Saturday, December 19, 2009

City of the Rogue


Shasta from I-5 Vista Point

Stopped in City of the Rogue (Rogue River, OR) on my way to Oakhurst, CA. tonight. Everytime I take the Siskyiou-Shasta passes, I am reminded of what rough, stark and (essentially unpopulated) beautiful country this part of the world really is. The snow levels are predicted to be high tomorrow, so I should make it over in my 2010 Honda Insight Hybrid fine. I did these passes in my 2000 Honda Insight more than a few times, but only once in a sleet/rain/snow storm. There are multiple 6% grades coming through the Roseburg, Canyonville, Grants Pass Area that I came through tonight - not too much problem with the new 2010 Insight (98 HP total). It does rev pretty high when climbing in 2nd gear. But I drive it carefully. I have learned from experience on Mt. Baker highway not to leave in 2nd gear too long when climbing slopes. I special ordered the 175/65 R-15 chains before I left. I hope to not use them at all!! 48.6 mpg for the 515 sometimes rainy miles today from Bellingham to City of the Rogue. That's 11 hours road time for me, I am tired and wishing for advances in holographic communication...