Day 34, Toppenish, Washington State

Two days in one. The truth is I didn't get it together to tell yesterday's story yesterday and as it is a better story than today's I shall tell it today. Confused?
A bit of a background theme for us on this trip has been the memories for Dave of a trip that he did with his family through the States 40 years ago. My how time flies. Daves folks, Peter and Erica did a very daring and excellent thing, especially back then, by dropping everything and taking the family travelling the world for 2 years. This trip has clearly not only created some tremendous friendships and memories but I think in no small part has played a role is shaping Dave in who he is today. Mostly that is a good thing although his random habit of slamming on the brakes and shooting up some side road, usually at about 7.30 at night could be questioned.
Anyway, yesterday afternoon we were able to spend a very pleasant couple of hours visiting Gail who is a lifelong friend of the McMillan family. 40 years ago the two families had a chance meeting at a campsite that resulted in an invite home to Gail and Betty's place, that resulted in a weeks stay and the lifelong friendship mentioned.
It's easy to see how they hit it off. Gail clearly also shares a bit of the McMillan talking gene and so for me I was able to spend 2 hours listening but not a chance that I could get a word in edgeways!
That afternoon visit was preceded by a fantastic ride further up the Oregon coast and them inland from Waldport following a river, the name which I have forgotten. The ride was truly stunning through leafy tunnels for mile after mile of the best flowing turns.
Today we rode up the Columbia Gorge to the East of Portland ( we never made it into Portland).
Again very beautiful with a multitude of waterfalls and the river itself a massive presence. I'm not sure why we didn't take any photos of the gorge, think wide valley with cliffs, not small and tight, but we didn't.
The high waterfall you see in the photo is the Multnomah Falls which Dave still clearly remembered from his last trip.
The sky was very strange today with a blood red sun in the evening. Somewhere there are forests burning.
Although this is a bit personal I would like to thank all of our friends for being there for Jennie, Julius and Lucien. Poor Jules is in hospital. Get well soon little fella, I look forward to being with you. You were in my thoughts today.
Love Dad