The Historic Columbia River Highway

We started out early this morning. We had lots to see..

First stop was the Viento State Park, where we could walk to the river..

I had to feel the water…It was pretty darn nice.

We watched the wind surfers…

 

 

Next..We saw Bridge of the Gods. Connecting Oregon to Washington..

Bonneville Dam..

We then came upon our first waterfall..

 

 

And the big grandaddy of the falls…

One of the most popular tourist destinations in Oregon. It’s 620 foot drop makes it the second highest year round waterfall in the U.S.

 

The beautiful drive ..

Takes us to yet another…

This one was a bit more challenging. The 2/3 mi walk was along trails, up and down hills and steps..

But definately worth it…  My favorite!

 

The water travels down to the river…

 

One more…

And the last one…

  

Our last stop, where the views were spectacular..

    

That pretty much sums up our stay in this area. We head further up the  river tomorrow to a state park near Pendleton for one night.. Again, we have loved it here and feel so lucky to have experienced the beauty of the area.

Out to Explore Hood and Columbia River Area

Once we got settled yesterday, we were off…We headed to the Fruit Loop, which is part of the Hood River Valley.  The loop was established in 1992. It was a way for the local orchards to promote their farm stands. However it is made up primarily of apples and pears. They of course are not in season, so many of the stands are closed. It has changed over the years and has  now added  vineyards and wineries, nut and berry farms, and lavender fields.

Up ahead Mt Hood….

  

We stopped at Packer Family Orchards & Bakery…

The fruit room only selling cherries, at this time… but the bakery, had lots of homemade cookies, tough deciding which to buy. Kevin bought a scoop of ice cream and I had to pull him away from the little pies, they were selling. We still have pie!

The next stop was at the Hood River Lavender Farm… Where you can see Mt Hood from one side and Mt Adams from the other…

Mt Hood…

Mt Adams…

 

They grow 70 varieties of lavender and you can pick your own bouquet..

I bought a bouquet to hang in the bedroom. We even bought some lavender oil for Kevin to sniff, to see if it helps him sleep!

After making the entire loop, we ended up downtown Mt Hood. We stopped to pick up a small pizza and sandwich. When we came out, we had a ticket for our tire touching the white line!! Guess they have to make their money on us, out of state guys..

 

Later in the evening I took a walk around the campground…

Our site..

Our view of the Columbia River.. 

More to come later…

Stub Stewart SP and Heading to the Gorge

Tuesday morning it was time to move. We have really enjoyed this state campground we have been at. We drove around to see the rest of it. There are five sections..2 full hookup sections, 1 cabin section, day use area,  and a horse camp..

Day Use Area…

Lots of trails but rather hilly…

  Wild flowers everywhere…

Horse Camp..  

We would definately return here again, if we are in the area.  But for now, time to move on…to the Columbia River Gorge..

Driving through Portland…

Once at the gorge… It was breathtaking, however hazy, and pictures taken through the windshield not so clear…

 

The drive was a beautiful one… We arrived at the Memaloose State Park, which is directly on the Columbia River.  Easy access for our touring the area.. More on that tomorrow!

Getting Settled and My Day Out

We have moved to Stub Stewart State Park, about 30 miles west of Portland, Or.  Nice park, with full hookups and very large site. We will stay here until Tuesday.

 

 

Today I needed a day out.. Retail Therapy was in the plan. It has been way to long, since I have been in a nice big department store. While we were in Astoria, I was excited because they had a JC Penny. Well, it was very old, just like the city. It reminded me of the department store  Gilchrest, we had in the city I grew up in.  The floors creek when you walk, and had to walk up stairs to the next level.  Yup, it was that old and not a very good selection. Anyway, it was time for some shopping, I was out of makeup.  I headed to Portland and a very nice mall. I spent several hours browsing and picking up a few things. When I had enough of that, I drove a few miles to Trader Joe’s. Think it will be quite awhile before hitting another one of those. Good thing, because  I don’t have enough space to store anymore two buck chuck and granola bars!  After a stop, at Safeway for grocery’s, I headed home.

The weather is wonderful and we  are finally in warm weather, at least for now. We will just be relaxing while here.  Kevin worked at cleaning the outside of the RV today. He hurt his shoulder, so he will take it easy for a few days.

Our next stop will take us to the gorge, where we hope to tour the waterfalls, weather permitting.  We are slowly working our way towards Idaho, to meet up with friends and spend a month touring Yellowstone. 

Everyone have a Safe and Happy 4th!!