The Hood

A little story for you all.

When I arrived in Washington DC airport on 30th May, I had to call Diane (Christiaan's mother who I stayed with) to find out which metro station I had to get to and how to find her.  The US cellular system is a strange one, so my UK phone was not working.  I therefore asked a man who was sitting next to me on the bus whether I could use his mobile. 

Now, when someone calls you in the USA, it quite cleverly shows you the city and state they are calling from - mobiles here have area codes. 

The man was from Seattle. 

When Diane answered the phone, she started singing "happy birthday" (very well I must add).  When the singing had stopped, and she realised who I was, we were both in stitches.

It turned out that Diane's niece, who lives near Portland, was celebrating her birthday on 30th.  As the phone I used registered as a Seattle number, Diane thought I was her niece.

Anyway, I tell you this story because I met her niece and husband, Sarah and Dean, last night and stayed with them on their beautiful ranch just south of the Columbia Gorge.

I must also add that on the first night in Washington DC, Diane and her friend asked about my route and we tried to work out whether they had any contacts along the way.  Well, even though near the end, I finally met a contact!  Thank you Diane - and Sarah and Dean!!!

So today I have made it to Hood River, and it has been a very lazy day.  The weather is gorgeous and well into the 30s.  The Columbia Gorge today has been amazing and I followed a very quiet scenic highway that wound its way around the edge.  I really enjoyed the climbs, and descents, with plenty of switchbacks.

Mt Hood, a volcano, looms above me and I have also seen Mts Adams, Jefferson and St Helens (famous from geography lessons!).

The terrain has also become much more forested and I have left the dry arid land behind.  There are waterfalls flowing off the side of the Gorge - quite amazing.

Portland is about 60 miles away, and I have two days to get there, so the ride is slowing down (particularly when Andrea arrives!!!).  Hood River is apparently a wind surfing capital, so lot of people around who are way to cool for me.

Going to visit a brewing house to have some pub food now, then spend my last night on this trip (possibly) in my tiny one man tent - I will miss you Hubba!