Day 3 - Hines, OR to Portland, OR

Left the motel at 5:56. Stopped at McDonald’s for a breakfast sandwich and back on the road at 6:20. Were we in a hurry to get out of town? Yes. Once on the road it was decided we would never again travel to Oregon through Tonopah and Hines. Never.

The drive across central Oregon was better than remembered. Many times in the past I thought it boring, however seeing something besides desert was a real plus. And then there was the traffic, of which there was practically none.

AAA showed us a shortcut that in took us to Prineville and Madres, therefore avoiding Bend and Redmond. Thanks AAA.

We were surprised by the lack of snow on the mountains, especially Mount Hood. But even without much snow the mountains and tall trees were a real plus. Cactus just don’t get that tall.

Our motel turned to be number three on our list of don’t stay in again. Since we are staying two nights does that count as number four too? It seems like when you make a reservation they should tell you the remodel requires the water to be turned off between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm. Never had a motel without some sort of closet, but we have looked everywhere and can’t find one.

High point of the day for Barb was a visit with her great grandson Julian.Cute kid, and that’s going a long way for me.

For dinner we shared cheese ravioli at Olive Garden. Tomorrow we spend in Portland. Five crosses today.