We woke up early and moved the boys from their bed (the hide-a-bed) to our queen bed in the back, so we could drive to the Vortex.
The Oregon Vortex is a roadside attraction located in Gold Hill, Oregon. It consists of a number of interesting effects, which are gravity hill optical illusions, but which the attraction's proprietors propose are the result of paranormal properties of the area. Prior to any construction of the area, local legend had it that Native Americans in the area referred to the site as a "forbidden" land, and travelers passing through would often find their horses refusing to go through the area.
A gold assay office was built in the area in 1904, which slid from its foundation in the early tens, coming to rest at an odd angle. Odd angles seem to create an illusion of objects seemingly rolling uphill. Oregon Vortex is also famous for "height change" as the apparent relative height of two people varies, depending on where each stands. Most people believe that this effect is due to a distorted background that induces a forced perspective, as with an Ames room, but this has been ruled out by taking readings with a stick.
Our guide started off with metal rods that would cross according to the magnetic forces and would uncross if you moved away from that magnetic field. Then we explored the slanted building where objects would seem to roll upwards and she balanced a broom which stayed in place for a long time.
Connor decided he wanted to start collecting stamped pennies as his souvenirs on our trip. He actually has quiet a few at home already. I bought him a book and he collected pennies at each stop on our trip. Kaiden decided to join him and collect as well. Jason collected stickers- one sticker for each stop that he put on the basement door of our RV, along with a state map to mark the states we traveled through. Piper wasn't allowed at the Vortex, but we let her run around before we had to lock her in the RV. Of course she found some coyote poop to roll in. Our dog doesn't eat poop, she rubs her neck in it. Luckily it was dry and didn't get all over her. But she did get a bath with our new outdoor shower that Jason installed this last winter!
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