Time Away...

  I have missed writing.  Shortly after my last entry back in May, our family computer started to really act up. After a few attempts to straighten it out, I put fixing it on the back burner until I could send it away to a friend who would be able to fix it once and for all. It only took a few days to be revamped and it is now literally good as new. So, I get to spend some quiet time catching up.
  Last spring, our tour took us through one of my favorite states, Oregon. We really began to take advantage of opportunities, no matter how brief, to explore the history behind some the towns we covered during our tour. 
  We started our Beaver state run in Cave Junction where my kids and I enjoyed a visit from their great-Uncle Curtis.  Curtis spent some years back in the '90's on Culpepper and before that, Franzen Bros.; I seemed to follow him by only a few years on each show.  I enjoyed catching up with Curtis and so did my kids.  He taught them how to play the marble game, 9 pots and gave each of us and my nephew, Noah our own set of marbles. :)  Curtis had also trained a male Spitz for me.  I was eager to be reunited with him and see where his talents lie. Chili's hind leg walk made a nice addition to my act and his natural ability to jump over and though different props was honed by Curtis and is a skill I can incorporate in a variety of ways.  Our visit was short but very sweet and we hope it's not another two years before our path crosses with Uncle Curtis'.

Our Uncle Curtis Cainan.  Amazing performer and awesome uncle.

  With quaint and historical towns like Drain, Riddle, Oakridge and Amity locked happily in my memory, Oregon is one of those states in which I could find myself retiring. Its unmatched natural flower growth and greenery alone are enough to make me think that it would all too easy to adapt to the unique beauty and serenity of northwest small town life.  I have no problem keeping an umbrella close at hand. ;)   

Heading into Washington state.

  After soaking in what I could of the lush emerald splendor and deep roots of Oregon history, we happily crossed into Washington where more family, beach-side towns and some of our favorite shops awaited us.  The drive across the bridge into the Evergreen state is a brief moment that I really look forward to.  Long Beach qualifies as a 'highlight' town. Appropriately named, the former Tinkerville, has a year round mild climate.  Its ecosystem is unique because the Columbia River flows into the Pacific creating its own weather system.  The 1,200 population town boasts a well-kept, lengthy and winding boardwalk, which leads to its incredibly beautiful and enormous beach.  Along what was once called Rubberneck Road, you won't see the Crystal Bath House, Milton York Candies, soda fountains or livery stables which bustled early in the turn of the 20th century;  you will find every tourist's ultimate gift shop, seafood restaurants dotting the lane and my personal favorite Long Beach coffee house and bakery, the Cottage Bakery.  With the freshest pastries and a selection so vast, it doesn't take long to see why this place is often crowded with customers who take their time to make a careful selection.  I'm certain you wouldn't be disappointed if you made a selection from the vintage baker's case while blindfolded.  

Well worth the wait in line to savor this bakery's treats.  It was easy to follow the enticing aroma of baked goods...we went there twice. :)

  Tootie and I eagerly pounced atop the boardwalk's slats behind unicycling cousins, Noah and Georgia.  Their short legs negotiated the peddles easily as the steady boardwalk gave way to a grumbly rumbly paved walkway and then finally to the hardened sandy beach.  I was impressed with their unicycling talents and their stamina.  After all that peddling, they had plenty of energy to delve knee high into the icy pacific shore.  The frigid temperature of the salt water is enough to drain a healthy adult of their energy.  But, Noah, Georgia and Toot were all too pumped with excitement to take much notice of the temperature .  I kept close watch on their whereabouts and was extra careful to rein them in when they didn't take notice of the tide affecting their bearings and distance from me.  They waded and splashed for quite some time and didn't seem to mind their salt watered pants as they all made a mini sand village and hunted for crab claws and shells. I don't recall exactly how long we spent at the beach, only that I'd wished it were longer.  Memories made; mission accomplished.  
  We had decent crowds in Long Beach, and if memory serves me, most of our time in Washington state saw rather full seat wagons.  Our route takes us through the Pacific northwest about every two years.  Although the mileage between towns can be lengthy and the roads windy and mountainous, I feel it's worth every inch of every mile traveled.  

Love this shot of our set up.  I often wish my dear friend, Valerie Berta could come along on our tour.  She'd never put her camera away.  

  More to come about my 2013 season's travels.  Thank you for checking in. Enjoy the pictures below.     

To the beach.

This makes me smile.

The former Rubberneck Road.

And finally... can you beat that expression on my littlest bear's face???

Drain, Oregon Pictures Installment 2

The Eisenhower Green Ash tree in Drain near the covered bridge.

Looking through a knot hole.

Catching up with Georgia.

Peddling across the covered bridge.

Resting up for another round of tag.

Paulina on the giraffe unicycle.

Local artist with Toot on the midway.

Drain, Oregon Pictures Installment 1

Charles Sr. and Nancy Drain (date unknown) Mr. Drain was a politician in the Oregon Territory. 

The Charles Jr. & Anna Drain house was added to the National Registry of Historic Places in 1978.

On the front balcony at the Drain Castle.

The Hasard House aka Sweet Thang Chocolates.

A tight lot in Drain, OR

Looking Around

  The western route is one that Georgia and I have looked forward to for quite a while.  Although we meet some mountainous terrain, most of the morning drives offer landscapes that are far too stunning for the kids to sleep through.  Many mornings I've roused the girls so they could take in the matchless colorful sunrises in the vast desert expanses of New Mexico and Arizona.  We have marveled at the dense Joshua tree parks and the splendor of the Avenue of the Giants in the Garberville area.  To us, it's exciting to see and hear the rushing waters that trail along the roads leading up to northern California.  There's nothing like the sites of the western C & M tour.

  We have been traveling from village to village in Oregon for about a week now. This part of the country is pretty well known for being wet and green.  The rain and the sun can, at times take turns making appearances in just a few hours. I learned quickly to keep rubber boots and sunglasses in close reach while we explore the beaver state.  Mount Hood, the Timberline Lodge, Crater Lake National Park, and numerous museums are some of the more popular points of interest.  We haven't taken in the waterfalls or volcanoes of Oregon, but our visits to sparsely populated villages like Riddle, Drain and Harrisburg that are almost secretly tucked along highways have offered surprising and memorable treasures.  We have soaked in a few local history lessons while visiting the museums, perusing the local commerce and investigating the Queen Anne style castles of these towns.

  The other morning on the way to Drain, Georgia said she wondered why in the world anyone would name a town Drain.  I said maybe we'd find out if we got to explore the town of just over 1,110 people.  When we approached the very outskirts of town, I recognized the gas station, coffee shop and auto part store from two years ago.  As we turned right on the main drag, I immediately noticed an eye-catching multi-colored Queen Anne style house that had been converted into the fanciest of candy stores sometime after our last visit.  The inviting outdoor wrought iron furniture, children's picnic tables and ultra colorful sweet-smelling landscaping all perfectly accented Sweet Thang's Victorian decor.  Having at one time been a collector or any and all things Victorian in my 20's, I was actually more excited to step foot in an actual factual Victorian house than sampling the candies.  After set up, we eagerly paid Sweet Thang a visit where the proprietor generously greeted me with a fresh homemade mocha as we entered what I guessed was once the parlor of the home built by Oregon and California Railroad carpenter, Charles Hasard in the late 1800's.   Fancy tables and shelves and crystal clear glass cases housed what I now consider to be the best chocolate I have ever tasted.  There were chocolates molded into playful duck shapes, finely crafted sea shells and star fish, detailed cameos and chocolate spoons for melting into hot milk to name just a few of the choices.  Homemade bath soaps, hand creams, post cards, period fans and hair accessories were also available to purchase in this tiny shop in which I could have easily spent hours wandering.  The multi-level future bed & breakfast/restaurant boasted many other rooms in which I imagined were probably also decorated with fine crafted, ornate, maybe ultra lacy, ultra flowery Victorian decor.  The rest of the home was left to my imagination as our half hour long visit came to a close.  Finding Sweet Thang on Facebook, I liked and commented on the goodies we came away with and hoped that they were no stranger to shipping their products.

  The lot was green, small and tucked right behind the town's pristine library/civic building.  Behind the back yard of the lot was, to my extreme pleasure, a lovely restored covered bridge available only by foot traffic.  Having been once described as a person who lives in the past (this I cannot deny...growing up with grandparents who told stories that put you right in the summer of 1925 or the bustling down town of Dayton during the war...yeah, I have done my fair share of wondering, romanticizing and day dreaming about the past) ready access to an old-fashioned covered bridge and an authentic Victorian house in one day put me on the proverbial cloud 9.  The lush green bushes that surrounded this masterpiece showed off huge pink and red blooms that smelled sweet and heavenly.  To the bottom right of the bridge was a greener than green clearing with perfect soft grass my girls ran around on and picked a dandelion puff or two.  At one point, Tootie became distracted long enough to pick a tiny flower near a growing Eisenhower Green Ash Tree, planted, of course to honor veterans. I learned that each of these trees is a direct descendant of the green ash growing in Dennison, Texas, at the birthplace of President Eisenhower.  We walked, ran, exercised dogs on and Georgia unicycled across that solid bridge too many times to count.  I wondered when it was originally built, who built it and where it led when it was first built. I wondered a lot of things about that bridge, and I really loved the sound of its echo.

  A covered concrete picnic area near the restored bridge became the grounds for unicycle practice and unicycle nonsense that sent me and my family 'pert near' into hysterics!  There's nothing like witnessing a rousing game of unicycle tag with every rider weaving in and out and around posts, picnic tables and assorted circus props, tools and a town person here and there.  I managed to record the sounds of shrieks and laughter as whoever was the unicycle riding "it" chased everyone else who wasn't the unicycle riding 'it'.  As one friend put it, 'only in a circus family!'  :)) So true!!  Paulina practiced riding the almost 10' tall "giraffe" unicycle with her dad and older sister, Simone guiding her along.  She held on to rafters and a long piece of  PVC as she carefully peddled a few feet here & there and seemed completely at ease.  So much at ease that she took a phone call from a local farrier while she was perched on top of the giraffe.

  After unicycle antics, we discovered, to our dismay, that the library was closed. But the Drain castle was not.  It had been and is still being restored to perfection.  I discovered that it is currently being used by the school board and is the office of the superintendent.  We had heard that if we visited this part inviting, part ominous looking house, that we may get a tour.  And a tour we got.

  Charles Drain, Sr., born in the Midwest,  purchased a 320 acre long narrow piece of Oregon bottom land in 1861.  About one decade later he sold 60 acres to the Oregon and California Railroad for $1.00 in an effort to circumvent certain county deed restrictions.  The receipt of this purchase at one time hung over the threshold of the post office doorway. Mr. Drain would allow the railroad a right of way through what became a popular and easy stage route, as long as they would stop in Drain "whether they needed to or not."  In no time, the railroad brought prosperity to the town and within the following decade saw the construction of many homes, businesses and public buildings. Charles Jr., one of three Drain children, and his wife Anna built was is now referred to the Drain Castle, in 1895, one year after Charles Sr.'s passing.  This Queen Anne style mansion must hold thousands of untold memories, stories, secrets and legends.  I only wished I'd had the time to do my own research on the dwelling while we were in Drain, but in true circus fashion I was racing with the clock and had to soak in as much as I could about the dwelling in about, oh, a half hour.  My own research would  have to wait...

  There were too many rooms to count. The baseboards were about a foot tall and 1 1/2 " deep.  Each door and window had been framed in with expertly and ornately carved wood  that was in mint condition.  Some of the doors had a precisely placed window above them that opened slightly with a long metal rod running down the side of the door frame, to allow air to circulate.  The ceilings were high, the staircase was narrow and the bannister still solid and strong.  All of the burl wood doors were heavy and the knobs and metal work were fancy and original.  The second level maid's quarters was small and a little sad looking with its slanted ceiling and small windows.  There was easy access to the outhouse and to a narrow, dark and creepy servants' staircase that led to the kitchen.  Some of the rooms had smaller rooms attached that I guessed were walk-in closets.  It turns out, at that time, clothing was stored primarily in armoires.  There were no closets like we use today.  Some of these smaller 'walk-in closet' looking rooms were used as nurseries, studies or storage.  Today, the majority of the rooms house the town holiday decorations, while other  rooms hold cases and cases of records and documents. Some rooms had been converted in office space and the kitchen, with appliances that appeared to date back to the 1950's was still clearly in use.  There were a few pieces of authentic Victorian furnishings, traveling trunks, quilts and faded framed pictures of the Drain family members strategically placed to help keep up that turn-of-the-last century feel.  I would have enjoyed a more lengthy tour of Drain's castle, but again, that pesky race with the clock cut our visit to just over 30 minutes.  Still, no complaints here.

  We returned to the lot to find a local artist sketching some circus scenes.  I was impressed that she was comfortable laying her art supplies on the folded up moon bounce as she went to work, chalk in hand.  She politely showed Toot and me her colorful sketches and obliged Toot's request for a piece of chalk and paper.  We chatted for only a few moments before the sprinkles forced us back to the trailer and the artist back to her car.  

  The act went exceptionally well for me in Drain.  I somehow felt even more excited than usual to perform that night. I guess a part of me wanted to give back a little extra to a town that showed my girls and me so much its history, heritage and hospitality.  

Pictures to come in next entry.

Changes In 2013

  March 23rd marked the opening day of C & M's 2013 season.  Opening on a weekend means early shows, of course and puts most everyone in an automatic 'full speed ahead' mode.  It was nice to have the evening off to be able to exhale after enduring the rain and wind in day one.  Although, the vast experience of most the crew and performers made the first day's set up, show time and tear down seem much like a mid-season circus day.  

  There are a few changes in this year's performance.  I am most excited about Georgia joining my family's unicycle act this season.  Her cousin, Noah, who is exactly one month older than Georgia, has been showing her the ropes on the unicycle for quite some time. Noah is long on patience and short & sweet on words.  Before too long, such memorable words of advice as, "Georgia, don't let your fear make you fall," helped see her through until she was peddling on her own.  A few more practices with the rest of the Arlise Troupe and she should be taking her spot in the 6 person routine before I know it. 

  Another change, about which I am also very excited, is the announcing duties I share with Simone.  As always, it is way too much fun to work with my 'announcing partner in crime.'  In the past, we have split ring master duties down the middle; Simone has taken care of the first portion of the show then I would finish part two.  Not long ago, Simone came up with the idea of opening and closing the performances together and switching places behind the announcer's stand at just the right spots in the show so the rundown remains smooth.  We think we have come up with just the right script and timing to pull it off and so far, the audiences agree.  The only problem I foresee, is more opportunities to exchange looks and lines that probably no one else would notice, that will test the other's abilities to keep a straight face. ;)

  We are happy to welcome the Ayala family for the new tour.  Jose Jr. and Elizabeth are contributing a multitude of outstanding traditional circus talents.    It is a pleasure to announce Elizabeth's lovely hair hang act which appears early in the show.  When I was a kid, Martguerita Michelle from back in the proverbial day was my favorite performer of all time.  I can still hear the theme to Hawaii 5-0 accompanying Ms. Michelle's graceful and daring moves.  It's a personal pleasure to bring on our own "lady with the tresses of steel," as my dad would say. :)  Foot juggling is also new this year.  Elizabeth sells her quick-paced twirling, turning and flipping of a barrel, a cylinder, flags and fire sticks with energy, ease and charm.  This act jump starts the second portion of the show perfectly.  Jose Jr. caps off our performance with his finely honed rola bola.  He does an excellent job of keeping the audience on the edge of their seats as he expertly balances on stacks and stacks of rola bola boards, a bowling ball and a multitude of cylinders. Seven, to be exact!  By the time he takes his final bow, you can hear the audience catch their collective breath, applaud and cheer all at the same time.  Did I mention his rola bola table is taller than I am??  

  C & M is featuring a pair of multi talented clowns this season.  Judy and Punchy make quick friends with the circus-goers as they mingle with and amuse the young and young at heart prior to show time.  They put smiles on the faces in the crowd as they duel with mops in an effort to clean up the ring, put their own silly spin on a magician's sword & trunk illusion and keep busy and funny with colorful hula hoops.  Bright cheery wardrobe and props, careful attention to detail and good timing keep the routines smooth and the laughs coming from the crowd. 

  This year I've lined up 6 dogs for my act.  Loosing  Pete several weeks back made it necessary to jump start Benji's circus career.  He shares the title of 'new comer' with his brother Freddie.  In an effort to make the addition of two new dogs a little easier for me, I temporarily pulled my veteran performer, Delta out of retirement.  She is one of those reliable performers who is ready on a second's notice to help me out if I need her to add a little something extra.  In a few weeks Otto's look alike, Lucky Ned Pepper will take Delta's place on the far right hand seat.  Then, she can go back to bossing our cat around the house. ;)

  Mel Ray Silverlake returns for his third consecutive season.  His western style whip cracking

adds an unexpected element to this year's line up. Simone gives him a hand as Mel Ray snaps, cracks and pops whips of all sizes.  His act well received and popular with kids of just about all ages.

  This will be the second year for Paulina's big and little act to perform.  Wyatt and Jasmine sweetly prance, waltz and march around during the second half of this season's show.  The sheer size of Wyatt catches the audience by surprise.  Little Jasmine's springy steps are met with a few good-natured giggles and lots of clapping as she takes direction from Paulina and keeps in time with Wyatt. 

  Simone's single trapeze is the aerial feature in the show's second portion.  She has added few new moves to her already solid routine.  Taking cues from traditional aerial acts, Simone works at a gentle smooth pace as each trick blends gracefully into the next.  Solid heel, toe and neck on the bar hangs keeps every audience member holding their breath.  A swinging satellite spin offers an exciting end to her expertly executed routine.

  The show's beautiful and rare tabby tigers, Solomon and Delilah and lovable black maned lion, Francis are put through their paces at the show's onset.  Trey interacts with the big cats with ease and has mixed in some humor with Francis that the audiences falls for every time.  The mere presence of these giant cats not only adds excitement but also offers an extreme sense of traditional circus which audiences appreciate. 
  April is doing triple duty this year. She is splitting her time between the unicycle act, her face painting stand and keeping all our appetites satisfied as she runs the cookhouse.  With meals pumpkin pancakes for brunch and hot borscht for dinner, cookhouse once again should find itself with a more than a few of us coming back for seconds.

   Since the performers all have much experience in the ring and around tent shows, it tends to make a new season settle in fairly quickly.  With just a few shows under our belts, things are already starting to have a feel of ease.  All of this combined with the exciting and historical locations this route promises should make for an extra special and memorable 2013 circus season.   

    

  

 

      

 

Happy 2013... From my family to yours!

 Photographer: Valerie Berta
Dec. 2012