With temps dipping into the low 20's, and the trailer sucking down propane like Papasequoia on a good IPA, we made the decision to move towards the coast. For those with ADD, I'll cut to the chase- it was worth it...
Now, on to the story... We tried crossing over through Sisters, but there was a whiteout in the pass. We boondocked in the forest that night and awoke to snow. That made our decision easier- head north and then west through the Columbia River Gorge. But, we couldn't pass up a hike in Smith Rock SP.
The trip through the Gorge was spectacular. It felt like some of the areas of the Alaskan Inside Passage. And the transition from high desert to temperate rain forest was cool to see. I'd love to tell you about Hood River because it looked like an awesome adventure/crafts brew town. However, all the camping options were closed for the season. Enjoyed the drive, though.
We continued west, actually breezing easily through Portlandia, and into the Coastal Mountains. And it rained for 3 straight days causing Seasonal Affective Disorder amongst the people.
But then the sun would show itself and life would be good.
Which leads us back to the beginning of this segment. A 100 mile round trip for one fish? * yeah! That salmon weighed more than all the trout I've caught this year combined. Broke off on another, which leads me with zero salmon flies. Heading towards Portland today to stock up while Tami has tea with a girlfriend who lives in Lake Oswego.
And the adventure continues.