Northbound adventure began about 10AM today. For a holiday, traffic was fairly light. We opted not to stop along the way to our destination as we didn’t know what traffic ahead would be like. I also wanted to be in for the night before folks began heading home from their BBQs and picnics. The temperature in Idaho Falls this morning was a balmy 45 degrees. Not exactly what we’d call summer weather, but it did warm up rather quickly. (When I checked about 6AM it was 38 degrees with a 4 degree windchill.)
Through northern Idaho and the northeast corner of Oregon and on into Washington. Watching the topography change was a treat. The flat, vast farmland of Idaho into the rolling hills and Blue Mountains of Oregon. Two 6% grade descents today – the last overlooking gorgeous views of the farms and grain fields in the valley below. I enjoyed the view, at least. The passenger is not really keen on heights, especially when wending around mountain passes.
“Bessie,”as I have named her, hit 50,000 miles just over the Oregon border. Fun to think that I have helped put about 14,000 of those miles on her, and it will be closer to 16,500 by the time we complete this journey.
We crossed the 45th parallel today – halfway between the equator and north pole. Unfortunately no picture opportunity as we crossed it, just a sign on the side of the road as you drove by.
We checked into the hotel at 3PM, settled into the room, and then decided to see what fun we could find in the Columbia River Valley area of Washington. Hello, wineries! We managed to find one open, about 3 miles from the hotel.We had a very enjoyable tasting at J. Bookwalter Winery, and then stayed for happy hour at the restaurant. A perfect little meal at the end of the day. We are hoping to see fireworks from our room window when the sun sets.
We managed to get our red, white and blue in today (red wine, white wine and Blue Mountains!)
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Wishing everyone a very happy 4th of July!
Posted by andreapw | Filed under Blue Mountains, Columbia River Valey Wineries, Columbia River Valley, Idaho, Idaho Falls, J Bookwalter Winery, Oregon, Washington, wheat, wine, Wine Tasting