Aside from some middle of the night loud and rude and drunk neighbors at the Rodeway Inn, I got enough sleep, and got up about 630. Although a continental breakfast was included, I just went down for a cup of OJ and some Coffee. I knew there was a pancake breakfast at the WAAAM from 7am-1030, so I was checked out and was on the road by 715. I drove west and crossed over the river on the Bridge of the Gods. Toll $1.
It was very windy in Stevenson all night and in the morning, from the east, but once I crossed over at Cascade Locks, there was very little. Blocked by the hills I guess. It was a very pleasant drive heading east on I84. 17 miles or so to Hood River, most of which was familiar from the last time I was there, and I had no problem finding the airport/museum.
There were already lots of people there, so I was directed to park on one of two grass areas, and walked in and paid my admission. I promptly found the pancake breakfast and for $10(6 plus keep the change donation) I had 2 large pancakes, two sausage patties, scrambled eggs, OJ and coffee. While I ate, I had a chat with a pilot from Snohomish who had flown down with family and camped by his plane. He definitely looked like he camped, hair and beard all mussed. But he was interesting to chat with. He liked hiking too, his favorites being up in the north cascades.
After I ate, I headed out into the sunshine and onto the field where all the fly-in planes were. Most were elderly restored aircraft from the 40s-50s, with plenty of current models as well. Periodically, another nice old aircraft would land and be directed to park in closer to the crowds, and everyone would stop and watch and take photos. I slowly walked and walked and walked, all around, back thru the displays inside, cars, motorscycles and aircraft, then back out into the sun. It was warming up more and more as the morning went on, with forecast to be 90.
There were constant takeoffs and landings of various planes, including some biplane rides. The most exciting was a GeeBee that circled a couple times, and that radial engine sounded magnificent. Wish there would have been more of a real Airshow.
At 11 I was thirsy so I was the first to buy an ale in the beer garden, and sat down under an awning for shade. While the river had plenty of wind, the airport was breezy in places but not enough where all the people seemed to be. So I felt like I was overheating. I slowly took an hour to drink my ale, then made another pass around the field before grabbing lunch. A rather good hot dog with grilled onions. Another walk-around, and I decided I’d seen all there was to see, so by 130 I was ready to head out. IF I had stayed and gone back on Sunday, I could have watched most of the fly-ins depart. But I decided that wasn’t that exciting.
I headed east on I84 up to Biggs, crossed over to WA, then headed west on 14 back to White Salmon(across from Hood River). I gassed up there, then headed north on 141 to Trout Lake, then north again on FS23 into the Mt Adams area.\
Again there was very little traffic on this road, but the further north I got, the more cars went by in either direction. Obviously it was saturday and people were out. My intention at this point was to find a campground maybe 2/3 to ¾ of the way to Randle. But I didn’t see any signs for campgrounds until Blue Lake which was under 20 miles from Randle. I drove in and found a spot but it was 1 of only twenty or so, and was very open, and close to others. Not enough privacy. So I continued on to check out the next one, the NorthFork CG. Turns out that was Full. So guess what? I ended up back at Iron Creek, this time in D94, another very private location. I was here by 630 so just a little over an hour before dark to eat and write this blog.