View of Bend, Oregon from Pilot Butte
It was CCCCold up there!!!

The Columbia River Gorge

We sadly left John, Lila, Marina and Inga at Eagle Crest Resort yesterday. We all had such a great time together, I think we've found our permanent travelling budies!!

On Tuesday, we went to Pilot Butte for a hike up the hill. It was windy and so cold, but we all made it to the top. Including the winer child, Yvonne, who seem to know just how to get a ride on Uncle John's shoulders. The view from the top was well worth it. We could see 360 degrees. Unfortunately, the clouds hid a bit of the majestic snow-capped Sisters mountains, but we got a great view of the eastern mountains. All of the mountains here are volcanic and are cone shaped. Can you imagine being in this area 20 Million years ago! In the last few days, we've travelled over and around many of the volcanic mountains that are part of the Pacific Ocean's "Ring of Fire". It's been a beautiful drive.

Yesterday, we drove straight north out of Bend until we hit the Columbia River, then west into Portland. We've always wanted to drive along the Columbia River and are very glad we went this route. It is so pretty. We will have to return one day to explore it.

We are currently in Centralia, WA and will be in Bellingham today to visit Ron and Marg Haling for a deep-fried turkey feast before waddling across the border tomorrow.