Day 4: Steamboat Rock, WA to Cascade Locks, OR

Choking smoke means we are moving on. Let's go south and west. 

5 hour drive, in a car.  310 miles. 

Heading south just outside of Steamboat Rock State Park. Hmm, isn't there supposed to be a nice view to the right? Next time. 

Nice ride! Near Mose Lake, WA. 

1/2 mile west off of Highway 17 at Othello is a roomy Walmart and gas station. You can not see it from the highway. This makes an excellent fuel and rest stop. I remembered it from the last trip south with Alex in March. Much better than waiting for the Tri-Cities area near Kennewick. 

I texted Dominic to show him the bucket of cheese balls but he was happy with just a picture. 

Feeling happy with our matching Happy Camper PJ's. 

We are finally heading west on I-84. Does it look better to you, Marianne?  not.yet.

The power of suggestion. A timely billboard captures our attention. Sugar time. Two cinnamon twist donuts please. 

We feel small amongst the semi's. 

The skies are clearing but is that a bucketing helicopter?! No, No, No. 

Near The Dalles, WA along the Columbia River Gorge. This is kite surfing 'school'. 

Ah, gusty winds, clearer skies. 

Cascade Locks KOA. Having stayed here before for one night with the boys I thought it was worth a try. Yes, lots of room for us to stop for the night. This park is just east of Portland. 

Cute office and camp store, KOA-style. We rent a chick-flick DVD for $2.00 "Two Weeks Notice" with Sandra Bullock and Hugh Grant. 

'Cinderella' keeps the Gypsy Wagon tidy. We have a 2-night reservation at Nehalem Bay State Park. Problem is - we will arrive one day before that reservation starts. Well, it is a big park. The 'full' sign never really means full - right, Dad!? We intend on living large and taking a chance. At least we have two nights reserved.