Summer/Fall 2011 Pacific N/W: 09/29/11

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Thursday, September 29, 2011

Day 37

Today was probably as good a day as it gets here in the Pacific NorthWest. We have been very fortunate. Sunny, not a cloud in sight, about 80 for the high, and warm enough at night to eat outside and have a fire without extra clothing to keep warm.
But, change is coming! Big temperature drop is on it's way here arriving Monday.
Not to worry. We drove the entire Historic Columbia River Highway (US-30) and saw all the waterfalls that make this road trip so special. Talked to many "locals" who took the day off from work to travel the highway because the great weather was so rare.
We did all the tourist stops and took several hikes with Isabelle (Oregan is extremely dog friendly). But we continued on to a 16 mile side trip up Larch Mountain in the car to reach a viewpoint of the 5 highest peaks in the area for 100 miles around. Truely a very rare sight here. That's why so many "locals" took the day off to see the sights. We got to see it! And so will you below.

Day 36

We are camped on the Eastern edge of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.

Today's trip was south to Mt. Hood along the Oregon Mount Hood Scenic Highway. There is a "national landmark" lodge at the base of the ski area more than half way up the mountain and we drove there for the view and for lunch.

Pictures of the trip follow. Thursday we spend our last day here driving the Columbia River Gorge Historic Drive that includes about 9 points of interest and hikes along the way - old US 30.

Columbia River from our campsite

Isabelle likes her campsite

First view of Mt. Hood

Lots of vineyards and fruit orchards in the valley

Getting closer to Mt. Hood

Brother and Sista Dea. Thought of you as we drove by Mt. Hood Winery. Stopped only to take a picture and not taste. The mountain in the background is actually Mt. Rainier up in Washington state. Mt. Hood is behind me.