Thur, May 12, 2011

Thursday, May 12, 2011

As we approached a particularly picturesque portion of the old Columbia River Scenic Byway I said, “Oh, it’s only about eleven miles and at least five waterfalls long.” Charles responded, “Yep that should only take us about four or five hours”.  And he actually smiled after that.  Gotta love that man! – Donna Downey

I think most people would say I’m pretty easy going.  I like to get along and see little need for confrontation.  But traveling with a photographer must really be a lesson in patience for my husband.  He does love a road trip but still he is endlessly supportive of my never-ending photo stops and is so helpful and basically serves as my assistant.  He does all this most of the time with a great attitude.  It took us years to get this worked out because he would ask me if I wanted to stop and get a picture of something, and I would reluctantly answer no.  I have learned to say yes when I really do want to stop and he has learned he better not ask too often! 

Now, let me just say everything was perfect today.  Weather – check. Scenery – check. Motel reservation – check.  Meals – check. Puppy playtime in the snow – check. Short journal - maybe, maybe not.

We decided to stay another night in The Dalles.  We have a good room and had plotted out a loop that made it easy for us to just sit tight tonight. 

We left after sleeping late, relaxing and reading for a while then eating breakfast in the motel restaurant.  Charles had read about the historic Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood and so we decided it would be the destination of the day.  It is a ski lodge built in 1936-37 by the WPA in just 15 months near the top of Oregon’s tallest mountain, Mt Hood.  It was built entirely by hand out of massive timbers and rocks found in the surrounding wilderness.  It is a National Historic Landmark and just walking up to it from the parking lot you realize it’s a special structure. 

There was still plenty of snow on Mt Hood as we found out when we took a nice paved road out of Dufur a small town east of Mt Hood.  Just about a mile and half from the main highway to Mt Hood we began to see snow.  The only problem was that the snow was also in the edge of the road and as we continued we could see this road had not been plowed after the last snow. A few more curves and there was deep snow over the entire road.  So we pulled over and while Charles studied our options I took the pups out for snow playtime.  It ended up costing us quite a few miles. 

The last couple of miles up to the lodge were like driving down a tunnel of snow.  Around the last curve and there was a parking lot (actually several parking lots) full of skiers and snowboarders and the lifts were running.  We parked and headed up toward the lodge… Wow! What a sight.  The snow was up to the second story and once inside it was an eerie feeling walking around the first floor with some massive windows and the entire view obstructed by snow.  The dining room was on the second floor so we headed upstairs.  They served a buffet until 2:00 and it was almost 1:30 so we decided to eat and then explore the lodge.  The meal was delicious with a beautiful view from our window.  After lunch we explored the lodge and read about its history and the construction process.  Once outside again we walked over near one of the ski runs and watched for a short time. 

Then it was off to our next destination of the Columbia River Scenic Highway 30.  It is the only remaining section of an historic road.  Most of it was replaced by I-84.  Although only 24 miles long it is also home to something like 11 waterfalls, a few of which are unbelievable.  The most popular fall is Multnomah Falls.  Fed by an underground spring, the upper fall is 542 feet which moves on to the lower falls of 69 feet.  It is the tallest fall in Oregon and said to be the second tallest fall in the US.  When we arrived there was a large film crew packing up and Charles found out they were there filming a promo for Wheel of Fortune. 

It was the nicest weather we have had when we were visiting the falls.  The last two times we stopped it was raining and trying to photograph was a challenge.  Today, it was perfect weather and the only moisture came from the spray generated at the bottom of this huge fall.  It’s a popular photography spot and we stayed a while waiting for the light to improve and visiting with a few other photographers before heading out.

Just a few miles down the road we crossed over the Columbia River at Cascade Locks and took Washington Highway 14 back to The Dalles and our room for the night.  After two hearty meals today we opted for a light picnic supper in the room.

It was another beautiful day on the road.  We are well and hope that y’all are too.

Peace, Hope & Love,

Donna, Charles, Paris & Dodger