This week's Sunday Drive from our home in Vancouver Washington took us up the famous Columbia River gorge. We had been leaning strongly for another drive to the Coast however, with rain showers upon us, we felt we'd have drier and sunnier weather by heading East -- boy we were right!!!

This day we decided to take most of the Drive on the Oregon side of the River on Interstate 84. Our first stop for shopping and lunch was in Hood River, Oregon. The Old Downtown has many fun shops (Antiques, Jewelry, Art, Windsurfing, Fly-Fishing, White-Water sports, Cycling, Up-scale Clothing, etc.) and many nice restaurants and cafes.

With the summer weather, and almost ever-present wind at this location, the Hood River / Bingen - White Salmon, WA area has become a Mecca for Windsurfers and Kite-Boarders. Today we saw many colorful sails and kites as the participants in these sports gave us a free show.

After completing lunch, our final destination was at the Maryhill Museum and the Maryhill Arts Festival being held that weekend. Since we were on the Oregon side of the river, and the Museum was on the Washington side, we chose to cross the River at the US-197 Bridge at The Dalles. This particular crossing takes the traveler quite close to the down-stream side of The Dalles Dam showing the major spill-ways, with four or five in operation this day.

Upon arrival at the museum, which is just short of milepost 99 on SR-14, we parked and enjoyed the pleasant summer breeze blowing through the grounds of this oasis in the semi-arid part of eastern Washington. The artisans and musicians provided for a very peaceful and rejuvenating afternoon; and have us penciling in the event for a Sunday Drive in August next year!

Returning we decided to cross the rickety US-97 bridge at Biggs, and get back on I-84. This bridge is slated to close at the end of the Summer 2007 travel season, with repair work to start in 2008. If you have future travel plans, make sure you check on the status of this bridge prior to including this crossing as a part of your route.



Hoping you have many Safe and Pleasant Travels!!!

Kathryn Alexander & John Slocum, Alexander ∞ Slocum Real Estate Team

Route Options from the Portland / Vancouver metro area:
Interstate 84 on the Oregon side;
SR-14 on the Washington side;

Distances (approximate) to Maryhill Museum:
Portland (PDX), OR = 105
Vancouver, WA = 112

Google Map from PDX to Maryhill Museum (you may replace "PDX" for your origination address to customize your own route map!).

This Article is a courtesy of John Slocum and Kathryn Alexander, Vancouver Washington Homes and Real Estate, and RE/MAX equity group, inc.

Contact Kathryn Alexander and John Slocum, Alexander ~ Slocum Team Realtors®, RE/MAX equity group, inc. Licensed Real Estate Agents and Realtors® in the State of Washington at 888-525-5528 ext 81 to list your property for sale or, to purchase a property in Vancouver, Camas - Washougal, Felida, Salmon Creek and the rest of Clark County Washington.  We're your referable RE/MAX Realtors® in Vancouver Washington!

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