During the day before I met Rebecca, I went east on the OR side of the Columbia River Scenic Area. In years past, I have always had a MH and sometimes a tow car, but I have almost always driven Historic Hwy #30 as opposed to I-84. I can’t believe I did that, and actually I don’t recommend it with an RV. It is extremely narrow in some spots. Obviously it can be done as buses take people that route but it is intimidating unless you are a really, really confident driver. The scenery is magnificent with lots of stops for falls, Wahkeena, Bridal Veil, Horsetail, and Multnomah, among others. Hiking and photo opportunities abound.
It is hard to see very much of the river from either side as trees have grown up and river sights are pretty much limited to parks or hwy pull offs. I crossed back over the Bridge of the Gods heading west to meet Rebecca and checked out Beacon Rock, prominently mentioned in Lewis and Clark’s journals. Lots of history on both sides, and during the right time, you’ll see lots of water activities.
Afte
r leaving Becca Friday night, I drove through Portland (less traffic late at night) and slept a few hours in the rest area south of town. Bright and early I was enjoying the sun-swept scenery along I-5. As Interstates are not my favorite running grounds, I turned east/southeast on #20 at Albany. Never drove that road before. What a beautiful morning for a first time. It took me past a lovely little covered bridge near Cascadia and into the mountains a
t Santiam Pass and beyond to Sisters and Bend where I hit #97 which I have traveled many times.
Somewhere i
n a little town I saw a grocery store proclaiming rabbit for $3 a pound. I passed a place called “The Original Breakfast” place and wondered what was served for an “original” breakfast. Everything I cook is original but that is not necessarily a good thing. I waved at two guys standing in front of a car dealership. Their eyes followed the Astro for a long time no doubt wondering who in the heck was waving at them!! I was feeling really high, and then realized it was probably McDonald’s caffeine. God Bless until next time.
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At 45, Widow Minshall began 20 years of solo full-time RVing throughout Alaska, Mexico, and Canada. Sharlene canoed the Yukon, mushed sled dogs, worked a dude ranch, visited Hudson Bay polar bears, and lived six months on a Mexican beach. She lectured at Life on Wheels, published six RV-related books and wrote a novel, “Winter in the Wilderness.”
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