Choo Choo Cha Boogie

and you know what the choo choo means...many trains passed by our campsite in the night, but hopefully we'll get used to them and get some more sleep & they blow their whistles right at our spot! I didn't know there were that many trains running. So we're up really early and KK's cookin' breakie while I write Dottie some notes on the trip & secure our campsite in Astoria for sunday. Then we load up the bikes and head east for Hood River & some of the trail that I missed. Into town & get gas (3.99) and on to Wally, where I get out and ride east on old Rt 30-the original scenic road from Portland up the river, built in 1912-22. some of it is still in use & some is for biking & walking only. I see & chat with a lot of bikers & ranger "Rick" too, while pedaling easterly toward Rowena. It's pretty hilly & gettin' hot..up to 100 today! I make it to Rowena Crest, about 1100' & a beautiful view of the gorge, river & the twistie road down to the town. a few pics and back toward Hood River & lunch at the "Char Burger"--it was great! and especially the condiment bar, where I loaded up my burger! and 3 glasses of tea. Then a first for me: I had to go out onto I-84 (that's INTERSTATE!) for 11 miles-the only rt available-and it's all downhill to Wyeth. Exit here and on to Cascade Locks, with a climb or two, but a two-mile downhill! back to the KOA by 4:00 & hit the pool..ahhhhhh. Then we head out for Historic Columbia River Rt 30 & a water fall tour! What an unbelievable road and so many waterfalls! we went to 5 and the most famous is "Multnomah"..a 620' drop & quite spectular. we liked "Horsetail" the best, but the others: Wahkeena, Bridal Veil & Oneonta were all FAB! Hope the pics do them justice. It was a 1 mile hike to Bridal, but worth every step. What a way to end the day! back to camp for supper-spaghetti, peas, bread & wine. Write in the journal, wash dishes, shower & post the blog..now it's 11:10. 52 miles and 3600' today..KK didn't ride, but had some "quality" pool time & reading & found two flamingos that needed a home. (sidebar-L&C were all over this river, both going to the Pacific in '05 & returning in '06, and a lot of campsites are along the shores.)