Oregon 2018. Cascade Locks

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Oregon 2018 Cascade Locks.
The Dalles Hotel was nice and the meal at Baldwin’s Saloon, although expensive compared to previous establishments, was good too. As we ate we saw a goods train go past with approximately 130 carriages on, which could equate to 3000 tonnes -serious stuff.
Away at 8am into brilliant sunshine again in 12 degrees of heat taking the cycle way heading west along the river for 6 miles or so. This was the perfect time to travel west as the sun was on the hills across the Columbia creating the most amazing shadows. The cycle track was in very good condition with sweeping bends and smooth tarmac passing the International Garden (which was just in front of a tarmacadam plant which you will all have been pleased to see, of course). It ended at the Discovery Centre, which had not yet opened when we passed, and then took a minor road to Mosier. We made quite a climb throughout lots of hairpins at 5% to the Rowena Lookout Point and then descended into Mosier for a dose of drip coffee and a deep fried chicken piece with ranch sauce. Then followed a cycle way again at an agreeable 5% all the way to Hood River City. Another coffe and breakfast sandwich of egg (easy over) and bacon. A climb out of town and then we had to join the lovely Highway 30 for 10 miles listening to heavy traffic thundering by. Pulling off at the xxxx turn we again took to the hills, which were alive with music (of grunting and heavy breathing). The viewpoint at the foot was not really worth visiting. A minor road, alongside and over the highway, took us to Cascade Locks to our Motel which was a set of cabins. A bit of sharing and we all got settled in. The washing went out on the lawn just to make people think the gypsies had arrived. Dinner at sunset at the Bridgeside Hotel. Great day of splendid views.

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