Day 3-Astoria to Portland

Rod gave us a suggestion for getting to Multnomah Falls avoiding going through Portland. It was perfect, no major traffic at all. 

Heading back over to WA

Logging Truck

Interesting Sign

So much lumber

Rod warned us the falls would be busy so it was our first stop and we were there by 10. Kira took one look and was impressed that Duane and I had hiked to the top years ago. We stopped by the information room and talked to a volunteer and decided we could hike to the top and back in about an hour. After taking some pictures from the bottom and the bridge we began the accent. It's about 1.3 miles with 11 switchbacks. Kira had to stop and wait for me to catch my breath a couple times. For one moment I wondered if I'd make it but then I thought of Duane and how he won't let his treatments stop him from doing anything and I knew I could do it. We took some pictures and headed down. I really thought we could see over the falls more than we could. As we headed down Kira accidentally called Duane, perfect timing, we had just finished three last uphill party off the trail. As she chatted I caught my breath one last time and then was fine for rest the trip back to the car.  On the way down it was as crowded as Bald Mountain on a beautiful fall weekend day!

Standing on the bridge looking down that part of the falls.

Another view of it. 

A pretty view on the way up the trail.

Hiking up the switchbacks.

The beginning of the falls

A Bird's Eye View

The stream at the top of the falls-it was a hot day so a welcome relief for many.

I missed the sign for 11 of 11.

If you look carefully you can see hikers and the switchbacks below.

My nephew Taylor recommended some breweries in Hood River so that's where we headed for lunch. As we pulled out of the parking lot the car started making a rattling noise under the body. We made it to Double Mountain Brewery for a tasting and an asparagus pizza. Then we walked back to the car and had to stop by Full Sail Brewery since we were parked right in front. We liked the beers, we were able to find quite a few that weren't too hoppy. We selected a few souvenirs and headed to Portland. 

Where we parked

Double Mountain Brewery where we ate lunch

Yummy Pizza

Choices

Our Flight 

The Tappers

Full Sail Flight

However, the noise was louder and more persistent. I started Googling Toyota dealers to get it checked out. They were all booked and didn't have any openings until next week. So I decided to stop back at the falls and ask a local for recommendations. We went back to the information place and the gentleman there told us to go to the Subaru dealer in Gresham and gave us the number without having to look it up. He said they always get him right in and have great service. So, I called and sure enough they said bring it right in. Luckily I had remembered the man's name that recommended them. The young man waiting on us said he was a good friend and was a retired sheriff. It only took a few minutes to diagnose the problem. A heat shield had come loose, actually rusted. It took about 10 minutes to remove it and he said I'd be fine until I got home. Meanwhile I had texted my brother Gerry asking for suggestions. I told him what the guy told me and he agreed. When it came time to pay there was no charge! He just asked for a good review on Yelp. I have to wait until I'm on my computer to do it but I did put one on Google. Love good Karma.
This delay meant we didn't have time for meeting up with Annie, a former barista from the Tram. :( But we did meet up with Ada, a friend of Kira's from the days she worked at The Vista Sea Cafe in Seaside. After a beer and catching up it was time to meet up with Taylor for dinner. We had some delicious barbecue at Padnah's. Then we walked to Salt & Straw for ice cream. Yes, I'm sure I'm gaining weight! Of course Portland is suffering from a heat wave and most homes don't have air. Taylor graciously bought a fan for our bedroom, even so it was still a little toasty.
We arose early and headed to Crater Lake.

Sorry no pictures from the end of the day!

Click here for all the pics from day 3 although I may have included all of them here.

Click here for all of the pics of our trip.