Columbia Gorge

It would be difficult for me to guess how many times I have traveled between Idaho and Oregon (and back again over the years), but suffice to say that in spite of the beauty and variety of scenery you encounter, the drive has become somewhat tedious for me.  Since my children and grandchild still live in Idaho, and I really don't wish to make my home there again, I decided that I would have to do what I could to change my route in order to create some interest and enthusiasm for the trip.  One alternative is to take Highway 14 on the Washington side of the Columbia Gorge, rather than I-84 on the Oregon side.  It is a two-lane highway, with some twists and turns, and drivers have to be ready to spend some time following trucks making their way (very slowly) up some rather steep hills.  But from my perspective, the views of the Gorge and the surrounding countryside make those minor inconveniences worthwhile.

A view of the elegant, somewhat "other-worldly" windmills that dot the landscape along the Gorge.  There are literally hundreds of these beautiful structures, reaching for the sky at an impressive 41-story height.  Seattle Times article

 The  Maryhill Museum sits above the Gorge just west of the Hwy 97 intersection with W14 and I-84, and features an impressive variety of art exhibits throughout the year.  If art isn't your thing, the surrounding grounds and views of the river are worth stopping to see.

Sculpture on the Museum grounds

The Maryhill Winery is located just a mile or so west of the Museum, and also offers some spectacular views.  Though I cannot say that I have been very impressed with the quality of the wines they produce, the setting is spectacular, and they host some pretty big names in concert there in the summer months.

Outdoor seating at the Winery

concert stage below the Winery

As you continue west on Hwy 14 toward Vancouver, the scenery just gets better, passing through the Columbia Hills State Park area and a section of the Lewis & Clark Scenic Byway in the area.  There are many camping and hiking opportunities along the way.

Mt. Hood from WA Hwy 14

I've also enjoyed watching the wind surfers on the Columbia when traveling through the Gorge, and was especially pleased to get some nice close-up views of this guy showing off his skills.

As you continue west on 14 toward Vancouver, you go through several tunnels on the highway that caused me to take a deep breath.  My brother Jim (the truck driver) assures me that two of the big semis can pass each other in these very narrow spaces, but I wouldn't especially want to give it a try.

Another common sight on the Columbia.....

If you chose to cross over to the Oregon side of the Gorge before reaching Vancouver, one option is to take the Bridge of the Gods.  

Northern California

What better place to start my travel stories than the area where I grew up.  Northern California is filled with history and beauty.  My family has lived in the Redding area since the early 1950's, and while some have moved elsewhere (myself included), my mother, two brothers and two sisters live there still - which, of course, means that I visit often.  Redding is well known for extreme summer heat.  It is common to have temperatures in the 90 and 100-degree ranges in July and August.  Fortunately, the lakes and rivers are close by, and it's only a short drive to the mountains, north, east and west of the valley.

Shasta Lake and Dam are situated a short 10-minute drive north of Redding.  This particular view is from Shasta Dam Boulevard, with Mount Shasta in the background.  All you could ever want to know about Lake Shasta

Shasta Dam Boulevard south from the Dam takes you back to Redding, with a view of the valley and Mount Lassen to the East.  Mt Lassen is an active volcano, with an elevation of somewhere around 10,000 feet.  It's a pretty drive from Redding, and a nice place to go in the summer when you want to cool off.

The Sacramento River winds through Redding, offering many picturesque vantage points and a number of walking trails that provide opportunities for a closer look.

Mt. Shasta is a spectacular mountain, with an elevation of just over 14,000 feet.  It is an active volcano, and has been a recreational draw over the years for hiking, skiing, etc.  This picture was taken at a view point on I-5, just south of Dunsmuir.  Views of the mountain continue until you climb the Siskiyou Pass north of Yreka.   

I took this picture of the Trinity River on a trip from the coast down to Redding, following Highway 299.  It's a very winding, two-lane road, and you have to be prepared to take your time and accept that your progress will be slowed by logging trucks and recreationists along the way.  That's fine with me, because I want to be able to enjoy the view and stop for the occasional shot like this one to remember the day.

Burney Falls is a real treasure of Northern California.  I visited there with my Mom and niece Mallory in April, and it was so worth the hour and a half drive east from Redding.  This view point is at the top of a steep trail that leads to the base of the Falls.  There are a couple of hiking options around the area, as well as camping in the park.  Burney Falls State Park

I visited the Clear Creek Overlook with my brother Don and sister Wilma on a recent visit to Redding.  The BLM recently constructed this great space which provides a beautiful view of the Creek with shaded areas and tables.  There is a hiking trail nearby.  BLM trail info for Shasta County

 

 

Why? Beacuse it's there!

If you were to ask the origination of my love of road trips, I would have to say it is part of my genetic makeup, inherited from my Dad.  I have a curiosity about what is around the next curve in the road I’m driving down, or the next bend in the trail I’m hiking.  When I happen on an extraordinary vista for the first time, I feel like I imagine Lewis & Clark must have felt as they made their way west.  

I decided a number of years ago that I wanted to spend as much of my retirement years as possible traveling my home country - taking the back roads in order to see the towns, meet the people and enjoy the local foods.  My Sophomore high school English teacher introduced me to John Steinbeck's "Travels with Charley", which was one of the inspirations that fueled this desire.  My children will probably smile (or maybe roll their eyes) on reading this.  They were participants in many road trips with me over the years.  When they were younger, the only vacations we could afford were trips between Idaho and Oregon/California to visit family.  

At this point in my life, I have many more options open to me, and I am fortunate to live in a country where the geography is diverse and beautiful.  My plan is to see as much as possible for as long as I am able, and to share those experiences with my family and friends through the postings on this blog, and hopefully with some as my traveling companions from time to time.