill, climbing back up and sliding back down. How none of us ended up in the river we’ll never know. We sure had fun, though. Even though the adults were all happy to see the snow melt, the kids would have thought it fun for it to last forever.

I feel so fortunate to have spent most of my life living

close to the Umpqua River. I hadn’t realized what an impact it’s had on my life until I started writing this article. I lived away from the river for 17 years and came back in 1989 with my family. My two sons grew up on the North Umpqua, and now my grandkids are spending time here, too. I’m hoping that someday they all appreciate it as much as I do.

We are entertained daily with the wildlife in and around the water. Along with the geese that wake us up most summer mornings, the eagles, both bald and golden, are here most days. Unfortunately, they drove the osprey away a couple of years ago and we miss them. Oc-casionally we see the otters playing in the water or a beaver dragging brush across to his den on the other side of the river. A few years ago there was a family of red foxes playing on a sand bank and last year we saw a bobcat in the same place. Seems like nature’s always on display in and around the river.

I have a framed cross-stitch hanging in my kitchen that says “Heaven is a Little Closer in a Home by the River.” I definitely feel close to heaven when I look out my windows at the North Umpqua River.

Sue Hatfield lives in Roseburg.

Raised: Remembering the flood of ’64, snow of ’69 Continued from page 26

We spent hours tubing that hill, climbing back up and sliding back down. How none of us ended up in the river we’ll never know. We sure had fun, though.

Roseburg’s Stove ExpertsWe offer a full line of Stoves & Fireplaces

Wood - Pellet - Gas - Electric

541-672-03062583 W. HARVARD, ROSEBURGwww.fishershearthandhome.com

• Large Showroom• Full Line of Accessories• Complete Installation & Service• Sales & Delivery of locally manufactured pellets

CCB# 180108

+ Kids 12 & Under Stay Free!

WEEKLY & MONTHLY RATES!

511 S.E. Stephens St. • Roseburg, OR541-673-6625 • 1-877-368-4466

+Guest Laundry +High Speed Internet+Continental Breakfast +In-room Coffee

+Cable TV+Free Local Calls +Fitness Center+Dataport Phone+Group Rates


When it comes to our local rivers and streams, Douglas County has an inexhaust-ible supply of both, and it is

impossible to choose the best or the most beautiful, because each one possesses its own unique offerings.

From playing at the water’s edge as a child while my mother fished the vast Umpqua River, to growing up and dis-covering the magic of following the river back to its sources high in the surrounding mountains, much of my life has been spent enjoying both the beauty and the lessons of our rivers and their tributaries.

From dozens of “favorite” places here in Douglas County to choose among, a few of

mine are Grotto Falls, Hemlock Falls and Lower Cedar Creek Falls (all in the vicinity of Little River, outside of Glide). There are also Steamboat Falls and the lesser known, but no less beautiful, Little Falls (both on

Steamboat Creek, Glide) Warm Spring Falls (in the vicinity of Lemolo Lake), Hubbard Creek Falls and Miner-Wolf

Douglas County awash with watery playgrounds

Photos courtesy of Tammy CastlemanLittle Falls on Little River near Glide sparkles in the sunshine.

TAMMY CASTLEMAN

Turn to PLAYGROUNDS, page 29

“Your Local Mortgage Experts”

541-492-1150 2198 NE Stephens St., Suite 101

www.phlloans.comML-3896 • NMLS-238217

FREE Pre-Approvals

Purchase • Refinance • Reverse MortgageVA • FHA • USDA • 100% • Manufactured

Curt Sandfort

NMLS 238739

MaureenRouttNMLS

297528

Connie Epperson

NMLS 302520

Zero Down,Zero Closing Costs!

2007 2008 2009

3rd

2010

6 Years In A Row!

FREE ADMISSION

PIONEER INDIANMUSEUM

OPEN: 1PM - 5PM WED - SUN421 WEST 5TH STREET, CANYONVILLE, OR 97417

541-839-4845

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME...

Stop by and let us help you with the design of your new house or remodel. There is no job too big or small! RESIDENTIAL


I know it’s there today, but I cannot see it because the river level is so low this summer and especially since the leaves of the trees this time of year block the view. We do have a road to the river and it is an interesting walk. I was in an automobile accident five years ago and had a broken leg. Now I have to use a walker, but I can still make it to the river. My dog is delighted to walk with me there. My years have not di-minished my joy in seeing the seasonal and yearly changes.

This has been a great place to raise our four children. I have lived here for 90 years except for four years in college and working in Portland those summers. Now, two of our sons have raised five of my grandchildren here. One of my grandsons would spend most

of his days during the summer fishing with his dog. He would fish in a little boat while his dog swam protectively back and forth. He told me once that since he put back the fish he caught, he felt like he knew the names of them all. Sometimes the other cousins would visit and the area would become a maze of trails, forts and secret hideouts.

The history of the land is interesting, too. My great-grandparents, Abraham and Elizabeth Jones, homesteaded the land in 1853. My grand-mother was born on the prop-erty, along with my dad.

God has been so good in giving me this place to make my home. My husband and I built our home in 1948, only a few hundred yards from where I grew up.

Marion Cloake Scheleen lives west of Roseburg.

View: Seasonal river scenes still inspire awe

Continued from page 21

UMPQUA EDITION

Creek (both in the Tyee area outside of Sutherlin.)

As many times as I return to these, and other beautiful waterways here in Douglas County, I am reminded of the wise words of French

artist Paul Cezanne: “Here, on the river’s verge, I could be busy for months without changing my place, simply by leaning a little more to right or left.”

Tammy Castleman is a Roseburg resident.

Playgrounds: Continued from page 28

Miner Creek in the Tyee area west of Sutherlin projects calm and offers relief on a hot day.

P H YS I C A L T H E R A P Y

iverside

w w w. R i v e r s i d e P h y s i c a l T h e r a p y. o r g

At Riverside Physical Therapy we canhelp you improve your mobility, motion

and reduce pain without medication and may also help you avoid

unnecessary surgery.

CALL US AT 541-839-4998Most Insurances Accepted

We rent anything & everything you will need for your special day!

Delivery Available541.672.8552 • 563 SE Jackson, Roseburg

Weddings • Banquets • Receptions • Balloons • Printed Invitations Tables • Couches • Rattan Chairs • Outdoor Heaters • Flatware

Glasses • Rental Linens • Dance Floor Arches & more!

www.PartyTimeRentals.info

& Linen Express

We’ll Have You Covered...Serving the region through

outstanding art exhibits, exceptional educational programs,

...and much more

uvarts.com


the Celtic Highland Festival’s two days and the Riverbend Live! month of music (both in Winston, respectively in mid-August and in July and August), Canyonville’s Summer in the Park music (July, by Canyon Creek in Pioneer Park), Myrtle Creek’s Music in the Park (July and August, by Myrtle Creek and the South Umpqua). In fact, almost wherever one travels in Douglas County, one is near a rushing river and/or a burbling creek or two.

The first day my late husband and I ventured into Douglas County and Roseburg searching for a new home away from the detested South-ern California we’d landed in from Montana (him) and New Zealand (me), we felt so excited we decided to take the very first Interstate 5 exit into Roseburg. You can imagine our dismay when the dead-ened end of Southwest Ste-phens met our eyes — block after rundown block beside the unsightly railroad, adult sex joint, third-hand stores.

But as we drove along the river and past the then-pink historic Parrot House into downtown, we rejoiced. Next we stumbled onto delightful Jackson Street, crossed the Oak Street bridge s-l-o-w-l-y

so as not to miss a single foot of the green riverflow, down Harvard Avenue. Finding yet another bridge, we crossed over into Stewart Park, turned right into it, hurriedly climbed from the car and strolled across the grass to the rum-bling rocky-banked river. We looked at each other as smiles bloomed, then wrapped into a humongous hug, exalting, “We’re home!”

Since that inauguration day I’ve come to proudly honor and love this area. Every time I cross a bridge I drive s-l-o-w-l-y (who cares about those annoyed driv-ers behind?) so as to not miss the refreshing, fluid teal-tinted sights. Every week when I drive down the mountainside onto Harvard Avenue, on my list of must-dos are Stewart Park’s wa-terside and its fishing red-tailed hawks, the wee park behind the Douglas County Library with its statuesque heron silent in the shade, the park surrounding the visitor center ringing with bird sounds, and both bridge views into and out of downtown. I (and my two canine friends) never tire of these, and I’m into my 11th year in my hometown of Roseburg.

My home water comes from a well, whose aquifer joins the Umpqua, just 500 feet below as the crows fly, 2½ miles via four short roads as humans drive. Over my yards

and 5-acre forest, red-winged hawks swoop low guiding fledglings’ flight, leaving their giant shadows behind. Red-headed pileated woodpeckers drill 2 feet from my ham-mock in the homewood; green kinglets, spotted towhees, russet iridescent humming-birds, chickadees, red-breasted robins, blue jays, crows, owls, doves. Deer, coyotes, skunks and raccoons dwell alongside me. All need the water, too, and find it here in the seasonal streams and the water garden.

I don’t fish, swim, float, raft or boat, but I enjoy the refreshing sight of others enjoying the jade shallows and teal river depths. The rivers—oh the rivers! Let’s be mindful in aiding them to thrive, and always entwine our daily lives in the valleys of the Umpquas.

KatSue Grant of Roseburg is a professional manuscript edi-tor and is a member of several writing programs in Douglas County and statewide.

Home: Teal-tinted river welcomes newcomersContinued from page 25

“UMPQUA RIVERS”

The southern river energizes earth, rocks,

airwaves spooning Mt. Nebo’s bulky

RidgeMolten pewter lightflow leaps into Garden

Valley’s green reaches on

mercury feetAll through night’s still clarity as

silvery Moon’s face kisses

mine Our sociable twined river dances her

banks.

internet

Charlie & DeborahAlbritton

541-673-2003 Main LineCell Phone Accessory Store

www.nowiresnow.com

Your LocaL SateLLite tVand internet ProVider

by

Your Locally Authorized Representative250 NW Garden Valley #19

Roseburg, OR, 97470 [email protected]

Enjoy the Historic “Mail Run” on the 64 Mile Round Trip or the Exciting 80 or 104 Mile White Water Trips

Open DailyYear-Round

Trips Daily May 1st Thru October 15th!

800-451-3645RogueJets.com

Located on the Oregon coast inGold Beach on Hwy.101

Get Started Today and Save!Use code W7 to receive your savings!

Th ree Convenient Ways to Shop1. Online at Schwans.com2. By Phone at 1-888-SCHWANS (1-888-724-9267)3. At the door with your Sales Representative

$25 or $50 minimum purchase required. To receive savings, enter or mention coupon code “W7” when placing order on Schwans.com, 1-888-SCHWANS or at the door with your Sales Representative. Valid only for new customers on their fi rst purchase. Limit one redemption per customer, tax and delivery fees not included in minimum purchase requirement. Void where prohibited. Not valid with any other off er. Non transferable. No cash or credit to be refunded. Expires December 31, 2013.

On YourFirst Purchase

$5.00 oroff $25

$10.00off $50


1771 NE Stephens St | Roseburg | 541.673.6613

1960 W Harvard Ave | Roseburg | 541.957.9099

*The ANNUAL PERCENTAGE RATE of 0.99% for 36 months applies to automobiles 2009 or newer that have not been previously owned or titled; monthly payments are estimated at $28.21 per $1,000 financed. The first payment will be due 3 months from the date of loan funding. Interest will accrue during the initial deferment period. The APR, repayment period and loan-to-value limits are based on creditworthiness, loan amount and collateral. Rates may change without notice. Some restrictions may apply.

Federally insured by NCUA.

Page 32 — Umpqua Edition Roseburg, Oregon — Sunday, August 25, 2013

This message brought to you by the Cow Creek Umpqua Tribe of Indians2371 NE Stephens, Roseburg, OR • 541-672-9405 • www.cowcreek.com

Our schools will soon bein session. We’d like to remind you to drive carefully and help keep our children safe.

After all, they’re our future.

Take a minute to refresh your knowledge with the laws regarding driving and school buses. The Oregon Driver’s Manual, pages 91-92, is available at any DMV office. It can also be accessed at www.odot.state.or.us/forms/dmv/37.pdf. The manual’s instructions on how drivers need to interact with school buses are reprinted to the right.

Drive Responsibly. *Stopping for School BusesSchool, Transit, Church, and Worker Buses

Stopping for School BusesOregon school buses have flashing amber and flashing red lights near

the top of the bus on the front and rear. School buses are also equipped with a stop arm that extends out from the left side of the bus near the driver’s window. The stop arm will be extended when the red lights begin to flash.

School bus drivers turn on flashing amber lights to warn other traffic that the bus is about to stop on the road to load or unload children. You should get ready to stop. When the red lights begin to flash, this means drivers meeting or overtaking the bus from either direction must stop before reaching the bus. You must remain stopped until the bus driver turns off the flashing red lights.

The school bus stop law applies on any roadway with two or more lanes of traffic. There is one exception to the law. If you are on a divided highway with two roads separated by an unpaved median strip or barrier, you must stop only if you are on the same side of the road as the bus. A painted median strip or a center lane used only for left turns does not create two separate roads. Where this situation exists, all lanes of traffic must stop.

School bus drivers may report vehicles that improperly pass school buses. The report may be forwarded to the local law enforce -ment agency for investigation. All school buses and some school activity vehicles must stop at railroad crossings. The driver must open the bus door and be sure the tracks are clear before proceeding.

Keep Our Children Safe!

*Oregon Driver’s Manual, pages 91-92

Documents

Umpqua edition