Days 03 and 04 on the road...

Last night I just didn't wan to pay the $$ for the internet while staying in our swank Motel 6 room. So here I sit trying to catch up on the blog before we are out of contact for several days in Canada and National Parks.

The good news is I did get to stop by a Fred Myer (a interesting mix of Grocery, apparel, and home stuff like home electronics) and I found a card reader that would work with the work laptop so I can add pictures now! I’ve also uploaded more pictures to our Picasa albums….just go to: http://picasaweb.google.com/BradnBev/Vacation2009

Day 03 - Crescent City, CA to Portland, OR

I was awakened in at the Best Western in Crescent City, CA by the fog horns droning at a bout 5 am but managed to nod back off until 6:30…it was overcast and a bit drizzly. After a quick breakfast we were on the road. It was still in the lower 50’s and drizzling when we left.

After crossing over the Oregon Border we didn’t see the sun until after 10 AM it was almost getting depressing!

There were times we would look toward the ocean and see nothing but white fog, but at other times we saw just a glimpse of what I have to believe was gorgeous coastline.

Undaunted by the fog we headed ever north.  As the sun started to clear the glimpses of coastline and our souround road was opening up....we were very glad to be on the coast of Oregon.

We left the coast as Lincoln City to cut across to Portland.  We would miss the coast...it was impressive enough for us to long to live there a bit but we had more to see and friends to meet.

Due to some road construction we ended up arriving in Portland a bit later then we expected.

We checked into the Portland Motel 6 and met our friends Jen and Dynabagger (JD) at a local brewery and dinner spot.  We got to try new beers, new types of pizza and had a great time!




Day 04 - Portland, OR to Ritzville, WA

We started the day with a good breakfast and ride with our friends.  Did I mention Jen and JD own a Cafe?  The best one in Portland!  It's called the Morning Star Cafe.  Best gravy I have ever tasted as a cafe.  We stopped there for Breakfast and had some fun...

Don't panic! Brad was takin gthe picture and Jen was keeping a good eye while thier friend Scott just shook thier head and smiled.  It was all in fun.

After breakfast it was time to head to the Columbia River Gorge.  It got a little wet on the way but everyone held in there through it.

I am tell you now, that if you have never been there it is definately a place you need to put on your list!   It was simply an amazing ride with beautiful sights! and some awesome water falls.

We spent some time taking it in but alas we had to part after lunch and head NE toward our end point of Ritzville, Wa.

We crossed the Columbia river finding ourselves on the Lewis and Clark Highway (14).  That too was a beautiful ride.  What I think was so surprising is the abrupt change from lush green forest to High Desert. It was a striking difference.

We were also amazed by the sheer number of wind/kite surfers on the river.  It was like hundreds of little water bugs running around the top of the water.  I had heard it was quite windy but never expected that.

With the scenery change the weather changed to dry and hot.  We stopped for a quick ice cream at a McDonald's in Kennewick, WA then pushed through to our destination....from high desert plateaus and Cliffs to golden rolling hills dotted by hugh farms. 

We stopped in Ritzville, WA smack dab in the middle of those rolling hills not sure what we would find.  The Best Westren here is top notch, the taco place next door not bad, and there is gas on the corner.  And we were able to get our laundry done. BUT the best part was this:

Ok folks  I need to hit the sack!  We head into Canada tomorrow so I am unsure what if any connection I will have through Friday Night...especially in the National Park on Thursday..I'll get back to blogging as soon as I can....See you in a couple of days!