The Columbia River Gorge
Occasionally into each life some rain must fall. Today it did. Our trip on the Sea Lion has brought us from the desert of Eastern Washington and Oregon, into the place where the river cuts through the Cascade Mountain Range. With this transition came huge dark rain clouds. Our planned hike on the Historic Columbia River Highway soon took on threatening aspects, as the rain began in earnest. Intrepid souls that we were, we began a walk from the east entrance to the Mosier Twin Tunnels anyway.
The highway, built in 1913, the first asphalt road in the west, has great historic significance. With the advent of high speeds on freeways, great stretches of it were allowed to fall into disrepair. For the last fifteen years a movement has been underway to restore it for the recreational and scenic values it offers. This portion, completed in the year 2000, is a favorite one for casual hiking, biking, roller-blading, or even pushing strollers, but today in the rain we find ourselves pretty much alone. Wet as we are, we suddenly find ourselves actually enjoying the experience, and laughing in our damp camaraderie.
We have discovered a deeper meaning to the term “undaunted courage.”
Occasionally into each life some rain must fall. Today it did. Our trip on the Sea Lion has brought us from the desert of Eastern Washington and Oregon, into the place where the river cuts through the Cascade Mountain Range. With this transition came huge dark rain clouds. Our planned hike on the Historic Columbia River Highway soon took on threatening aspects, as the rain began in earnest. Intrepid souls that we were, we began a walk from the east entrance to the Mosier Twin Tunnels anyway.
The highway, built in 1913, the first asphalt road in the west, has great historic significance. With the advent of high speeds on freeways, great stretches of it were allowed to fall into disrepair. For the last fifteen years a movement has been underway to restore it for the recreational and scenic values it offers. This portion, completed in the year 2000, is a favorite one for casual hiking, biking, roller-blading, or even pushing strollers, but today in the rain we find ourselves pretty much alone. Wet as we are, we suddenly find ourselves actually enjoying the experience, and laughing in our damp camaraderie.
We have discovered a deeper meaning to the term “undaunted courage.”
