Saturday, September 22

It was an early start for us today, 7:30 departure time.  Once again the breakfast thing was a bit much to keep up with.  They ran out of Coffee!!  I only got one cup and we had to go!  I did enjoy the biscuits and gravy, however!  The biscuits were big with a bit of a crisp outside and soft inside to let the gravy absorb into it a bit.  The gravy had good amount of meat and flavor.

We are off for The Dalles, Oregon today.  It is to be a bit warmer today, up into around 70.  We did not leave immediately after the riders left.   We let the bulk go ahead and hopefully let the rush go first.  It was high desert area as we saw much the same as say Wyoming but more mountainous.  The were miles of sage brush and some trees.  There was a lot of irrigation happening yet/  It looked odd to have so much brown and then a spot of green, sometimes even a spot of black (looked like a controlled burn)

The landscape near Kennewick was lined with power line towers and windmills.  I also saw fields with apple trees, corn, grapes and hay- lots of hay!  For much of the last half, the interstate ran along the Columbia River.  We got an excellent view of the Columbia River Gorge but not at a spot to stop to photograph. 

We got in about 12:30, checked into our hotel, got a suggestion for lunch with a coupon for 10% off at Baldwin's Saloon.  Being a little hungry but wanting to save room for supper, I choose a lighter fare of fish tacos.  They were made with halibut and very good.  Jay had a sandwich which he enjoyed.  It was a very nice place with it's renaissance paintings and old time band instruments in the loft area.

We still had some time left to do something so we went to The Dalles Dam.  It was interesting in that I never knew the Corps of Engineering built fish runs on the dams.  Now they just need to train the fish to use them!  We went in the visitors center and got to learn how they changed to river and the mode of transportation of goods.  

The Dalles Dam

for the fishermen:  look how big these are!! 

I never knew they could get so big!

Tonight was windy!  Thank goodness the temperature was nice.  I am happy to say Patience made it again today!  There was one area Kevin was worried about gas but he made it on fumes! (I forgot to say he did run out a few days ago)  We had a few fans again today, thank you for introducing yourselves and for making the trip.

We were treated to a hosted supper from the Sedition Brewing Company.  If you know me, you already know I am not a fan of salmon.  I heard we were being treated to freshly caught salmon that was smoked and then grilled.  Sit down...I ate it and liked it!  It did not seem fishy or as strong as other times I tried...or maybe I was just hungry!  Either way, it was very good.  We were seated outside so we had to hang onto our plates!  There was a live band and one of buildings was getting a mural painted on it and the artist was busy working while we were there.  

No supplies to be bought for Patience as again, just routine plus some tightening of the fuel tank.  Tomorrow we finish with only 51 miles to go before getting to Stevenson, Washington. 

Whew, I'm caught up just in time!