Day 24-Biggs, OR to Hood River, OR-58.24 miles

How about this for a sleep problem...we decided the night before, because of the excessive heat predicted for tomorrow that we would stay in a motel. Weather radio was predicting a hotter day tomorrow than today. Trying to be efficient, we called for reservations last night for a Hood River motel called Cousin's Country Inn. When we arrived in Hood River, about 3:00 in the afternoon today, I called the motel to get the directions and it was then I was told that this particular motel was located in The Dalles, 25 miles behind us. Now we need a place to sleep. No campgrounds were listed in town, and I was pretty sure all the motels were full. Tai suggested that we bike to a nearby Subway, get something to drink, and try to work out the problem. I must say, the Subway people were very helpful. One lady wrote down 3 possible motels and their numbers for us to try...but all were full. One hotel person, however, suggested I call a Bed and Breakfast "finder number" in town. We were a little skeptical about a Bed and Breakfast because they are usually too expensive, but we were pretty much out of options. The "finder" lady was very helpful. She said, "I know just the place for you!" when she heard our dilemma. Sure enough, she called the GorgeView Bed and Breakfast and found us 2 beds in a bunkroom for $38 each. It was nearby and that's how we met Ann and Pat at the GorgeView. We had a great time at the Bed and Breakfast. We enjoyed talking with Ann and Pat and the other guests at the Inn. This Bed and Breakfast had private rooms and a bunk room where 4 of us slept. It was a wonderful experience and I would recommend the GorgeView Bed and Breakfast to anyone.
The ride to Hood River and GorgeView Bed and Breakfast was good as well. The high temperatures predicted for today didn't materialize because of an all-day cloud cover. The temp didn't get much over 90 degrees. Winds were light and, although we had a major climb, we had very good biking day to do it. Most of the time today we were riding the Historic Columbia River Highway that partially follows Route 30, the same Route 30 that goes through Warsaw. We also spent some short times on Interstate 84. Each of those roads has advantages and disadvantages. The Historic Columbia River Highway is 2 lane, rather narrow, and much hillier than the Interstate. The interstate is faster, less hilly, has 4 lanes, and has wide shoulders protected by rumble strips, but it is very noisy with semi's passing us every 15 or 20 seconds. It is also much hotter because there is very little shade on the actual roadway. Generally, we prefer the Historic Columbia River Highway for it scenic beauty. The downside to today's ride was that we caught glimpses of Mt. Hood, but it was mostly vailed in clouds and we never did get a picture.

-clarkwheel

Student question: What is the elevation of Mt. Hood?