Day 54
Disappointingly after yesterdays ideal weather it was back to weather as usual in Portland. As we pulled out of the park this morning the clouds let the rain begin to fall. Our goal today was to see the many waterfalls on the south rim of the Columbia River canyon. So we figured a little more rain meant a bit more excitement when it came to waterfalls.
We found a local restaurant chain called Shari’s for breakfast and had a quick bite to eat before braving the weather and the roads. Not too far to the east heading out of Portland the Columbia River has a historic scenic drive that diverts from and then parallels the freeway. We took this route along its winding path through gorgeous green pastures and elegant forest.
As we wound our way along the road we popped out to a gorgeous view and right up to a lighthouse looking building called the Vista House. Resting on a bluff over looking the Columbia River and the surrounding Crown Point Scenic Corridor, this rest stop has a long history of providing comfort for travelers dating back to the time when stage coaches braved the Oregon Trail.
Here’s a view from the Vista House of the Columbia River Gorge
Just past the Vista House we began to encounter the named waterfalls: Shepperd’s Dell, Bridal Veil Falls, Wahkeena Falls, Multnomah Falls (the most well known), Oneonta Gorge Falls and Horsetail Falls. We drove past them all and then turned around to stop at the ones that looked interesting. We first took a long hike to the top of Multnomah Falls to the observation deck. Though strenuous, it was a peaceful hike and the falls were truly stunning.
 |
 |
 |
 |
We stopped at a few of the other falls, took pictures, hiked a little and just enjoyed the afternoon. Between our stops and on the way home we listened to the audio book I had picked up yesterday at Powell’s Books. “The Historian” by Elizabeth Kostova is a modern spin on the Dracula story. So envision that spooky story as the backdrop as we drive through the dark forested hill of the gorge in the misty light of the afternoon.
Coming back through town we popped off an independent coffee shop for a hot drink and a little bit of reading before heading back to Kodi. Once we got back we took a short nap and then got cleaned up for the evening’s adventures. We were scheduled to meet Krista for dinner at Jakes’s Famous Crawfish. We arrived well before our reservation time and hunted for a specific beer that Kam’s Uncle Hank had suggested. We found his Terminator Stout at a pub and pool hall called Ringlers just a block from Jakes. The beer was actually exceptional and it made me sad that we didn’t import any to Florida. While we waited for our table we played a few rounds of pool and just enjoyed goofing on each others horrible billiard abilities.
 |
 |
We met Krista at Jakes and we were escorted to a private nook where our table was nicely secreted away. Dinner was outstanding. We each had a different fish and they were all exceptionally prepared. Being so far form home and the Florida Keys I felt obligated to inspect Jake’s Key Lime Pie. I found it to my liking and would feel free to ordering it again. All in all Jake’s was a great suggestion; thank you Krista and sorry you couldn’t be there Uncle Hank. It was good catching up with Krista and sharing such a fine meal. We said our goodbyes after dinner and we were off to catch a few Zzzzz’s before heading north tomorrow.
