When we originally planned the route for this trip, we thought we would leave Seattle to visit Mt. Saint Helens and Astoria on our way down the coast. This is what is listed on our official tour t-shirts. Once we hit the road, however, we heard from a long time friend of the family, Todd Dierker, who reminded us that he and his family live in Hood River, so we changed plans.
After several long days of traveling, we all slept in today until about ten o'clock. This was quite a feat given that, not unlike a lot of RV parks, the railroad track runs by right next door. Not only are the trains loud, blowing their horns as they go by, but they are close enough to shake our RV as they do so. The trains probably went by three or four times through the night and we still slept like babies.
After our lackluster start and breakfast, the kids played on the playground and swam in the swimming pool while I found the nearest cigar shop to replenish supplies. When I got back we unloaded the bikes and road into town, crossing the Bridge of the Gods. Jll spotted a sign for the Pacific Crest Trail, which she believes we will hike after the kids are off to college. I assume I will see that sign again sometime down the road. We stopped for ice cream at the Eastwind Drive-In. I think its funny that in such a small town, with only two ice cream shops, one can be empty and the other still has a line of folks waiting. We have learned on the road to get into the line. Eat where the locals eat.
As evening drew near, we loaded up the van to head into Hood River to see Todd and Stacey,
and their children. Their daughter, Lucy, was playing soccer so we figured we'd go watch. As we pulled into Hood River, Todd let us know they had an hour between matches and suggested we meet at Mike's Ice Cream, which we did. We discussed whether to out ourselves and fess up that we had just had ice cream a little bit earlier.
What I liked most about Mike's Ice Cream, which accepted only cash or checks, was the reminder that we are in a small town. If you don't have cash or a check on you, just take the ice cream now and send in a check later. I can't think of any shops in Denver with this policy. When I was in college, studying in Edinburgh, I could typically be found in the evenings at the Wells o' Wearie Pub with the Moray House Rugby Football Club. Patrons would typically put the amount of money they intended to spend drinking that night on the bar, and Charlie, or the other bartenders, would deduct each drink from the amount on the bar until the money was gone, at which point you new it was time to go home. There were a few nights when I forgot to pay, either as I went or at the end of the night, and had to pay later. That was a similar situation, though Charlie always knew I'd be back the next day. Mike has no such assurances. That said, tomorrow is the fourth of July, so he just may see us again.
After a quick treat, we headed back to the soccer pitch to watch Lucy and her team win the final match of the season, with PKs to finish off the tied game. We ended the day at the Full Sail Brewing Company for a celebration dinner and good conversation. We will see Todd, Stacey, and the family again tomorrow for the 4th of July, which promises an immense slip and slide for children and adults. Alastair said he'd wear his American flag swim trunks for the occasion.
- Dave
After several long days of traveling, we all slept in today until about ten o'clock. This was quite a feat given that, not unlike a lot of RV parks, the railroad track runs by right next door. Not only are the trains loud, blowing their horns as they go by, but they are close enough to shake our RV as they do so. The trains probably went by three or four times through the night and we still slept like babies.
As evening drew near, we loaded up the van to head into Hood River to see Todd and Stacey, and their children. Their daughter, Lucy, was playing soccer so we figured we'd go watch. As we pulled into Hood River, Todd let us know they had an hour between matches and suggested we meet at Mike's Ice Cream, which we did. We discussed whether to out ourselves and fess up that we had just had ice cream a little bit earlier.
What I liked most about Mike's Ice Cream, which accepted only cash or checks, was the reminder that we are in a small town. If you don't have cash or a check on you, just take the ice cream now and send in a check later. I can't think of any shops in Denver with this policy. When I was in college, studying in Edinburgh, I could typically be found in the evenings at the Wells o' Wearie Pub with the Moray House Rugby Football Club. Patrons would typically put the amount of money they intended to spend drinking that night on the bar, and Charlie, or the other bartenders, would deduct each drink from the amount on the bar until the money was gone, at which point you new it was time to go home. There were a few nights when I forgot to pay, either as I went or at the end of the night, and had to pay later. That was a similar situation, though Charlie always knew I'd be back the next day. Mike has no such assurances. That said, tomorrow is the fourth of July, so he just may see us again.
After a quick treat, we headed back to the soccer pitch to watch Lucy and her team win the final match of the season, with PKs to finish off the tied game. We ended the day at the Full Sail Brewing Company for a celebration dinner and good conversation. We will see Todd, Stacey, and the family again tomorrow for the 4th of July, which promises an immense slip and slide for children and adults. Alastair said he'd wear his American flag swim trunks for the occasion.
- Dave
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