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.

Monana 2008 (Day 1): Winchester Inn

I stayed the first night in Ashland, Oregon at a lovely bed & breakfast called The Winchester Inn. They upgraded me to a suite, and it was amazing. They even had candles by the bathtub and a wooden ducky (at least I think it was wood). I have no complaints (and if you know me, you know that's saying something).

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.

Montana 2008 (Day 1): Bakesale Betty's

Despite my late start, I made my first stop about 15 minutes after I started -- at Bakesale Betty's. Seemed like a special trip deserved a special treat, and Bakesale Betty's fits the bill. I had the apricot almond scone (yum!) and bought two chocolate chip walnut cookies for the road. And they gave me a free ginger cookie. I am off to a fine start!

And we're off . . .

I woke up this morning (after an unfortunately late night) with a headache and an upset stomach. Luckily, two Excedrin Migraine tablets, some Tums, and an allergy pill later, and I'm feeling normal again. I'm leaving much later than I intended, both because I tried (tried being the operative word) to sleep in a little, and because I tried (there's that word again) to download some software onto my laptop so I can edit photos on the trip. In any event, I'm finally ready to hit the road!