Beachin'

Just west of the marina was a pretty little park and small rocky beach, where the dogs could run free and play in the water.  We spent two afternoons there.  The doggies took full advantage!  Full bore!!  Splish splash!!!

 I'd say Hayes has gotten the hang of this water playtime!

Time to shake it off and go home...

Umatilla, Oregon

So remember that pretty, lush, green, heavily forested photo of the 84 freeway through the Gorge?  Well, as you get farther east, that transitions and goes away, getting drier and browner as you go...

 A float plane flies the river route.

 Two prominent gorge players - a train and a dam!

 And one more - a barge. 

And our next home - Umatilla.  We stayed at the Umatilla Marina RV Park, which surprised the heck out of Bill (I had seen the website and read the reviews), because it was so pretty and green - the town of Umatilla was not.  As you can hopefully see from this photo, we had one of the best sites - at the edge of the park, overlooking the marina!  It was such a nice site, we stayed there two nights.  Not much to Umatilla, so other than a quick drive through town, we never left the campground!

 We took advantage of the park-like setting, hanging outside with the kids...

 Scratty, nature girl.

 Hayes and Scratty on the dash, enjoying the view.

An afternoon scene.

Returning to the Gorge

On Memorial Day, we moved over to Fairview, sort of a satellite city of Portland and just west of the Columbia River Gorge.  We stayed at the Portland Fairview RV Park.  It had some pretty landscaping but was kind of pricey, and from the reviews, I wasn't too sure.  It was also quite hot while we were there.  So this ended up being just a 2-night stop, mostly to give Bill the chance to see more of the Gorge than just driving the RV through it!

 Usually, on moving days, Scratty hides out behind our computers, under our desk (now that the couch is gone...).  But today, she surprised us all by staying out.  Here she is peeking out from under Bill's seat...

 to be promptly greeted by Hayes!

She finds a comfy place and settles in.

 When it cooled off that first evening, we drove out to Crown Point Vista House.  But first along the route was the Portland Women's Forum State Scenic Viewpoint (what a mouthful!  wonder how they came up with name?!), which looked out onto Crown Point.  Tracky wants a good view so climbs up on the rock sign...

 Not to be left out of the fun, Zouey follows! 

 Crown Point Vista House and the Gorge. 

 And then, at the Vista House.

Looking west, into the sunset.

 Looking east, into the Gorge.

 The Vista House was pretty crowded that night, so we ended up stopping on our drive the next day.

 Inside the Vista House.

The view east again.

 It's a neat old building.

 And west view.

 The famous Multnomah Falls.  Was very hot mid-day and VERY crowded!!!  So this was just a quick hit photo!

 And on one of the afternoons, I drove out to Trillium Lake, but alas, I got there too late for good photos, and the sunset didn't feel like cooperating either...  But here is a shot that at least shows you the cool-looking snow on the top of Mt. Hood!