If you ever want to travel an interstate, I highly recommend I-84.  As I have previously stated, I’m not a big fan of driving interstates but will give this one road high praise.  The sweeping vistas – some speckled with cattle, others with horses go on and on over hill over dale and everywhere.  And there are 6% grades and then there are 6% grades… I really put my 3rd gear thru its paces, but what amazingly beautiful country to travel thru.  This was my first time on I-84, but it won’t be my last.

Last night, I spent it at the rest area, an Oregon Welcome Center. Gorgeous rest area, manicured lawns, and clean as a whistle. And the RV & truck parking was in the rear of welcome center, hence away from the interstate – quiet was awesome.  It was a good place to stop, as there wasn’t anything else between it and Baker City to stop, but of course I did not know that until today.

I went from I-84 to I-82 this morning.  Then at my turn off for Highway 225, discovered the Beach RV Park and decided to stop for the day.  Getting on Highway 225 will basically cease interstate travels for me until next Fall.  What I didn’t know until I checked with the locals about my route, that I will be driving right by the Hanford reservation.  For those not familiar with the name Hanford, it is a nuclear power plant.  Its been in the news over the last few months due to leaks. The locals tell me I will see the reactor in the far distance as I go by.  Not sure I need to see it…  Nonetheless, driving by this, is a straight shot (relative term) up to Highway 97, vs picking up 97 further up I-82 then winding thru mountains.

My mail is awaiting me at a little spot along the highway in Pateros, WA, which I will pick up tomorrow. Then I’ve got to quiz more locals on road conditions on up the road.  DriveBC a web site I monitor when traveling thru British Columbia. The web cams are showing what appears to be dry roads, with snow off the roads.  But the descriptions are telling me of slushy driving conditions, some rock slides, and other debris (typical after winter) on the roads.  Chains or traction tires are required to be carried until April 30th.  I’m not going to do chains, that’s for sure.  But would my tires be considered “traction tires”?  I think not.  

Out of curiosity, I looked further north on DriveBC, the road I would have driven if I was driving up to Alaska vs taking the ferry.  It is still snow packed.  Just like Alaska, Spring breakup has not started yet. I’m heading home on the verge of Spring, but Spring has not arrived yet. Here’s hoping Spring will arrive and then swing into summer shortly.  I can dream, you know. Laughing here.