Road Trip to the Pacific Northwest

After a week long visit with family in Spokane and an expensive new clutch in the car we set off for a few days in Portland and Cannon Beach on the Oregon coast.

• A long but interesting drive from Spokane to Portland via I-90 to Ellensburg, south to Yakima then, US97 down to Goldendale and the Columbia River. We cross the river to I-84 on the Oregon side at Rufus.
• Just when I was wondering what was growing in the field ahead a sign said that for the next 14 miles crops would be identified in the fence lines. In those few miles east of Moses Lake we saw alfalfa, timothy, wheat, sweet corn, peas, potatoes and peppermint.
• Driving down the Columbia we realize what a major transportation route we’re following. Large barges of grain head downriver. Trains haul freight across the country along railroad tracks on both sides of the river. Car and truck traffic hums along I-84; on the Washington side a scenic two-lane highway threads down the gorge.
• A late lunch at the Windseeker Restaurant in The Dallas, Oregon. Off the beaten path, the Windseeker sits amidst beautiful gardens above the Columbia River. Seafood chowder and halibut sandwiches fuel our afternoon adventures.
• The Columbia River Gorge is a must-do American road trip. The geography changes from high dessert and lava fields to thundering waterfalls and towering forests, all with views of Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams and Mt. St. Helens.
• A quick check-in and bag drop at the Staybridge Suites-Portland Airport.
• Afternoon treat of a triple-berry smoothie and late night halibut sandwich at Burgerville in Woodland, Washington.
• Visit to the museum and gallery at the Lelooska Cultural Center in Ariel, Washington plus the privilege of attending an evening living history program. The Lelooska family shares the traditional masks, stories, songs and dances of the Sewide lineage of the Kwakwaka’wakw. The evening in the cedar ceremonial house  lit with flickering firelight never ceases to educate, entertain and inspire.