Day 5, 6 & 7 - Spokane to Oregon Coast

After a nice dip in the indoor pool & hot tub at the campsite (yes, a pool!) and some laundry (yes, already!), we headed towards the coast along the Columbia River Gorge.  We are trying to travel during Jack’s nap time…starting around 11:30.  He seems only to sleep for about an hour and that’s it.  The rest of the time I spend trying to entertain him.  We point out trucks for about an hour and the rest is playing waitress…do not be surprised if Jack finishes this trip as a big chub chub.  The only thing that keeps him happy is to eat constantly!  The motorhome is a good vehicle for this!  I have only cut myself once…pretty good considering the grapes run off the counter with every bump in the road.

 The only problem with not having an itinerary is that we don’t know when the campgrounds are…today we past one thinking we will stop in about an hour…well, the next campground was about 3 hours away.  Jack was not happy.  But, the Columbia River Gorge road is beautiful…the river itself is the border between Washington and Oregon.  We took the Washington side (the old highway) and the interstate is on the other side.  So it was a windy road high above the river.  Traveling along volcanic rock…no trees in sight!  Lots of wineries along the way as well.  Camped along the river at a state campground  - very peaceful.

 We started Wednesday with a hike around the huge volcanic rocks to  an area with Native American hieroglyphics.  Very cool.  Jack ran around in the park and played peek-a-boo from behind the trees.  Traveled along the Gorge again today on our way to Mount St. Helens.  Passed by Mt. Hood…huge volcano near the Gorge…very cool looking as it appears to be all by itself…a perfect triangle poking its head to the sky.  The Columbia river in this area is famous for the best windsurfing in North America.  Too bad we didn’t have our board with us!!  But I guess that one needs to master staying on the board for it to matter!  So, I guess it was too bad for John!  They also kitesurf here which sounds very cool too. Camped up by Mt. St. Helen for the night.

Went to the interpretive center for Mt. St. Helens yesterday morning.  Learned a lot.   All I remember is a bit of haze in the air that day in 1980 but so many people’s lives were and still are impacted by the blow.  Now these people that lived in such a tranquil spot have to deal with tourists and all the wonderful tourist traps that go with them!  T-shirt anyone??  Jack didn’t want to go in the lodge to learn about the volcano…he was happy in the parking lot pointing out trucks going by.  He’s at he stage where he lies in the middle of the road if he doesn’t want to go anywhere!  It is hard not to laugh.

 The rest of the day was spent traveling to the coast.  We have finally made it the famous Oregon coast.  Staying at Cannon Beach for a few days.  The forecast is for rain.  Big surprise…the west coast in the spring…but hopefully it won’t dampen our spirits too much.  The daffodils and tulips are out to brighten things up.

 Campground wi-fi is sketchy at best.  I think I was spoiled for the first while.  It is more and more difficult to get internet access but I will do my best.

That’s all for now.