WA to OR Photos plus
Yesterday’s drive was absolutely beautiful. The interstate hugs the shore of the Columbia gorge with wonderful views of the rushing water, barges, boaters and some lush looking vineyards. There are nice RV parks, state parks and camping areas (motels also) along the way and this area would be on my list to spend more time. It was the perfect temperature at 68. Occasionally a bit of wind but nothing too bad.
Bob and Karl shared a moment as I got situated at a rest stop. Karl rides on the couch behind the driver seat, Bob on the recliner across from him. On occasion they have shared the couch while underway, but typically, they like their own space!
No espresso, but a “safety” coffee trailer manned by husband and wife. I had coffee, was kind of hoping for donuts but cookies were the order of the day. I neglected to ask for names but had a nice chat and got some great info for returning. One thing we had passed was groves of cedar trees – I finally saw a sign that said cedar wood trees. They were fairly obviously planted “forests” – come to find out, they are for pulp and the locals call them toilet paper trees :)!
And a couple of blasts from the past – I was so surprised to see a phone booth that I had to take a photo – apparently it is currently an oft photographed item. Less photographed and coffee couple laughed with me, are the glass insulators – still apparently in working order!
I am not having a lot of luck with my windshield photos this trip. But, I had to try for Mt. Hood. I was completely surprised to round a corner and there he was. Mt. Hood is over 11,000 and standing there all by his self. Looks a bit small and lost in this photo, but trust me, it was spectacular to see!
The gorge…too tired to disappear the bugs…
You can see more of the gorge in my mirror, but I confess I was mostly shooting the GPS display. This is my first trip with the new version of Delorme Street Atlas and this is the best. All the good info is large and easy to read – on the left is miles until the next turn, miles to go and ETA. On the bottom is detail about the next turn including things like “stay in the left lane on the ramp”. This is the tool that makes it easy to do this on my own. Between the text and voice guidance, it is almost like having a co-pilot…neither Bob nor Karl like to look at a map… Anyway, am loving this latest version. San Fran will NOT beat us!
We all enjoyed a bit of relaxing outside before dinner. Another great day!
