By ROB DeHARRPORT/For the Herald — Most of us have heard of the phrase “too hot to golf, too hot to fish and too hot to cook.” This weekend through the Fourth of July looks to hold true to the phrase with triple-digit temperatures in the forecast.
After working, we all want to relax, unwind and stay cool. Fortunately, we have many options here within the Highway 58 corridor. There is always the backyard shade tree. Or perhaps a short drive with the AC on or windows open to your favorite creek, river or lake.
The North Fork of the Middle Fork from Westfir upstream has always been a favorite spot to beat the heat, along with Fall Creek and Fall Creek Reservoir. Farther “up the hill” many options are also available, from Waldo Lake and the backcountry lakes surrounding Waldo to Crescent Lake and its sandy beaches as well as the many lakes located along and near the Cascade Lakes Scenic Highway.
As we know the key to “staying cool” is to stay hydrated and find shade along with water to jump into and cool off. Pack a cooler with ice, beverages and water along with some fruit and sandwiches and head on out to find your spot to enjoy.
This predicted heatwave is a serious one that can bring heat stroke and other health issues to the elderly and frail. Be sure to check up on your friends and neighbors.
Always bring along plenty of sunscreen and water whenever venturing outdoors.
Will it really be too hot to fish? It just could be for any long duration. It’s best to avoid the peak heat of these coming days and stick to the early mornings and evenings as the sun is going down. Fishing reports from Odell Lake and Paulina Lake have been decent for those fishing both early and late in the day. Many other lakes and streams are also worth trying as well.
Early morning temps at Circle Bar Golf Course should be great as well. Certainly not cold!
As for cooking, the old backyard BBQ at home is great provided you have adequate shade. If not, it’s a great time to pack that picnic and head to the river or lake.
Or . . . leave the cooking to one of our great restaurants. After over a year of COVID-19 restrictions, all restaurants and resorts will welcome you to breakfast, lunch and dinner with a cheerful greeting and true appreciation for your patronage. Please be patient with all employees at these businesses as many are still struggling to fully staff as we recover from the pandemic impacts.
Looking for something fun, constructive and entertaining this weekend? Check out the “Gambler 500” based in Crescent/Gilchrist and Chemult this weekend. The “Gambler” is a great event that has annually attracted hundreds if not thousands of people from all over the country and in all sorts of vehicles to south-central Oregon to clean up the forest and have fun.
Each year literally tons of trash are gathered from our forests by “Gambler” participants. The U.S. Forest Service and other agencies and groups participate. The motto “Pavement is Lava” encourages back-road travel and clean-up efforts.
Be aware of much more traffic on our backroads this weekend as the Gambler 500 gets rolling on Friday. For more info google-Gambler500Oregon.com. Gambler officials will be manning a trash collection site behind the Gilchrist Market.
Officials encourage everyone to carry plenty of water, fire extinguisher and no campfires unless within a designated campground. It’s great fun to watch the various crazy vehicles participating. This year’s Gambler is being called the “2021 Heatwave Edition” to bring fire safety and general safety awareness to all.
That is a great message for all to adhere to in the next week or more as we all try to stay cool.
Rob DeHarpport, former mayor of Westfir, moved to the Crescent Lake community in 2015 shortly after retiring from a 31-year career in the trucking industry.
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