It’s been pretty quiet since our last post, so it will be just a quick update today. We left the Gorge and headed south just west of Mount Hood. Climbing over the pass we encountered driving snow and were reminded of the winter we left behind.
Our major milestone for the day was crossing the 45th parallel. We are now closer to the Equator than to the North Pole!
We stopped at another Forest Service campsite at Haystack Reservoir near Madras, Oregon. We continue to be very impressed with the USFS campsites and this one was beautifully maintained and offered our best view yet.
It was our coldest morning since we left with quite a lot of frost when we awoke but warmed quickly in bright sunshine. We had a lazy morning checking out the campsite and watching people fish. The most exciting moment was when a cow wandered through the campsite; luckily, Chester was blissfully unaware.
We decided to take a scenic route today but soon learned that when they say a road is closed for winter they mean it. After a 30 kilometer detour we were back on the highway and headed to Cougar Reservoir. We stayed at the Sunnyside campground where we enjoyed a quiet evening before being chased inside early by showers.
The next day was apparently a double “bucket list” day for Kristel.
We got up early and headed to Terwilliger Hot Springs. These natural hot springs at the end of a very pleasant 1 kilometer hike are only minimally developed and were the first hot springs for Kristel that were not contained in a concrete pool. It was a gorgeous view and a great way to start a cool drizzly morning!
The other first was crossing a covered bridge, Goodpasture Bridge near Vida.
We ended the day in Florence and are at last on the coast and looking forward to some new scenery and better weather forecasts.
On a sober note, we have also been finding ourselves feeling very grateful today. We have now twice encountered people who were traveling the country, looking to relocate in hopes of finding jobs that had disappeared in their home states. It reminded us of how lucky we are to enjoy the strong economy at home and be able to take on this adventure and still have jobs and a home to return to.
That campsite view is stunning and the covered bridge is somehow romantic. Love the picts and update. Ease up on the boxed wine Kristel!!
xo
Ah yes, you know you have entered into a new reality when wine comes in a box! 🙂
I was going to point out that we started out with a beer (beside me on the bench) but I’m not sure that helps my case
Nice photos . Hope you guys are having a great time. Dave, are those golf clubs I see just by the picnic table? Hope you get in some golfing on your adventure. And cure your slice.
Clayton
Hey Guys,
Yes a sobering reality and more than jobs & a home – Friends & Family to return to. I also wonder if throughout this year we (us through you) will find that home & work can be adaptable & flexible concepts? Or if work is so much a part of us here in North America that we really do lose more than income when we lose a job.
I know much too deep – I have to admit I am a bit surprised by the firsts & I look forward to hearing about more!
Hugs:)