Leaving the fire lookout
Departing from the fire lookout we embarked on our longest drive of the trip. We stopped at Liquid Planet in Missoula to fuel our bodies for the journey. Great coffee, good breakfast burrito that could have been phenomenal had they put a bit more filling inside...too much burrito. Just as we passed through the Idaho Pan Handle we stopped at a quiet freeway exit for a short hike with dogs and a quick swim in the small river to refresh ourselves before, what I expected would be a hot sunny drive. Unfortunately we also hit the worst weather of the trip on this stretch. Our next night was intended to be camping in Mt. Hood National Forest but was instead spent in Hood River, OR, where I wanted to make my traditional stops at the Waterfront Park to watch the kite/wind surfers followed by the pilgrimage to the Full Sail Brewery Patio. Unfortunately we hit an unseasonably strong cold front just out of Spokane, WA that gave us extremely gusty winds, and a major headwind all the way through the Scablands and the Colombia Gorge. Temps at Mt Hood were hovering in low 40s and it was raining. We didn't get to Hood River until dark and we just moteled it that night. The next day was another long push to meet some friends for lunch in Bend, OR then on to Mt. Shasta to meet and camp with another couple headed to the same wedding.
Hiking in Mt. Hood NF the next morning. (my connection is rocking so I'm starting to load bigger photos)
Stopped to make coffee at White River crossing on Mt. Hood.
Klamath Lake from a quick stop we made to stretch lefs near Klamath Falls, OR
I've been to Mt. Shasta before but only for climbing/skiing in spring when there is still a ton of snow. This time the road, Everrett Memorial Highway, was open all the way and we camped at the campground near the end of the road. Quite the experience with many of the folks there basking in all the spiritual glory that is associated with Shasta. Look it up some time if you are curious about that kind of thing.
Quick hike at the Old Ski Bowl before hitting the road for Sonoma for wedding festivities. Was getting warm for the dogs, you can spot them lounging in the shade.
At this point we had done a lot more driving, considering days on the road, than I like but it was all about taking the opportunity to hang out in some cool places with friends AND getting to my buddies wedding to see more friends, all while using only a few days of vacation we had available.
We spend the next few days/nights in Sonoma area with many of my old friends. Buddy getting married was one of those people who really keeps in touch with people so it was a great time.
Departing from the fire lookout we embarked on our longest drive of the trip. We stopped at Liquid Planet in Missoula to fuel our bodies for the journey. Great coffee, good breakfast burrito that could have been phenomenal had they put a bit more filling inside...too much burrito. Just as we passed through the Idaho Pan Handle we stopped at a quiet freeway exit for a short hike with dogs and a quick swim in the small river to refresh ourselves before, what I expected would be a hot sunny drive. Unfortunately we also hit the worst weather of the trip on this stretch. Our next night was intended to be camping in Mt. Hood National Forest but was instead spent in Hood River, OR, where I wanted to make my traditional stops at the Waterfront Park to watch the kite/wind surfers followed by the pilgrimage to the Full Sail Brewery Patio. Unfortunately we hit an unseasonably strong cold front just out of Spokane, WA that gave us extremely gusty winds, and a major headwind all the way through the Scablands and the Colombia Gorge. Temps at Mt Hood were hovering in low 40s and it was raining. We didn't get to Hood River until dark and we just moteled it that night. The next day was another long push to meet some friends for lunch in Bend, OR then on to Mt. Shasta to meet and camp with another couple headed to the same wedding.
Hiking in Mt. Hood NF the next morning. (my connection is rocking so I'm starting to load bigger photos)
Stopped to make coffee at White River crossing on Mt. Hood.
Klamath Lake from a quick stop we made to stretch lefs near Klamath Falls, OR
I've been to Mt. Shasta before but only for climbing/skiing in spring when there is still a ton of snow. This time the road, Everrett Memorial Highway, was open all the way and we camped at the campground near the end of the road. Quite the experience with many of the folks there basking in all the spiritual glory that is associated with Shasta. Look it up some time if you are curious about that kind of thing.
Quick hike at the Old Ski Bowl before hitting the road for Sonoma for wedding festivities. Was getting warm for the dogs, you can spot them lounging in the shade.
At this point we had done a lot more driving, considering days on the road, than I like but it was all about taking the opportunity to hang out in some cool places with friends AND getting to my buddies wedding to see more friends, all while using only a few days of vacation we had available.
We spend the next few days/nights in Sonoma area with many of my old friends. Buddy getting married was one of those people who really keeps in touch with people so it was a great time.