La Pine to Maryhill SP

After a few hours of snuggling with Bo, we reluctantly left Brian and Amanda to start our trip home. Since the weather is still very hot all over the US, we planned to stay in two state parks for our first nights, signing up for electric sites so we could use our air conditioning , if needed.

But first stop was the Deschutes waste center where we could recycle cans and bottles for Amanda. It is a well organized place for recycling of the usual items, yard waste, and appliances. Just 7 miles from their house and on the way to Bend.

Next we made a stop at the Bend Walmart for groceries for the trip home. After that we headed north on US 97. We saw alpacas near Redmond and continually enjoyed views of the snow capped mountains, In Madras we stopped at the post office to mail a letter and washed the dust off the van at a suitable car wash.

From there the drive to the Columbia River is through rolling hills and mini-mountains. Some green fields where there has been irrigation and some very prosperous looking ranches. After a steady decline we saw the Columbia River which is very wide at this point, crossed into Washington, and found our campground.

Maryhill SP is a Washington SP with full hookups. We wanted electric for the night and did need a dump. We seldom stay /in such state parks, but it is very nice. The river runs along one side and, unfortunately, a busy highway and train track runs along the other. Our realtor friend in Rochester would have called it the perfect site for “a student of transportation.”

While walking around the campground before dinner, David met another couple who have a Sportsmobile which was built in Huntington Indiana. They are from Washington state. On the walk we also noted quite a perfume in the air. Turns out it is Linden trees which are in full bloom. In addition all along the shore of the river are alfalfa plants with their purple blooms. The view across the river to the Oregon cliffs is quite stunning.

After a pleasant dinner of left-overs, eaten in the shade of an oak and a Siberian Elm, we headed into the van which was quite cool with the fan operating. Not sure we will need the AC.

-- Janet (text) and David (photos)