Monday 11/5

Early start. I want to be at the GMC dealer in The Dalles by 7:30am. Bill needs a fuel filter change. It’s about 40 miles so on the road a little before 7. Rained off and on last night and a lot of trains. Got rid of my trash, made my cuppa tea, put the new age station on xm and off.

They got me right in and had it done in less than a hour. $150.00. Young kid was the technician. Got in Bill and checked the fuel filter % screen and he didn’t reset it to 100%. Kids. Reset it and off to find the historic Hwy 30 that parallels the Interstate. Goggle it. It stops and starts for 30-40 miles on the south side of the Columbia River. Fueled up 25.86 gal / 305 miles.

First waterfall is the one just off the freeway, Multnomah Falls. 2nd tallest in US. Big parking lot, lots of people..on a Monday. Rain gear required today. Big fire went thru last year so a lot of trails are closed. Made a good decision, i knew i was going to backtrack east to the “Bridge of the Gods” to cross over to Washington to camp tonight so i took the interstate 25 miles west and did HWY 30 from west to east. Super road, wonderful views, sweet waterfalls. This is a road you want to drive. I know when you’re coming home from the coast you’re in a hurry but really it would only add a couple of hours to your trip. Vista House is extraordinary. Bridal Veil, Latourell, Shepards Dell, good stuff. Good walks with fabulous views.

Ended at Bridal Veil and still needed to backtrack 15 miles to Cascade Locks and Bridge of the Gods. $3.00 to cross over the Columbia. Going to camp at Beacon Rock tonight. Two spots only! Get there about 3 and for $20.00 got one of the spots. Notice the inter wheel trim where the fuel filter is located is all loose. God damn it. Kids. Spend 45 minutes redoing it. Should be fine now.

Hey, showers!! First real shower in almost a week. I can stay fairly presentable with a face cloth and a kettle of hot water and diaper wipes but my hair (little that i have) gets grungy. Tomorrow Silver Falls SP.

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