Moving away from the coast we were back under sunny skies, good roads and moderate traffic moving orderly. Beautiful scenery, mountain lakes glistening.
Crater Lake. A violent eruption transformed into an awesome wonder.
This experience will be a major highlight of out trip.
Saturday morning we arrived in Astoria,Oregon at the mouth of the Columbia River. First stop was the Columbia River Maritime Museum. Since the arrival of the Lewis and Clark expedition in 1803 this area became a significant port on the west coast, but also one of the most dangerous.
Fort Astoria and the Columbia Port was a significant location involved in the War of 1812 and involved the "North West Company" and "Hudson's Bay Company"
A mock-up display of a coast guard rescue in rough seas.
Location of Fort Astoria.
Lewis and Clarks "Fort Clatsop" winter encampment for the season 1803/04
Disappointment! Southbound on the Oregon coast it was overcast, misty, heavy traffic,
congested and very little view of the shoreline. These pictures were taken from a restricted residential area, no parking etc.
The entire coast lodgings were fully booked. We had to travel an hour inland.
After doing the north side of the Columbia on Thurs. and crossing to stay in The Dalles, we started out west on the south side and deeper into the Columbia Gorge. It appears westbound trains travel on the north side of the river and eastbound on the south.
We returned then to the Washington side for a route north to Mt. St. Helen's. We had to visit the mountain that we remembered erupting in 1980. The road on the north side of the Columbia Gorge has numerous tunnels.
Heading into wilderness territory of Washington with Mt. St Helen's in the distance.
South face of Mt. St Helen's with a rock and tree debris swatch that uncovered evidence of previous volcanic activity.
Hwy 129, Washington, (better than 129 (Tail of the Dragon) at Deal's Gap) southbound out of Lewiston, Idaho into Hell's Canyon on the Oregon side of the Snake River. Two towns in Hell's Canyon grabbed out attention. Vibrant, active and charming, Enterprise and Joseph. In the middle of nowhere but alive and thriving.
Heading into the badlands of Hell's Canyon
Joseph Canyon of the Nez Perce region in Hells's Canyon.
Washington side of the Columbia River entering the Columbia Gorge region. We did pass the train. All the wind mills were in high gear. Gas mileage suffered.
Colorado was our favourite. Not any more, Idaho is now the top of the heap. Plains, scrub land, lava fields, mountains with timber, mountains that look like suede, white water rivers, mountain lakes, ranches, agriculture varieties and wildlife.
We are now in Lewiston, Idaho and enter Washington state tomorrow morning.
Overlooking the Nez Perce battlefield near White Bird.
Controlled burn of a farm field on a prosper
Tuesday we think! We got out to our bikes this morning to find a little ash on them from the forest fire on the other side of the mountain in Sun Valley, Ketchum. Heading north in the Cascade Mountain Range we followed a fire vehicle loaded with supplies. One photo shows burnt landscape
Bill, and my Brother Bill had to stop at Billy's Bridge, a Billy Goat viewing area.
Salmon River Canyon. We were so impressed we missed our turn. Had to ride it twice, an hour each way.
Payette River Canyon. The fuzzy tree was from bug guts on the lens.
These two mountains are the highest of the Cathedral Group. You will have to do your own research to identify them. A stop in Jackson's Hole was not cheap.
One is Grand Teton and the other, Mount Owen.
Monday morning was another beautiful windy ride across Teton Pass and into Idaho. But that was the last of mountains for the rest of the day. Wide open plains and scarce human habitant until we started into Sun Valley. The only place we encountered other travellers was the park at Craters of the Moon. This is now the third time we have used our annual pass for a national park. The pic is riding across the actual field in a crater.
Thursday evening we received a warm welcome from Blue Knights of the west coast gathered in Cheyenne for a conference meeting. Complimentary beverages helped to comfort our wet, cold and tired bodies. The Historic Plains Hotel took us back in time to the turn of the century, including the legend of Rosie the ghost. With the Wrangler store across the street, it was obvious we were in Cowboy country.
Lobby of the Plains Hotel, but Rosie was no were to be seen.
Saturday morning view from our window of the square and Farmer's Market
This morning "Nomad" was up real early and headed for home. His plan was to wander some more and check out the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore on his way. However he received the news the night previous that his father-in-law, who had been in declining health,had passed away. Condolences to Pat and Craig from "Lawman" and "Preacher"
Lawman and Preacher, "Bill" and my "Brother Bill" pulled out to continue west.
