We got up early, skipped breakfast in the hotel, stocked up on fruit and water, grabbed some Starbucks beverages, and hit the road to enjoy the crisp and clear morning air.
We didn't encounter much traffic which helped to find our own travel speed, and the Burgy wanted to run fast. The single cylinder machine didn't have any issues keeping up with the big guys.
A nice stretch of road to lose one's training wheels. Roland's riding is becoming more confident by the mile.
We briefly stopped at Leavenworth, the tourist trap that claims to resemble Bavaria or such.
Knowing the 'real deal' we can only shake our heads upon such kitschy style. But people seem to like it. The town was packed and a bunch of people was enchanted by a yodeling bloke singing German folk music. Pure horror!
It got hotter, and the sky became hazy. We entered apple land. There was an ocean of apple trees, fruit hanging low, waiting to be picked.
We kept hydrated and stopped every hour for a break in the shadows to do some exercising. It looks like this:
Flat and straight roads, sounds boring? But it sure wasn't. The crosswinds kept us busy.
Another exercise in the shadows.
Columbia River
The skies were looking more threatening by the minute, and there was thunder rolling in the far but coming closer.
We arrived at the hotel in Pasco as the thunderstorms were about to hit town, and waited for them to pass by.
One would think that a university/college town would have different culinary flavours to offer, but no such thing. The Tri-Cities (Pasco, Kennewick and Richland) seemed to be full of fast food joints. Bin No. 20 was one restaurant close-by (walking distance) that Urban Spoon recommended, and they had at least one (and
one only) vegetarian dish on the menu, not gluten-free though.
Roland's steak was really something.
Thunder and lightning accompanied us on our way back to the hotel and made for dramatic skies.
There were a few drops of rain, a little further rumbling and that was it. We had a quiet night.
Next stop: The IMBC 2012 convention center at Baker City.
Yay, an update! I had to laugh at your Leavenworth comment. Years ago we visited WA and rose that same road, which is part of the Cascade Loop Highway, into Chelan. I'd never been to Bavaria, but found the town a bit over the top. And I like kitschy stuff! It's pretty country. You got some nice pics. Dinner looks delicious. I, too, hate chain restaurants. Looking forward to reading more about the adventure!
ReplyDeleteThose replicas can be very painful for those who know the real thing. But the concept seem to work, and they try hard to make the average person believe it's real.
DeleteBeautiful scenery! That steak looks amazing. Keep the posts coming.
ReplyDeleteThank you, posts are in the make. Feel free to read and comment.
DeleteThe thought of the yodeling guy makes me shiver.
ReplyDeleteGood to see you following my road tripping exercise routine too!
Learning from the best ;-)
DeleteHuah ... thinking about the yodeling ... no thanks ... great trip so far as it seems!
ReplyDeleteIt was painful, indeed but people liked it.
DeleteGreat pictures Sonja.
ReplyDeleteI never thought about German ex-pats and what they would think of Leavenworth. I can picture you clenching your teeth and shaking your head.
That's pretty much what we did and why we left in a hurry.
DeleteI understand about Leavenworth and the head shaking. We have a place in GA called Helen that is about the same. Huge draw of tourist in the summer. We avoid it like the plague.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad the rain clouds avoided you!