Lunch at Burgerville where Malkum finally gets the burger he ordered yesterday...(don't ask!) They do make an awesome turkey burger here.
Beautiful views
The Burkholtzes recognize our jackets and come over and tell us how much they enjoyed the great show we put on last night. This is the kind of happy interaction that makes it all so worthwhile.
After lunch, we are greeted by a beautiful rainbow stretching over the town of Camas. Yes, it does rain a bit here in Washington-Oregon, but we are fortunate that the skies clear as we drive up the Route 14 on the north side of the Columbia River to some of the most spectacular views you could ever want to see.
From where we are standing, it is a 500 foot sheer drop down to the riverside. The guard rail is the only thing separating us from heaven's gate. This is not a place to stand if you have vertigo.
But the awesome beauty of the scene, the majesty of the river make stops like this mandatory spirit food. There's a break in the clouds and the sun streams a warm, hard light down on the moist earth and cold, clear water. It is as if the universe is preparing us for our upcoming stop at the Carson Springs where we will soak in mineral water in ceramic tubs and feel the stresses and strains of road travel melt away and spiral down the drain.
No photo documentary here. Men and women move to separate bath houses and regroup with slightly glazed eyes after a hour of soaking and lying in wraps, all for a meager $10 each. Then, a forty minute drive to The Dalles, Oregon, crossing over the Bridge of the Gods to dinner and a great night's sleep. Big show tomorrow night; everyone's batteries are recharged.
