Our only hope for getting organic produce in Happy Camp, California (other than carrots, and occasionally avocados) lies in getting over the Grayback Pass to Cave Junction Oregon, a road not plowed in the winter. On December 22nd, with thoughts of a bleak Monsanto Christmas dinner, we desperately set out to attempt a pass crossing prepared for the worst with chains and shovels. The green Forest Service gate remained open, a good sign, with one set of narrow tracks in the snow leading up the road to the pass.

Alas, the pass really was closed by snow, but we made it most of the way up. We finally conceded defeat after becoming stuck a second time where the track ended, where the last "good old boy" in his monster truck decided to turn around. No organic vegetables for Christmas dinner, but it sure was fun! Maybe we will try it again tomorrow.

Gene relearned that it is better to put on chains before you are stuck in over a foot of ice and snow... - Michele & Gene