Montana 2008 (Day 4): On the Way to Stevensville

Columbia Gorge area in Oregon

Montana 2008 (Day 3): Oregon Wild Life Refuges

I spend another day getting kind of lost checking out wild life refuges. I see some beautiful countryside on the way and stay the night in a quirky hotel in Hood River.

Montana 2008 (Day 2): Dundee, Oregon

After a day of getting lost, I was happy to arrive at the Black Walnut Inn. I was given the option of switching to a room in the main building (The Classic) even though I'd chosen one in a separate building. Given the weather (rain), I chose to stay in the main building. The room was gorgeous, and I had an amazing view of the valley. They also made a dinner reservation for me at Tina's, a little restaurant on Highway 99, where I had the best souffle (and possibly one of the best dishes) I have ever had.

Montana 2008 (Day 2): Logging in Oregon

I left Ashland and ended up driving around in circles looking for the Cow Creek Tour Route. I finally found it after I stopped at a little gas station and asked for directions. Towards the end I ran across this logging operation in the middle of a gorgeous valley. I haven't given any thought to logging, although I remember issues around logging being a big deal when I was younger. Interesting how environmental issues change from year to year, decade to decade.

Montana 2008 (Day 1): Sacramento National Wildlife Preserve

I love Wildlife Preserves. They are always so beautiful, and I'm usually surprised by the animal life I see there. The Sacramento National Wildlife Preserve was lovely, but I didn't see much in the way of wildlife. I did see these crazy jackrabbits who barely moved as I drove down the road (although I am driving a Prius, which can be pretty quiet at low speeds) and would run towards the car before running off the road.

Another Montana Road Trip

A road trip to Montana seems a little boring in comparison to all the exotic places other people are going. Really, what's Stevensville, MT in comparison to some far away place (although I suppose Stevensville is plenty far away for some). Still, for me, a road trip isn't about the destination it's about the experience. It's about spending time by yourself, listening to yourself. It's about the peace and introspection that only being alone in a car for several hours in a day can bring. So, I'm excited, and the next three weeks can't pass quickly enough for me.