THE RIVERFRONT CAROUSEL IN SALEM, OREGON Guest Post by Caroline Hatton

The Riverfront Carousel, Salem, Oregon.

My friend Caroline Hatton, a children’s book writer and frequent contributor to this blog, took these photos in Salem, Oregon, in August 2024 when she met our friend Sara Kras, also a children’s book writer. Together they visited Salem’s Riverfront Carousel, a community project that draws thousands of visitors each year. Here is the story of Caroline and Sara’s visit to the carousel. (Although Caroline and I share the same first name, she pronounces hers with the "i" like "ee", whereas I pronounce mine with the "i" as a "y".) 

Once upon  a January (the year was 1998), Caroline Arnold taught a UCLA Extension children’s writing course focused on her forte, nonfiction. I signed up for it, and so did a dozen others including a Sara Louise (soon to be married and become Sara Louise Kras). Sara and I became writing buddies. We started helping each other by swapping critiques of works-in-progress.

Caroline Hatton riding Leia and Sara Kras riding Django near Los Angeles in January 2017. Photo by Josh the guide.

A few years later, Sara proposed that she and I meet in January to go on a horseback ride, followed by a brown bag picnic lunch and mutual critique. Our New Year riding-and-writing day became an annual celebration.

By 2024, Sara and I had relocated from the Los Angeles area to Arizona and Oregon, respectively. Meeting in January was no longer practical. But when Sara happened to be in Oregon in August, we jumped at the chance to enjoy a riding-and-writing day after all.

Sara Kras riding Jazz the Zebra. 

Salem was a good place to meet, so I knew where two children’s writers would love to go on a wild ride: indoor, sheltered from any weather, at Salem’s Riverfront Carousel! We didn’t climb in the saddle until after we had carefully selected our mounts.

Caroline Hatton riding Francis the mule.

After an exhilarating cavalcade, we wandered around the carousel’s indoor space, looking at displays about its history. It all began in 1996 when Salem resident Hazel Patton visited Missoula, Montana, where she saw an old-world-style carousel built in the U.S. Moved by how that project had united the community, she came home determined to make the same thing happen in Salem. She infected four more people with her vision and enthusiasm. Next, Sandy and Dave Walker signed up as the project’s artistic leaders.

In only four and a half years, 160 volunteer artisans donated over 80,000 hours carving, sanding, and painting the horses. Architects, engineers, builders, lawyers, business people, accountants, writers, photographers, illustrators and other community members worked together to manage the project and raise $2.1M.

The full-size pattern for Ronnie the Rabbit.

Before designing each animal, Sandy Walker met with its sponsors to understand their vision of its style or theme. What made its personality unique? Would it stand, prance, or jump? Sandy sketched it on an 11” x 14” sheet of paper, which was enlarged to full size.

The rough-cut body and hat of Ronnie the Rabbit in August 2024.

Two-inch thick basswood boards from linden trees were glued together. The full-size pattern was used to rough-cut the animal’s head, body, legs and tail in separate pieces. Dave Walker, the carousel’s master carver, led experienced artisans and trained novice volunteers, who chipped the wood away to begin revealing the animal.

Pegasus was ready to get his wings in August 2024.

They shaped body parts using smaller knives and files, and carved the fine details with specialized tools. Team members glued body parts together, then smoothed the seams. Sanding each creature by hand, using sandpaper and tools of decreasing grit or size, took about 60 hours. After roughly 700 hours to carve each creature, painting began with three coats of primer and one coat of base paint, and took about 200 hours to complete. With up to six coats of clear polyurethane varnish, it’s no wonder the animals look so shiny! Of 42 horses and two wagons, 32 plus two foals ride the carousel at a time.

After Sara and I browsed around the gift shop, the nice lady behind the counter offered to show us the “back room.” That’s where I took the photos of works currently in progress.

The Willamette River in Riverfront Park, Salem, Oregon.

When Sara and I went back outside, we strolled along the Willamette River in the lovely Riverfront Park and sat on a bench to chat. For lunch, we picked the gourmet Wild Pear Restaurant. based on its eclectic menu. The few indoor tables were full, but it was a nice day to sit at a table on the sidewalk. Sara loved the lobster and  shrimp melt and I, the turkey and dill havarti sandwich on focaccia. We both took away half for dinner. But before dinner, I spent a moment selecting riding photos to share with Sara, capturing her feedback on my writing, and musing about possibilities for our next riding-and-writing day.

SOUTHWEST ROAD TRIP, Part 3. Chaco Canyon, Petrified Forest, Painted Desert, Montezuma's Castle : Guest Post by Susan Kean

Chaco Canyon, New Mexico.

My friend Susan Kean and her partner George love to travel and recently did a driving trip from Southern California to Arizona, New Mexico and the Four Corners area of Colorado and Utah. I thank her for sharing her report and wonderful photos with The Intrepid Tourist. Her post appears in three parts.

Petrified Forest National Monument, Arizona.

The next part of our adventure took us to the Chaco Culture National Cultural Park and then to somewhere I’ve always wanted to go… the Petrified Forest.

Chaco Canyon. Incredible stonework....over 1000 years old.

Chaco is another world heritage site. Center for Puebloans from 850-1200. It is thought to have been a religious center where people paid to come.

Petrified logs.

The petrified forest quartz logs were formed 225 million years ago!

La Posada Hotel in Winslow, Arizona.

Our last night we spent at the most amazing hotel…La Posada in Winslow, Arizona, on both the Santa Fe railroad and Route 66. Built in 1929, it has recently been beautifully restored. It is oozing with history!

Extensive gift shop at La Posada.

This is what I call blueberry pancakes. Fluffy and delicious!

La Posada is one of the best hotels I've every stayed at! We enjoyed an incredible dinner and breakfast at the adjacent restaurant.

Montezuma's Castle, Arizona. 

We made one stop on our way home…also one of my favorite places. Montezuma’s Castle… as they told us…not a castle and nothing to do with Montezuma! It is a most amazing five story structure built in a cliff around 1200 CE. They suggest that perhaps a group of Sinagua people lived there. They reached it with ladders… all their food and everything else was brought in that way. Apparently the old people were carried on their backs! Lots of unanswered questions about living like that!

Snow began falling on Hwy 17 on our way to Phoenix. We were leaving just in time! After all, it was January!

Read Part 1 (3/3/25) and Part 2 (3/10/25) at this blog for more of Susan's Southwest Road Trip.

SOUTHWEST ROAD TRIP, Part 2, New Mexico and Four Corners: Guest Post by Susan Kean

Four Corners Monument, where Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah meet.

My friend Susan Kean and her partner George love to travel and recently did a driving trip from Southern California to Arizona, New Mexico and the Four Corners area of Colorado and Utah. I thank her for sharing her report and wonderful photos with The Intrepid Tourist. Her post appears in three parts. 

San Juan Inn and Trading Post.

Next stage of our trip took us along Code Talker’s Highway. This is named in memory of the Native Americans who are credited with helping the US military win major battles during WWI and II. They used their little known indigenous languages to help with secret communications. 

Ice floating down the San Juan River, a major tributary of the Colorado River.

We went through Mexican Hat, a small town on the San Juan River named after a precariously balanced rock that looks like a Sombrero. 

Books, books, and more books! Our bearded host at our B&B in Farmington.

Then on to the Four Corners Monument in the Navajo Tribal Park and Farmington, where we stayed two nights at a very rustic B&B! It was an Adobe house they had built. He was very impressed when he heard I lived in an adobe house too. Their house had huge wooden beams, all hand done, holding up the second floor. He loved to talk while his wife made a delicious breakfast.

Aztec Ruins National Monument, New Mexico. Part reconstructed kiva...worship center.

The next part of our trip took us to the Aztec Ruins National Monument… a world Heritage site. Nothing to do with Aztecs. We learned that this dwelling was occupied from 1050 to 1300 with people who had come from Mesa Verde. No one quite knows why these Puebloans left… suggestions are because of drought. It is an extraordinary place. 

Rooms along the north wall..

In one spot one can see the original wood ceiling. It is protected by a second story that still stands. The local indigenous people say it has not been deserted. All the spirits of the folks who lived there remain. Certainly one can feel their presence. Next stop was the Salmon Ruins National Historic Site in Farmington, New Mexico. A homesteader, Peter Salmon protected these ruins from vandals and preserved the artifacts that were found at the site.

The green line has something to do with water.

Next week: Part 3.

SOUTHWEST ROAD TRIP, Part 1, Arizona: Guest Post by Susan Kean

Hotel Monte Vista, Flagstaff, AZ, where we stayed.

My friend Susan Kean and her partner George love to travel and recently did a driving trip from Southern California to Arizona, New Mexico and the Four Corners area of Colorado and Utah. I thank her for sharing her report and wonderful photos with The Intrepid Tourist. Her post will appear in three parts.

Approaching Sedona, Arizona.

The first stop on our adventure of exploring Arizona and New Mexico was Flagstaff. I was expecting a large town like Phoenix! What an interesting place! We stayed one night in a funky hotel, the Hotel Monte Vista. 

Museum inside the old railway station in Flagstaff.

After going to the Visitor’s Center in the old Railway Station and paying our respects to Route 66 we spent a couple of hours at the Museum of Northern Arizona before continuing to the View Hotel in the NavajoTribal Park in Monument Valley. 

Northern Arizona Museum in Flagstaff. Pottery found in adobe dwellings.

View Hotel, Navajo Tribal Park in Monument Valley.

What a glorious place! I’m so glad we chose to stay two nights. 

Buttes. The butte farthest to the left is called the elephant.

We had time to wrap ourselves in the glorious desert scenery and feeling of the presence of an Almighty creator. We are trying to learn as much as possible about our country’s native peoples. 

Buttes.

The sun literally popped up over the horizon.

Part 2 will post next week.

WARM SPRINGS FISH HATCHERY, Geyserville, CA: Giving Young Salmon and Steelhead Trout a Head Start

Young steelhead trout at Warm Spring Fish Hatchery.

On a sunny day in late December, I went with my family on a day trip from Oakland to visit the Warm Springs Hatchery, about a ninety-minute drive north of the Bay Area, near Healdsburg. 

Vineyards in Dry Creek Valley.

After leaving the 101 Freeway we made our way along the Dry Creek Valley road past acres of vineyards and small farms until we came to the sign for the Lake Sonoma State Park and Visitor Center.

Visitor Center, Warm Springs Fish Hatchery, also known as the Don Claussen Fish Hatchery.

Every year in late fall, steelhead trout and Coho Salmon begin to arrive at the Warm Springs Fish Hatchery, located below the Sonoma Lake dam in the foothills near Geyserville, California. There the fish are counted and measured and sorted. Some are kept for spawning at the hatchery--the fertilized eggs incubated until they hatch and then raised until the young fish are big enough to release.

Life-size cloth models of steelhead trout at the Visitor Center.

We had arranged to meet docent Linda Clapp at the Visitor Center for a personal tour of the hatchery. (The Visitor Center is open every day and the grounds open to the public. You don’t need an appointment.) Linda, had been the park ranger in charge of education for many years, is now retired, and continues to work at the hatchery as a volunteer. She was a fount of information.

Sonoma Lake Dam. The earthen dam was built in 1983 by the Army Corps of Engineers to control flooding of the Dry Creek Valley.

After a brief introduction, Linda took us to an overlook at the base of the Sonoma Lake dam. At the bottom of the dam water rushes out into Dry Creek and eventually reaches the Pacific Ocean. Young steelhead trout and Coho Salmon raised at the hatchery are released in the creek. They follow the creek to the ocean, spend several years at sea, and then return to mate and lay eggs. (They use their sense of smell to find their way home.)

Fish returning to spawn are guided toward a tunnel on the left side of the dam that leads to a fish ladder and channel into the hatchery. We looked over the railing above the fish ladder hoping to see some leaping fish, but didn’t spot any. At the top of the fish ladder is a quiet pond where the fish can rest before continuing to the hatchery. 

Sorting fish in the spawning area.

Fish returning to the hatchery are kept in holding pens before the daily counting. We had timed our visit so that we could watch (from above) hatchery workers processing the fish--identifying each fish by its species, sex, age, and size. At the same time a small sample was taken from each fish for genetic monitoring. While one worker handled the fish, another recorded the data.

Steelhead trout being transferred to a truck for release.

Coho Salmon.

Our next stop was outside, to view the long tanks holding thousands of young fish from the previous year’s spawning. After hatching, the fish stay at the hatchery for about a year before being transferred to the wild. Growing about a half an inch a month, they are about six inches long when they are released. Fencing around the raceways prevents birds and other natural predators from helping themselves to the fish. We spotted egrets, green herons and other birds in the park around the hatchery.

9 month old steelhead trout in aquarium at Visitor Center.

At the end of our tour we explored the excellent Visitor Center, filled with displays about the fish and their part of the natural environment.

View of Lake Sonoma.

Our final excursion was a one mile drive up the road to the Sonoma Lake overlook where we got a spectacular view of the lake and surrounding hills. We’ll have to go back another day to try out the various hiking trails.

On our way home to Oakland we stopped for lunch at the Dry Creek General Store where we got delicious freshly made sandwiches, which we ate at a picnic table outside. Above us dozens of hummingbirds flocked around feeders, sipping the sweet juice. It was the perfect ending to an enjoyable and educational day.

A PERSONAL GUIDE TO TUCSON, ARIZONA, Part 2: Guest Post by Paul Justison

 

Goddess of Agave, painted by Rock "Cyfi" Martinez, 2017, Tucson, AZ 

With many thanks to my friend Paul Justison for his excellent guide to the city of Tucson, posted here in two parts--Part 1, last week and Part 2, this week. Paul is the author of the well received novel Lost and Found in the 60s (Unsolicited Press, 2022.)

What to see — Science and technology 

During the cold war, Tucson was a one of the main launching pads for nuclear attacks on the Soviet Union. Davis-Monthan Air base was adjacent to the city and housed nuclear armed B-52 bombers. It was also surrounded by 18 silos that held nuclear armed missiles. They are all decommissioned now. One of them is now a museum, and even I, an antiwar peacenik, found the tour fascinating. Home | Titan Missile Museum It’s about 30 minutes south of town. And since you’ve gone that far, you might consider two places about 25 minutes further south. Tumacácori is the site of a precontact Native American trading center. The Jesuits and Franciscans built missions there, and the fairly intact remains of the Franciscan mission are the core of the Tumacácori National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service) . The buildings are rather austere and together with the exhibits give you a good impression of what precontact and mission life was like. Nearby is Tubac, a little town filled with arts and crafts shops and one fun Mexican restaurant — Elvira’s Restaurant Tubac, Arizona Reservations are advised.

About ten minutes southeast of town in the Pima Air and Space Museum Home — Pima Air & Space . It houses 400 or so historic aircraft outdoors and in hangars. If you’re into planes, this should be on your list.

On the University of Arizona campus is the Flandrau Planetarium Home | Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium . The shows in the planetarium are fun and educational. Before you go, read on the site above about parking.

The SunLink Streetcar and Neighborhoods/Shopping/Nightlife –

Bahti Indian Arts Tucson — Bahti Indian Arts is one of the best shops in the nation for native American arts and crafts. It’s in the Barrio Historico which is itself worth a walk or a drive around. Barrio Historico Tucson Is One Of Arizona’s Oldest Neighborhoods

Tucson has a free modern streetcar that runs through most of the interesting areas in the center of the town — Sun Link Streetcar — Sun Tran One end is near the Banner University Medical Center at the corner of Helen and Warren, and about a 10 block walk from the Arizona Inn. From there it runs along the northern and western sides of the U of A — and very near the photography museum and the Flandrau planetarium. It then heads along the commercially hip area — Fourth Avenue, where there’s a nice bookstore — Antigone Books , along with many shops and restaurants. Next it goes downtown, the center for Tucson’s nightlife. Last, it ends at the Mercado San Agustin — What’s Here — Mercado District

A few words about nightlife and restaurants –

As I mentioned in the introduction, UNESCO has declared Tucson a “City of Gastronomy.” If you’re a Reddit user, go to r/Tucson and search for restaurant types, or simply start your own thread with a question. You will likely get many helpful responses. Also, the Tucson Weekly: The Best of Tucson, News, and Everything That Matters is a great resource for the ever-changing nightlife scene.

Photo Credit — Goddess of Agave — When In Your State

Paul has previously published A Personal Guide to Tucson, Arizona, on the web at Medium.

A PERSONAL GUIDE TO TUCSON, AZ, Part 1: Guest post by Paul Justison

Goddess of Agave, painted by Rock "Cyfi" Martinez, 2017, Tucson, AZ 

With many thanks to my friend Paul Justison for his excellent guide to the city of Tucson, posted here in two parts--Part 1, this week and Part 2, next week. Paul is the author of the novel Lost and Found in the 60s (Unsolicited Press, 2022.)

I spent my formative years in Tucson and go back often, because it’s special in many ways. Tucson sits in a high Sonoran Desert valley surrounded by mountains. The Catalinas to the north will command your attention. Many cultures have thrived here — Yaqui, Tohono O’odham, Spanish, Mexican, and after the USA bought the area from Mexico in 1848 — Anglo-Americans. Politically it tends to be left of center. When the Arizona legislature passed a bill that discriminated against Mexican Americans, the local — Pima County — sheriff refused to implement it. And today Tucson honors the Native American and Mexican food traditions for which it was recognized by UNESCO as a “City of Gastronomy.”

When to Go

It can get hot. Dry heat, but really hot — high 90s to low 100s. October through April is best with rarely cold and usually cool to mild temperatures, though early October and late April can still be quite warm. There’s still plenty to do and see in the summer, and hotels will be far less expensive. Just be prepared for serious heat.

Where to Stay

Tucson has accommodations in all types and price ranges, from luxury dude ranches, health and golf resorts to budget motels and B&Bs. I have one favorite and almost always stay there — the Arizona Inn — A Historic Boutique Hotel Retreat in Tucson | Arizona Inn . Linda Ronstadt, who grew up in Tucson, called it her favorite hotel in the world 5 Places to Visit in Tucson, Arizona, With Singer Linda Ronstadt — The New York Times . To me, the Inn is an oasis of beauty, calm, and exceptional food.

What to see — Natural environment

Undoubtedly the best place to learn about the plants and animals of the Sonoran Desert is The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum — Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Tucson, AZ — Zoo, Botanical Garden and Art Gallery . It’s an aquarium, botanical garden, natural history museum, and zoo all rolled into one fascinating experience. The roughly 10-mile drive west from downtown will take you through foothills sprinkled with houses, over Gates Pass and down into a sahuaro cactus-filled valley. You will always remember your visit.

There are three great places to hike or wander around the desert. First, Sabino Canyon is about 10 miles northeast of the center of town. What makes this canyon so popular is both the almost always flowing waterfalls and the marvelous collection of massive boulders deposited throughout the canyon by an 1888 earthquake. It’s a popular place to visit, so you’ll have to park and take a shuttle to the hiking trails or just ride the shuttle to and from the lot. Coronado National Forest — Sabino Canyon Recreation Area

Second and third are the two Sahuaro National Park sites, one east and one west of town — Saguaro National Park (U.S. National Park Service) . Both have many hiking trails to get you into the desert and up onto viewing platforms. Unlike Sabino though, there will rarely be flowing water.

Lastly, in mid-town, you’ll find the Tucson Botanical Garden. If you can’t make it to the Desert Museum, this is a reasonable alternative for learning about desert plants, and it has a fun butterfly exhibit to walk through. Tucson Botanical Gardens — Your Urban Oasis in the heart of Tucson

What to see — Art

One of my favorite small museums in the world is the Center for Creative Photography — About CCP | Center for Creative Photography It houses the archives of Ansel Adams and many other renowned photographers. Of interest to casual photographers and art lovers are the exhibitions they regularly host. I’ve seen exhibitions of Linda McCartney and Louis Carlos Bernal here. Well worth your time and it’s free, though check their calendar for sometimes they are between exhibits.

About a ¼ of a mile away on foot is the Arizona State Museum, which has a fine collection of Native American basketry, jewelry and pottery. Unfortunately, it’s closed for renovations until late 2026. Their website has much of the collection online and updates on the renovations. Home | Arizona State Museum

There are so many spectacular murals all over town that there are websites devoted to cataloguing them. Here are a few of those. The Tucson Murals Project ; 100+ murals in Tucson, plus a map | tucson life | tucson.com ; Tucson Murals If you’re interest in the murals. Peruse one or more of the above and then go on a mural hunting tour. If you’re short on time, I have two suggestions. My absolute favorite mural is the All Souls Procession by Susan Kay Johnson. It actually has an entry in the Library of Congress — Colorful Tucson, Arizona, is a city replete with murals, including several of gigantic proportions. Here, a portion of the All Souls Procession mural by local artist Susan Kay Johnson — original digital file | Library of Congress It takes up the entire block of 9th Avenue between University and 4th Street. And while you’re there, walk or drive slowly around the neighborhood. For it’s one of many quirky Tucson neighborhoods.

Two of the most monumentally spectacular murals are in sight of each other, but they are separated by one of the geometrically weirdest intersections, so take care in getting to them. The official address of the Goddess of Agave is 440 N. 7th Avenue which is Benjamin Plumbing Supply. Put that address in your GPS and park in their lot, but please not in one of the close in customer spots unless you are also looking for plumbing parts. Benjamin Supply also has a description of the mural on their website — Benjamin Supply — Tucson-AZ — but ignore the 6th street address. There’s no access to parking from that address. From that lot you can also see another spectacular mural — Epic Ride. Here’s the story behind that mural and two others These are Joe Pagac’s favorite murals he’s created in Tucson | tucson life | tucson.com

Photo Credit — Goddess of Agave — When In Your State

Paul has previously published A Personal Guide to Tucson, Arizona, on the web at Medium.