Day 2 - Preparation and Sightseeing

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This morning began with a leisurely awakening at 6 am and coffee from the French press. We dressed and visited “The Original Pancake House” for breakfast. Now, you might say, that’s no big deal, but this is THE original, from which all other locations sprouted and was featured last week on the Food Network. It made for a lovely start to the day.

Patty and Karen spent the next two hours buying provisions for the trip - groceries and supplies. Bill and David learned how to use all the functions on the motor home and how to hook-up the tow vehicle we affectionately call “kiddie car”.

After packing, prepping and getting checked off my sister, came to get us for a fun filled afternoon. She took us all to see the scenic Multnomah Falls where Patty discovered the snow melt water is indeed MUCH colder than the Nantahalah River in the Smokies.

After a Patty, Bill and David enjoyed a shoprt hike to the bridge at the falls and the obligatory pictures, we continued down the beautiful Columbia River Gorge to Hood River. This small community sits in the foothills of the majestic Mt. Hood. Within sight of both Mt. Adams and Mt. Hood, we took the “Fruit Loop” tour around the foothills. This is a picturesque drive through bountiful orchards and vineyards which supply most of Orgeon’s best wines and much of the rest of the country’s fruit crops. Many Americans think of Washington State as the biggest apple grower, but the state of Oregon and Hood River in particular produce more apples and pears than its neighbor to the north. We purchased an assortment of fruit including the best cherries EVER and returned to the car for a white knuckle drive up to Timberline Lodge just above the treeline on Mt. Hood.

Around every bend as we ascended the mountain, Mt. Hood’s still snow covered peak grew larger and larger. The road ends at the parking facility for the lodge and ski lifts. Mt. Hood is home to year round skiers and snowboarders. Several Olympic hopefuls have logged hours on its snowcapped glacier. Snow, several feet thick, still surrounded the lodge and parking area. It was quite an odd experience to be standing in snow, the end of June, in shorts and flip flops. Patty kept saying “This just isn’t right!”. After a tour of the lodge with it’s spectacular handcrafted features throughout, we headed back down the mountain.

Now on a time schedule, we beat feet to be back in Portland for a confirmed dinner reservation - 6 pm sharp (that’s for you Mom!). This nice dinner out was the celebration of Karen and David’s 24th wedding anniversary. Then home to bed for an early start the next morning. - Karen

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Photos

OPH
Patty and Bill at the \"Original Pancake House\".

Multnomah Falls
David, Karen, Patty and Bill at Multnomah Falls in the Columbia River Gorge.

Mt. Hood
The travelers on Mt. Hood, elev. 10,853 ft.