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Archives from 2002-2006

Remember the video shoot I did for Happy Family back in March? The campaign finally launched (I assume the delay was related to the many hours of post-processing required to edit my section of the video, which probably included 90 minutes of me braying nervous laughter while staring at the camera deer-in-headlights-style) (Did I tell you how they actually brought an improv actor over to the camera at one point so I’d have someone to look at, and thus hopefully dial back on the palpable awkwardness?) (Ha ha ha ha OH GOD), and you can visit their Stories From the Bright Side Facebook page to check out what they’ve posted so far.

I am contractually required to inform you when my own video is posted, so it is with great reluctance that I tell you I’ll be back to link to my specific moment on film. It’s is every bit as cringe-worthy as I dreaded (you know that horrible moment when you’re confronted with the sound of your own voice? Like that, but SO MUCH WORSE) so tune in next week for my personal shaming.

Here’s another entry in the Things to Do in Oregon With Kids category (previously: Crescent Lake), if I actually had blog categories, which I totally don’t because the last time I tried to mess with my WordPress theme everything blew up and I vowed to never ever ever touch it again. PHP WHUT?

The Rogue River has a special place in my heart. It’s so gorgeous and wonderful and I’ll always remember hiking the trail in 2010 and writing afterwards, “What if home were closer to all of this? Thinking, planning, plotting. How to get from here to there.” We’ve camped in the area four years in a row now, and this past weekend was the second time we stayed at the Indian Mary campground with the boys.

Where to go: Just past Merlin in southern Oregon, about 140 miles from Eugene.

Why to go: The Rogue River is a must-see part of Oregon. Summers are hot and sunny and the scenery is unreal and you’ll never want to leave.

What to do: If your ideal family vacation includes shopping and spa visits, this probably isn’t the place for you. But if you like outdoorsy stuff, the options are limitless: hiking, boating, whitewater rafting, fishing, camping, etc. You can bring (or rent) a raft and do a brief leisurely float, or you can hire a guide and spend several days on the wild section of the river. (I did this once with JB years ago and it was absolutely amazing. I wouldn’t do it with the kids yet, though, because I’d be too nervous about their safety.) Next time we go I want to do a jetboat ride again, because those are crazy fun. You can hike a short section of the the Rogue River trail or walk the whole damn thing. You can park your ass in a chair in the sun and watch your kids throw rocks in the water for like 15 hours.

Where to stay: I can’t recommend the Indian Mary campground enough for families. It’s got great bathrooms, showers, a big playground, a disc-golf course, a basketball court, RV hookups, and so on. There’s a tent-only section that gets a little crowded, so here’s a tip: the very best spots are 54, 56, and 58. The camp is right on the river, and just a couple miles from the awesome Galice Resort where you can buy stuff at the little store or have lunch on their deck.

What might suck: Nothing will suck, except coming home and dealing with the giant pile of camp laundry.

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