MILE 742

Day 1 started uneventfully, just another drive to Portland. But as soon as we were east of Gresham and into the gorge, we knew it had begun. The topography made its expected change right around The Dalles. Distracted by the onions and toxic waste, we made a wrong turn at Umatilla, causing us to miss seeing Walla Walla, but leading us on to a beautiful road heading east to Clarkston/Lewiston. Vanilla and chocolate swirling across the rounded hills.













A modest little brewery in Waitsburg was discovered. A delightful oasis in a dry landscape.













Tempting to stay around, but looking forward to exploring Lewiston and campground that has received good reviews.

Personally, I think reviewers were clinically deaf.
The river was beautiful and the other campers were considerate and self-enclosed. The other side of the river sported a busily traveled highway against a rock wall, bouncing the roar of the road back across the river to us, thus creating, literally, a "wall of sound."
Morning arrived with a thick cup of french-pressed. A game of scrabble followed. I have been told that it is acceptable to include the fact that Brian got all the good letters. But, I don't think I will.














Day 2 found us heading up Hwy 12 out of Lewiston along the Lewis and Clark trail (also known
as the Nez Perce trail). Many beautiful historical references along the way, especially the Canoe Camp where Lewis and Clark learned how to make canoes, and so began the rest of their trip by water. This had also been used by earlier Indians as a home site with pit houses.













After road construction delays we start a hunt for Big Sky Brewing company in Missoula. After almost an hour of trying to snag internet access from unsuspecting cafes, we checked into a motel, accessed, and headed for dinner and sampling. Found our brewing company, but....Oops! Tasting only, no food. Also, no charge! Local tip leads us to the Dinosaur Cafe, serendipitously sitting right next to the cafe who's internet we had been trying to access earlier. I think we owe them coffee in the morning.