A drive to Medford, Or.

We had a long drive today.  Left Lone Pine, Ca at 7:30 and got into Medford, Or at 6:00.  In the past 5 days we have gone from the Arizona desert, to the red rocks of Valley of Fire, the below sea level beauty of Death Valley and the vistas of the Alabama Hills and Mount Whitney.  Today saw more dramatic changes in the scenery as well as the weather.  It was about 60F but nice and sunny when we left and in the next few hours we drove through strong winds, cloudy skies, snow and rain squalls.  Temps dropped to 33F at times.  We drove through valleys and high mountain passes.  Left the desert landscape behind and drove into high mountain forests with pine, spruce and beautiful redwoods with the forest floor covered with snow.  

It was a fantastic day.  It was a reminder of how fortunate we are and of the beauty that is all around us if we can just get away from the crowds.  Then I was unfortunately reminded of the ugliness in the world when we checked into our hotel room and turned on the news.  What a downer.  

Here are a few shots from our day. 

The bark of the redwood is just so beautiful

The north side of many of the trees were covered in moss.

Looking up at a redwood provides a different perspective. 

Not in a desert anymore. 

Storm clouds building as we cross the mountain range. 

Another driving day tomorrow.  We have a room booked in Sequim, Wa where we will stay for 2 nights and then board the ferry to Victoria.  

Till then.