Traveling East-Everett to Pendleton, Oregon

Some scenes from along the road from Everett, Washington to Pendleton, Oregon:

Have wood carvings will travel…with a smile on their faces as we passed, it seemed as if the driver and his companion were having a good time going down the road with smiles on their faces.  Maybe they realized what an attraction their cargo was?  No doubt we were not the only ones noticing their whimsical and eclectic companions! 

As we traversed Snoqualmie Summit, it seemed as though touches of fall had preceded our arrival with the first hints of red foliage appearing in spots along the ridges running on either side of I-90.  Empty lift chairs await the arrival of snow we purposely want to avoid.  Road construction is underway for miles here next to Keechelus Lake-a reservoir for Seattle’s drinking water that is alarmingly low.

Here we played musical chairs with an RV pulling a boat that was named “I’m Seasick Too” alternating back and forth between who was in first versus who was in second position going through the construction and over the pass.  The boat was taller than the RV on its trailer!

It is apple harvest time in eastern Washington.  Near Yakima we passed trucks hauling boxes of them.  Along the roadside we saw boxes ready for transport.  Grapevines are nearing their harvest as well with lush green vines in long rows growing in fields we passed.  Here where the largest production of hops (used for making beer) are grown, we saw the hops growing up inverted “V” shaped supports and then empty frames where they have already been harvested.

We crossed the Columbia River and ended our day in Pendleton, Oregon.  We arrived one week before the rodeo and will leave in the morning long before the Pendleton Wool Blanket factory opens for tours.  Alas, our timing is poor, but maybe next year…

From along the road at Wild Horse Casino RV Park,

Chris, Jim and Snoopy

Pausing in Portland OR

Portland is a nice place to hesitate in our travels.  Yes, it is a big city.  There is evidence of lots of new buildings and high-rise residences along the river with rapid transit and even a gondola crossing I-5 to the waterfront from the ridge above the highway.  The developing waterfront is attractive and peaks our curiosity. 

 We are “camping” on an island adjacent to the Columbia River.  From here we can hear the sound of boats, trains, planes and the Interstate (I-5) but at the same time we are in a place that is park-like in this RV space we occupy surrounded by trees, grass and friendly neighbors.  Snoopy has the pleasure of watching a black cat, a gray squirrel and a variety of birds including what a humming bird feeder attracts.  The weather was cool enough last night to sleep with the windows open and this morning we are still enjoying the light breeze and fresh air as the city wakes.

Last night we sat with neighbors who lived on a nearby houseboat on the river until three months ago.  Selling it because the property taxes got too high, they have now joined the RVing world in a camper and plan to travel north like us for a month and then head south for the winter.  We laughed and shared road stories and advice as they anxiously face the future reassuring them traveling and camping is an interesting and rewarding lifestyle.

We will stay one more night here having spent most of our time in the RV working.  Then it is on the road to Seattle.  But today we will take a break to go see Multnomah Falls.  According to Native American lore, Multnomah Falls was created to win the heart of a young princess who wanted a hidden place to bathe.  Jim has photographed this bridge in the past and seeing the framed photo has intrigued me with a desire to see them since I have known him.  Today I will see these Falls in person!  I will share that story with you later today.