Day 12

Friday October 23, 2009

We drove through Idaho following the Snake River as it winds it’s way into Oregon. It is so beautiful along the river! The scenery is amazing. We left the brown grassy plains behind and are now entering the land of rainbow trees. Oregon gets all the rain from the mountain shadow thing, so there are all sorts of plants growing here in a variety of shapes and colors. It’s a very rainy and foggy day, with gusts of wind swirling around clusters of yellow leaves. I’m told this is typical Oregon weather, winter is their rainy season. We stopped at a rest station along the Columbia river. It was the most awesome rest stop I’ve ever been to. There was a trail leading down to the water. Another trail led up a small bluff overlooking the river. Green moss grows everywhere, in soft clumps around the rocks and boulders. The grass is so green compared to the last few days, and the trees are many shades of yellow, red, orange and maroon. Oregon is added to my list of favorite states. (Which is now FL, CO, and OR) It was a lovely drive. Mom finally got Grandad’s number so we drove to Salem and stayed the night with my grandparents. We had chicken dumplings with chips and guacamole dip for dinner. Chuck is some relation that I forget exactly, but he is staying there too. We played cards until really late. I learned a new one- Canastra. Its similar to rummy only with 3 decks and lots of different twists and rules. Grandma Lee is starting an online business selling beaded jewelry that her friend makes.