gton - the hills are like gigantic moguls [for the skiing fraternity], and the road has just been cut straight through the undulations, rather in the way that the Romans did it. Past Steptoe Battlefield, and back onto the Palouse Scenic Byway (US12 West), crossed the Snake River at Central Ferry Bridge (isn't it great that there's a website devoted to historic bridges?). I'd followed the Snake River quite a bit yesterday, and now went back on the Lewis & Clark Trail. Into Dayton, a pretty little Victorian town with a rather wonderful county courthouse.----------
The road runs past the interestingly-named Walla Walla (a Native American tribe) - home of the famous Walla Walla Sweet Onions. Nearing the Columbia River, I saw the first of many wineries - the Reininger Winery - lovely to see vineyards on the southern slopes. Far in the distance, on the crest of a long ridge, were hundreds of wind turbines; there seems to be some local antagonism to them, however, judging by one or two billboards.
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At this point, the bones of the land start to show through the grassland, rocky outcrops becoming increasingly evident. I crossed the river at Umatilla, so I could drive the northern bank rather than using the interstate. The Columbia was devoid of shipping today - though there are a number of ports and dams along its length. There is little sign of habitation along US14 apart from a few wineries and some RV parks - plus the historical sites, of course! Wonderful views of the river, and here and there sheltering the wineries are lines of poplar trees - almost like northern Italy!
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There are also amazing views of Mount Hood for many miles - but it was too hazy today to take photos. Maybe tomorrow ...
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Back to Motel 6 again, tonight in The Dalles (on the south bank). Went to the K-Mart next door to get food, only to find they had NOTHING fresh, not even an apple! As the local choice of eateries was KFC, McDonalds, Wendy's, Arby's and Denny's, I ended up with a tub of microwave chilli and a couple of beers ... ah well, I can eat healthy tomorrow.
2 comments:
I have such fantastic memories of the day you took me to Mount Hood for my 14th? birthday. It was like the Shining and Twin Peaks rolled into one great package, topped off with icy cold streams, snow in the blistering heat, and a really tasty salmon pasta dish. Go back if you have time! Better than microwave chilli :-)
I hope that the beer and chili were Blue Light Specials!
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