Aloha Everyone,
Deschutes River State Park is located about 15 miles east of The Dalles at confluence of Deschutes and Columbia River. This is another picturesque location among the state parks of Oregon and just an hour from the previous night's location.
I think these pictures are worth a thousand words to describe the enchanting beauty of this place.
Here is a picture of J.J. registering for our stay.
Jessie is about 3 years old Border Collie rescued by Jeannine and Richard of Powell Butte, Oregon. She was very playful and wanted J.J. to scratch her tummy.
Actually our plan this morning was to cross the Columbia River from The Dalles and travel to Washington. Here we are approaching The Dalles Dam.
Washington here we come. About half way point of the bridge was the marker welcoming us to the new state with Honu.
The view of the Columbia River from Washington.
As the glacier-capped Mount Hood peeked out of the yellow meadow, J.J. and I decided to save Washington for another time and return to Oregon.
Crossing the Columbia River back to Oregon.
Jeannine and Richard mentioned that we have been having unusually warm days for this part of Oregon. When we told them that we had to use our AC for the first time in long time, they cautioned us that by next week, the weather will turn cold. At night, Jeannine added that the temperature is expected to drop below freezing point.
Perhaps we have to think of moving to more moderate weather. In the meantime, tonight Honu looks content.
Aloha -- Cathi
Aloha Everyone,
J.J. gave me a precious gift this morning. He stepped out of Honu and saw this scene. It was more than a sunrise. It was being in the moment and to feel the joy of living!
Troutdale has a population of 16,487 and known as the western gateway to the Historic Columbia River Highway. Its location is approximately 25 miles west of the town of Corbett where we spent the last 3 nights.
Downtown Troutdale has a small town charm.
We drove by Egg River Cafe yesterday and saw a long line of cars and people waiting. Therefore we both wanted to try and see if we can get in on a Monday. It was only 10:45 AM.
This is Dean, our waiter.
J.J.'s choice of Farmer's omelet with everything but green pepper.
My waffle was very good. Warm syrup on the side was a wonderful touch. We thought our food was better than "Eggs n' Things" in Waikiki.
Mount Adams is located in the eastern Cascade Range in the state of Washington. The view across the Columbia River is another attraction for diners at Egg River Cafe.
The camp ground we selected for the night is called Memaloose State Park. We have a full hook-up site with a view of the Columbia River. This is our front yard.
And here is our backyard. During our walk, we enjoyed watching squirrels play tag.
The location of the park is along the Columbia River about 10 miles west of The Dalles, the eastern end of the Historic Columbia River route. This area has very rich history as part of the Lewis & Clark Expedition and the Oregon Trail. J.J. and I told our children that this is one of the places we like to return with their families.
Compared to Oregon, Washington across the River appears dry.
Aloha -- Cathi
Aloha Everyone,
With an 11,249 ft elevation, Mount Hood is the highest mountain in Oregon. To me there is some resemblance to the sacred Mount Fuji in Japan as both were created by volcanic eruptions and both appear to stand alone from the meadows with no other mountain ranges nearby. Thus when Mount Hood showed its full view, it was arresting and impressive.
Draper Girls Country Farm is located on Highway 35 along the Mount Hood Loop. When we saw about 50 cars parked on both sides of the street, it was a time for us to investigate.
Their main business as I understand is You-Pick seasonal fruits. However today we stumbled into their "2-Days Only Oktoberfest" with German foods and apple and grape cider honoring their parents who farmed the land.
The siblings, Theresa and Mark, now own and manage the business. Today there were so many visitors at the farm the atmosphere was a little bit like a very large family gathering.
Mark expertly prepared orders including our lunch of Bratwurst, German Potato Salad and roasted corn plus fresh apple-grape cider. J.J. stated, "Some days good taste over rides healthy choices."
As you can see I was enchanted by the farm. These photos are but only a small selection of what I photographed. Go to www.drapergirlscountryfarm.com to read their story.
Here is another majestic view of Mount Hood.
The RV park we are staying is small - about 20 pads in all. Honu has an excellent spot under a tall Douglass-Fir tree where tanned colored squirrel about the size of a small cat with bushy tail climbs up and down.
A beautifully manicured lawn which belongs to the property next door is our view from the bedroom window.
Our private yard where I have been practicing yoga and juggling for the last 2 mornings.
Here is a map of the Mount Hood Scenic Loop we took today.
Aloha -- Cathi
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