September 23, Sunday

                                                                             Mt Hood

After breakfast at our hotel we went out to get loaded into the motovan and this was our view!  Not a bad way to wake up :)

We left our final departure from the Fairfield Inn at 11:30.  The boys are all dapper in their vests and hats while I went the team support t-shirt theme for the day.  Another windy day but very nice temperature.  We are looking forward to some more amazing views today as we head to Skamania Lodge in Stevenson, Washington.

From The Dalles, the interstate followed the Columbia River and the landscape changed to mountains there were tree filled.  When we crossed over the river to get to Stevenson we crossed the Bridge of the Gods.  Once again my Corps of Engineer brother graced us with some background information.  This bridge was built in 1920 and in 1938 had to have the entire bridge raised over 40 feet to accommodate river traffic due to the dam raising the water level in the river so much.  How crazy is that!!

We got to the lodge, and Wow!!  Pretty amazing views!  This place is defiantly not on my target for regular lodging!  Once again I am thankful for having my motovan without any trailer, the parking was crazy!  I guess that means there is a lot of people here to see the final parade of bikes come in.  We got checked in, finally, and went off to get our bags unloaded. Wow again!!  Our view is off to the front of the building with a georgous view!!  

view of Columbia River from our room

Two of my favorite people were able to join us, Cameron and Brianna :)  (They took the weekend to drive down and see the sites and some other friends.  They stopped at the beach where  "The Goonies" was filmed.  I need to see that area sometime as well.)  Kevin had a friend, Steve and his daughter, Liz, make a 3-4 hour trip as well to come see us!  Thank you all for your support and time to come visit for such a short time.

Cameron and Brianna

Kevin and Steve

The Cannonball team did a great job at having the bikes come in parade style to allow a fantastic view of each bike and rider, very impressive!  We could not have asked for a more beautiful day!  

We were able to visit and enjoy the relief of Patience finishing another journey.  Now, time to get raady for the final banquet and awards.