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As James just told you, the Homewood Suites booked our room last night after we checked out.  Double bad news: first, that we have to stay through Tuesday to wait for the new RV part, and second, no place to stay. What are ya gonna do? We made lemonade, that’s what we did. We stayed elsewhere for the night and now today are back at the Homewood Suites. I feel like a sanitation worker, what with all the hauling of garbage bags we’ve been doing in the past four days.

I learned a new word today. Tweaker. We were out biking and stopped in a tiny town along the Rogue River called Gold Hill. The waiter at Miguel’s explained why they can’t keep salt or hot sauce on the tables. “We have a lot of Tweakers here, and they steal them.” I didn’t know what he was talking about…pot smokers maybe? They get hungry and eat the salt and hot sauce?

James at Miguel’s in Gold HIll

James later explained it refers to meth users. I started looking around the Medford area a little differently after that. No joggers on the jogging trails, just groups of haggard looking people in huddles. Hmmm. I came across some ambulance drivers on their lunch break along the trail and got the lowdown. I learned two facts thanks to the helpful ambulance drivers: 1) Medford is otherwise known as Methford, and 2) I shouldn’t be down on the trails alone. Oh great.

Meth town or not, there’s no denying the beauty of the area. We biked 50  miles today past scenery like this:

There’s James in front of Del Rio Winery’s vineyard. He was a bit petulant about taking this pic. Sometimes I swear he’s 13.

Him: Hurry up with the shot…it’s hottttttt.

Me: Roll forward.

He overrolls forward intentionally out of the shot, with exaggerated deep sighs of annoyance.

Me: Back up.

Him: No.

Me: Back up!!!!

Him: I’m not backing up any further and you have 10 seconds. 10, 9, 8..

I gave up and took the darned shot. Look closely, you see how it would have been a better shot if he was rolled back centered with the trail up the mountain? I have to pick my battles with this one.

We ended up biking to a state park just before Grants Pass, then headed back to Medford. A hard ride was so good for my spirit, and tonight I feel pretty content being stuck here in Medford. I’ve got my best friend across the table from me, I’m driving a Mercedes courtesy car, and staying in a suite. That’s the thing about life; sometimes the biggest obstacles have a way of bringing about the most pleasant of unexpected experiences. I’m excited to see what unknown adventures tomorrow will bring!