Four encampments at Horseshoe on August Eleven.
Tents reposing in the shade and others baking in the sun
Cots in sunbather pose anticipating Perseids (under the new 10% moon)
Rafting guides disposed to facilitate awe and fun.
8,500 years since humans first lived on the Rogue, we continue to share:
White water, jump off rocks, “conveyor belt” in the narrow canyon’s calm stretches
Mid-August meteor showers with the best shooting star displays (Zenithal Hourly Rate: 150-200)
A black bear on the riverbank drinking and eating berries, meanwhile we pose as trees
Medicinal belly laughs into the big dark night skies and river tales ala Zane Grey
We pondered the questions of the ancients:
Do Yellowjacket workers ever feel overdressed or out of style?
Melted gummies surprise, is your selection just right or too high?
What mysterious material comprises the bear’s (fecal) butt plug? (And how can we market this?)
These boulders look like skulls and large birds on this trip. Why?
We managed to devise new experiences:
A little (rock) island hopping at Blossom Bar, hunkered down and sideways
At Mule Creek, a dinner full of pizzazz and sparkle, a Unicorn, and glittery teats
A Rogue River Ranch swimming hole to Mule Creek boulder swim-crawl (It’ll be fun, she said)
Selfies on the groover, whipped cream dives, guides in booty shorts, what a treat!
Two birthday girls; artists; a honeymoon couple
Dreaded seamstresses; Classics professors; yoga instructors
An insurance Flo, academic not Progressive (tho’ we didn’t talk politics)
Some Vets, one animal with an Upstate New Yorker and Marylanders.
One big collective by August Fourteen.
– Lori J Bumgardner (August 11-14, 2023)
From the numerous rapids, the many side streams, and the changing landscape the Rogue will always have a strong hold on me.
Rogue River Trail Guide: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.blm.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2021-05/rogue-river-trail-guide.pdf
Other Rogue poems:
Just L Poetry 