Fun along the Columbia River Gorge

On our days off,we try to see the area around where we are hosting.If we want to see,say Crater Lake National Park,we find a host job nearby.That is just what we did for September.We will be hosting at Collier Memorial State Park just 30 miles from Crater Lake."Its good to be King!"
Last Wednesday we visited Vista House State Park.It is about 30 miles west of us.



It was built in 1918 as a rest stop for weary travelers,and as a tribute to the Columbia highway #30 just completed in 1916.
It is an assume display of craftsmanship and exquisite materials. It looks like a small mansion instead of a highway rest stop.It houses a visitor center,a museum,a gift shop,a small snack bar and of course...Restrooms.


Of course,they aren't your average run of the mill restrooms,no they are done in Italian Marble.Jeni and I felt like Royalty using them.
The Columbia highway #30 is not the main hwy through the gorge any more,Hwy. #84 is now.But,historic Hwy. ##30 as its called today still has a lot of charm. As you head east from the Vista House,you wind through dense forest dotted along the way with fantastic waterfalls,breath taking overlooks with fabulous views of the mighty Columbia river,and small towns farms and orchards.Words don't describe the beauty of this drive.In my opinion,it is right up there with the "Nachez Trace parkway"drive from Natchez to Nashville,and alligator alley in Florida.


This is the view of the Columbia from the Vista House.Even with the low clouds,the view is superb!
If you ever get up this way,you have to take this drive.The waterfalls alone are worth it.
After a day of sightseeing,on our way home we couldn't resist stopping by the "Locks Cafe". This is where the Stern wheeler boat is docked.We love to lunch here or just pop in for coffee and a view!



As we sat outside enjoying our Java,we noticed all these sailboats racing around.We asked the waitress and she said it was the west regional collegiate sailing finals.I thing they are comprised of 2 men teams.Anyway, it kept us entertained.Ah,Sailboats,ospreys flying over head, fish jumping, and gentle breezes....I think I'll take a nap! OUCH!....Jeni just gave me one to the ribs!..."OK,"I'm awake.




When we left we decided to cross the bridge in Cascade Locks over to Washington and take Hwy.14 east along the Columbia for a perspective from the other side of the river.As we approached the Hood River Bridge(which takes us back over to the Oregon side of the river) we spotted a waterfall behind the "Old Columbia River Hotel. If we had not drove along the river on the Washington side,we wouldn't have ever noticed the waterfall.

Thursday morning we headed out again,this time to check out a nice hiking trail in the town of Mosier which is about 13 miles east of the park right off the #84. As with many of the trails here in Oregon, it has a Waterfall! Not as impressive as some, it was still ausume.

The trail started uphill so Jeni had to get her energy up to tackle it. We noticed that on the trail we would be passing a pioneer cemetery,so off we went.

The trail was lined with colorful wild flowers and amber meadows.









We made our way through the cemetery dotted with a few headstones and the trail started uphill again

Jeni loved the wild flowers and the ponderosa pines that were present here and there.It was only a mile round trip,but it was well worth it.

After the hike, we went in to Hood River for groceries and a bite of dinner before we headed to the park.

We love sightseeing,you always find somthing different to admire and gaze at.That's why we chose this lifestyle, it gives you the freedom to roam the country in search of beauty!

Tomarrow will find us back to volunteering again.Look what we have to put up with! Don't I look Stressed! I could hang out at my work all day,No Problem.








Yea, its a tough job but somebody has to do it. I'll just have to deal with it.Yea......All I need now is a "Cold One!"

See ya later on the Columbia river Gorge having fun.