Day 36-July 11, 2013-Off to Oregon
Drove 221 miles in 5 hrs. on I-84 and what a difference 200 miles makes.
We went from arid desert to sagebrush covered mountains (with lots of mine entrances from the gold rush days over 100 years ago) with an antelope grazing here and there to lush green farms in Baker City, OR to rocky mountains covered with huge pine trees in LaGrande, OR back to meadows, green grass and wheat farms in Pendleton, OR. The whole trip just about followed the Oregon Trail and there were Historic Interpretive Centers and information about the trail at stops along the way. Many of the stops have quotes from pioneers who crossed the trail and kept a diary, sort of like mine. Crossed over to Pacific Time about noon. Weather started out cloudy but cool, only 72 when we left camp but climbed back up to a beautiful 85 when we stopped in Pendleton.
We’re camping at Wild Horse Casino Resort & RV Park in Pendleton, OR. The campground is a short walk from the casino but there’s a shuttle bus that picks you up at your campsite and takes you to the casino or into town so we didn’t even un-hook. The campground has a tipi village with eight tipis for rent, a heated pool and spa and we can use all the amenities at the resort including the indoor pool, spa, fitness room, golf course, pro shop, clubhouse grill, a 3-picture theatre (don’t know what’s playing) and other things we’ll never use. The casino is run by three local Native American Tribes. After we set up I tried some of the homemade huckleberry vodka I bought a few days ago (great with tonic and lime) and then we took the shuttle to the casino for, what else, the buffet. It didn’t have as much variety as some other buffets but it was seafood night and I’ve never had meatier, juicier crab legs. Although they were messy they were easy to crack and get the meat out. Must be because we’re close to the Pacific? Tried our luck at the slots but there was no luck tonight so we didn’t stay long. When you’re not hot, you’re not hot. Walked back to camp (it’s a gorgeous night!) and just sat outside and watched the beautiful sunset, which was a lot earlier than the last few nights because of the time zone change. Had to come in early, it got quite chilly, a welcome relief after the last few days.