We went the wrong way coming home from Washington. I'd entered 'Pendleton' into our Garmin for the destination. Five Pendleton's popped onto the screen & I chose the Grain Coop, thinking it would take us to the city in Oregon on our route home 395 to I82.
Ever the optimist Allan said, "Maybe it's a shortcut". Yeah, to Walla Walla. As we rounded the lake size merging of both rivers (Snake & Columbia) passing Wallula, we took the Columbia River Highway (the Oregon & Washington state border) West for twenty odd miles. I decided to enjoy the scenery & shut my grumbling mouth up.
We were directed to take the Pendleton Cold Springs Highway 37 South through the quiet, wide open rolling hills of Oregon's dry farms. The verdant new growth, harvested or fallowed fields had a calming effect. Big tractor rigs tilling under the last of this year's stubble dotted the horizon. Family ranches replaced the 'oasis in the desert' to the weary traveler.
An old school begged me to stop & take it's picture. A windmill stood guard nearby, protecting it from predators. Turning to get back in the car, the four story high abandoned grain elevator we parked next to said, 'Pendleton Grain Coop'. We had arrived at our destination!
681 miles in all was our return total with a detour in Boise to see the state capitol & 670 going to Washington. I'd say we did find a shortcut, from the rat race of the interstate highways, leap frog passing, & big truck haulers.
No comments:
Post a Comment