Explore Oregon
Willamette Valley Miata Club event
Thursday, July 11 to Sunday, July 14, 2013
Tour Leaders: Al & Bev
Al and Bev had the pleasure of leading a group of five OVMC cars to the Willamette Valley Miata Club's Explore Oregon 2013 event at The Dalles in Oregon. The group consisted of Harold and Arleen,Debi and Garry, Jerry and Dorina, Len, Rolly and Sharon. Lex and Louise had left a day earlier and joined us at The Dalles.
We left West Kelowna early the morning July 11 and stopped for a picnic lunch at Lake Chelan. Afternoon refreshments were in Cashmere at a wonderful coffee/antique shop, and we spent the night at the Oxford Inns and Suites in Yakima.
The next morning we continued down Hwy 97 to the St John's Bakery and Coffee Shop, run by a monastery. We continued to Goldendale where we turned west on Hwy 142, a wonderful twisty road with lots of elevation changes, which took us to the Columbia River gorge. We stopped in Hood River for lunch and a couple hours of shopping. We regrouped and headed east on US 30, a super twisty two-lane that took us through the famous Rowena Loops. We were fortunate to have no traffic in front of us, and Jerry and Len pushed us to the limit all the way to the summit. We arrived safe and sound at the Cousin's Hotel in The Dalles.
That evening we attended registration and traditional dessert get together at The Dalles Civic Centre, where the streets were blocked off for Miata only parking. A nice touch. Lex was unfortunate to park top down under a tree full of birds. He can explain the results.
On Friday three groups left for the Rowena Loops and the waterfalls and sites along US 30 going west. Lunch was at a Mexican restaurant in Hood River. There were three afternoon runs, and we participated in the run to Mount Hood. Supper was on our own.
On Saturday the destination was Oregon Raceway Park where we drove the race track for three laps each way. This allowed us to switch drivers so everyone could experience the track (we followed a lead car and were single file at a limited speed). On our way back to the hotel we were led through the diversity of this part of Oregon; small towns, twisty road, wheat fields, mountain views, and irrigated orchards.
Saturday evening was the banquet at the Civic centre, and everyone was able to take a gift home.
Members of our group had different destinations for the trip home on Sunday. Some went to the Oregon Coast, others took the Boeing plant tour in Everett, Washington, and others headed for home, overnighting in Yakima.
Many thanks to the Willamette Valley Miata Club for their hospitality and for organizing such a great event.
Willamette Valley Miata Club event
Thursday, July 11 to Sunday, July 14, 2013
Tour Leaders: Al & Bev
Al and Bev had the pleasure of leading a group of five OVMC cars to the Willamette Valley Miata Club's Explore Oregon 2013 event at The Dalles in Oregon. The group consisted of Harold and Arleen,Debi and Garry, Jerry and Dorina, Len, Rolly and Sharon. Lex and Louise had left a day earlier and joined us at The Dalles.
We left West Kelowna early the morning July 11 and stopped for a picnic lunch at Lake Chelan. Afternoon refreshments were in Cashmere at a wonderful coffee/antique shop, and we spent the night at the Oxford Inns and Suites in Yakima.
The next morning we continued down Hwy 97 to the St John's Bakery and Coffee Shop, run by a monastery. We continued to Goldendale where we turned west on Hwy 142, a wonderful twisty road with lots of elevation changes, which took us to the Columbia River gorge. We stopped in Hood River for lunch and a couple hours of shopping. We regrouped and headed east on US 30, a super twisty two-lane that took us through the famous Rowena Loops. We were fortunate to have no traffic in front of us, and Jerry and Len pushed us to the limit all the way to the summit. We arrived safe and sound at the Cousin's Hotel in The Dalles.
That evening we attended registration and traditional dessert get together at The Dalles Civic Centre, where the streets were blocked off for Miata only parking. A nice touch. Lex was unfortunate to park top down under a tree full of birds. He can explain the results.
On Friday three groups left for the Rowena Loops and the waterfalls and sites along US 30 going west. Lunch was at a Mexican restaurant in Hood River. There were three afternoon runs, and we participated in the run to Mount Hood. Supper was on our own.
On Saturday the destination was Oregon Raceway Park where we drove the race track for three laps each way. This allowed us to switch drivers so everyone could experience the track (we followed a lead car and were single file at a limited speed). On our way back to the hotel we were led through the diversity of this part of Oregon; small towns, twisty road, wheat fields, mountain views, and irrigated orchards.
Saturday evening was the banquet at the Civic centre, and everyone was able to take a gift home.
Members of our group had different destinations for the trip home on Sunday. Some went to the Oregon Coast, others took the Boeing plant tour in Everett, Washington, and others headed for home, overnighting in Yakima.
Many thanks to the Willamette Valley Miata Club for their hospitality and for organizing such a great event.
