After our stop south of Crater Lake, we drove east through the Oregon Outback (named thus by the helpful "scenic byway" signs on the only road available). More high desert: cattle country dotted with irrigated farms. It's pretty in its own way, but not a place we'd like to spend a lot of time just the same. There were even some dunes; who knew Oregon had so many? We did pass several shallow and seasonal lakes, very salty, and drove along the Malheur River for awhile. The river valley was full of small farms and secluded houses. Again, very pretty. Again, not stopping. We passed several "towns" which consisted, so far as we could tell, of depressingly singular things such as: a highway maintenance station (Alkali Lake), a billboard saying "you just missed it!" (Riley), or a closed motel (don't remember that town name). We did stop along the way for a late lunch at a classic country diner. Hilary insisted on getting the chicken fried steak, having never eaten such a delicacy before. The all-day-breakfast order consisted of the chicken-fried steak floating on and topped with white gravy, two eggs, three pancakes, and two rolls. For balance we also split a salad. We did not eat dinner later.
Wound up in Ontario, Oregon. Got ourselves a motel after the longest, by far, driving day yet (400 country road miles). It's a little sad since on our way west in 2004 we drove about 1000 miles in one day, through the pouring rain and towing a U-Haul, from Philadelphia to Milwaukee. Apparently we're getting old. Time to buy an RV and turn in the tent. The Ontario Inn we found based on billboard directions is great! The room is big and clean, there's a fridge and microwave, continental breakfast, friendly staff, and a fuzzy grey office cat who loves people. Got a bottle of wine to sip while we just sat in the bed. Nothing like a week in a tent to make you appreciate a bed.
We'll head across the river to Idaho today and take our time moving up through the forests and canyons. Map Link.
'Twas in the summer of '71. I was just a skinny kid traveling on my thumb with a Lucky Store backpack. Some ride had put me on Idaho 26, and I spent the night under a picnic table at park in Idaho Falls, while the local bikers rode their hogs around the asphalt paths.
ReplyDeleteIt was in the morning that I saw it, on an old gas-guzzler beside a camp of sleeping hippies, nylon mummy bags capped with wild hair: the Holy Grail of vanity plates - "FAR OUT".
Keep an eye out for Swan Valley if you get up 26.
sluntz@earthlink.net
Like the map...nice to see where exactly you are!
ReplyDeleteI can't get the description of the chicken fried steak out of my head...can't decide whether I am jeolous, horrified, or just fascinated by the whole concept. What did it taste like?
so no mention of the Oregon Trail, although you drove through part of it. It appears that you will also drive through some of the old trail in Idaho. If you are into history, lots to see there. And a short word of advice: those who eat too many of those chicken fried steak breakfasts end up with stents...
ReplyDeleteChicken fried steak is a bit of an abomination. However it does satisfy the fried, breaded protein covered in fat neurons, of which there are many. Suffice it to say we won't be having it again.
ReplyDeleteOregon Trail! Sometimes this trip feels like the Oregon Trail. "You have arrived in Hood River. Would you like to A) stop for supplies, B) rest at the Inn, or C) continue?"
ReplyDeleteWe have been along many places on the trail. We're not really Americana buffs, but it is neat to see some of the murals and signage. Ontario was apparently a major stop on the trail.