We Barely Scratched the Surface

I’ve written several times lately about all the neat things in Eugene and how I am learning to appreciate my home town.  I’ve thought about how often we don’t even think about the treasures that can be found in our own backyard, so to speak. 

I think I am going to have to start including my home STATE in that appreciation, not just my hometown.  We have driven THROUGH the Columbia River Gorge many times but we are always on the way to somewhere else.  Rarely have we taken the time to really explore this region with its myriad scenic wonders and man  made attractions.

We have been so impressed with the last two days and all there is to see.  We had a full day sight-seeing today and we have barely scratched the surface of all there is in this region.

We had breakfast this morning in Cascade Locks at the Char Burger.  This is what we had to look at while we ate.


Pretty hard to take, eh??  And the food was good too!

This is the scene from right outside the restaurant.



After breakfast we went to Hood River and visited the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum.  This is where son, John, is a volunteer.  We were just blown away by this museum and are happy to announce that we are now members!  We join fellow bloggers Betty and Joe as supporters of this museum.

Today is Second Saturday, the day they give rides in the antique cars (no additional charge).  John just got his credentials on driving the 1916 Dodge and we took turns having him take us for a ride in the vintage two-seater.

Click picture for video of car ride.


There are so many pedals and levers in that thing – it is definitely not your modern automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes, power everything car!

How would you like to trade your rig for this spiffy green motorhome?


With a bed, a table, and a couple of chairs, this was a thoroughly modern camping vehicle.


Just the setting of this museum is awesome.  Out back by the airfield and car rides, there is a wonderful view of Mt.  Hood – and it was a terrific view today.



There was a motorcycle club visiting today and a ton of motorcycles was parked out front.  But they didn’t block the view of Mt. Adams to the north.



Inside two very large hangers, there are all the old relics you could ever want to see, and there are some very nice displays too!!


Russ tried and tried to find the mouse to go with this old keyboard.

There are planes….



…and cars…





…motorcycles…



…and other assorted wheels…




Remember Coffee, Tea, or Me?



There were old John Deeres.




And younger Dear Johns!!



There was even an old quilt.

They were grilling hamburgers and hot dogs for Second Saturday.  For $6 you got a charcoal grilled burger, chips and a drink and it was pretty darned good too!

There was so much to see – here again, we only scratched the surface.  I will put up a slide show when I have more time but the best way to see this wonderful museum is in person.  Cost is only $10 for seniors.

They also have a six site full hookup RV park, $20 for members, $25 for non-members.  Just a gravel strip really, but it’s great if you want to visit the museum and don’t want to keep driving late in the day.  Just spend the night and continue on the next day. 

For more information visit the WAAAM website.  This is definitely an interesting stop and I give it a 10 for value and just plain old fun.

We drove back to Cascade Locks on the Washington side of the river and got some great shots of wind and kite surfers and a large sailboat.  But that’s another whole story that will have to be written tomorrow.  What a beautiful scenic area.  All I can say is – COME see it.