On Thursday
May 31st, we leave our quiet spot in Big Cottonwood and begin the long drive
toward the Cascades. We arrive in Twin Falls, ID, just in time to catch a
movie at The Orpheum, an old movie theatre downtown that was renovated a couple
years ago. The movie is nothing special but we have a good time and take pics
of the theatre. We then look around downtown for a decent place to eat. Can't
find anything and end up driving to the other side of town, near the Lamphouse
theatre - an arts movie theatre that we had also reconned when we were climbing
at City
of Rocks during our first bus trip. Closed. We do not find any decent
restaurant there either. End up driving to The Fiesta, a mexican restaurant
where we had dinner before. Huge portions. Pretty good burritos and salsa.
The next
day, Eric call Western States Equipment first thing in the morning about doing
an oil change for the bus. After suggesting we try Twin Falls Trucks (a DD
shop, who said they couldn't help us before Monday), they agree to help. A
few phone calls to locate oil and filters, and we drive the bus to the shop.
The last oil change we did was in this very same shop, more than 3 years and
9000 miles ago! We get to the shop around 10AM, and get out again at 1:30PM.
Hit the road, direction Washington. We drive for several hours before we stop
at Baker City, a small town with a historic main street that was advertised
along the interstate. Some nice buildings indeed, including the Geiser Grand
Hotel, a gorgeous late 19th century hotel. The town is a bit quiet as usual.
We try to get a sidewalk table at the local brew pub, but it's too busy. After
trying a few sites in town to park for the night, we drive a mile away from
downtown and find a good spot on the county fairgrounds.
 |
|
The
inside of the Orpheum movie theatre in Twin Falls, ID.
|
|
 |
|
Downtown
Baker City, OR.
|
|
 |
|
The
historic Geiser Grand Hotel in Baker City, OR.
|
|
 |
|
Inside
the Geiser Grand Hotel.
|
|
 |
|
Inside
the Baker City Bella Tower.
|
|
 |
|
Western
country...
|
|
 |
|
Parked
downtown Pendleton, OR.
|
|
 |
|
Old
car show in Pendleton.
|
|
 |
|
Driving
on I-82 between Pendleton, OR and Yakima, WA.
|
|
 |
|
For our "Only in America" collection: rest area 80 on
I-82.
|
|
On June
2nd, we drive from Baker City, OR to the climbing area near the Tieton River,
WA. We drive through the La Grande historical district, but stop in downtown
Pendleton. They're having an old car show and we spend an hour walking downtown.
We then drive on I-82 to Yakima, stopping on our way at rest area 80 for ice
creams. It's really hot. Taking advantage of the Wi-Fi hotspot, Eric research
the latest point-and-shoot cameras (our trusty Canon S70 just died on us!).
He can't do much - the connection is just too slow. After
a last stop in Yakima for groceries, we make it to a pull-out just below the
Royal Columns around 8:30pm.
