Chop Chop Chop

June 19, 2015

The Columbia Gorge - one of the wonders of the world.

Maybe it's the impression that the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center made on me, or possibly I am just more aware of the scars that we humans have left on this precious earth. Today driving through the Columbia Gorge on the way to our next stop in White Salmon, Washington, I was at once stunned by the beauty of the area we were in, and at the same time, dismayed by the amount of wind turbines there were on many of the beautiful bluffs overlooking the Gorge. Yes, I'm all for alternative forms of energy, but at what cost? Plus, these things are HUGE. One Wind turbine is twice the size of a Boeing 747. And there are hundreds of them all across the ridgetop.

Biglow Canyon Wind Farm. 1000+ turbines chop air

Yes, it was windy at the head of the Columbia Gorge. Cheri was driving, and the force of the wind hitting the side of our high profile land yacht was enough to give her a couple of scares. But, this wind is no reason to create such an eyesore. Plus, it's not safe for birds and other beings to be near this wind farm. They put a chop in the air, much like a boat propeller puts a chop in the water. It creates an unnatural state. And those who know me know that I am Mr. Natural. So, this does not grok with me at all.

Crossing the Dalles Bridge into Washington

We successfully made it through the wind chop and arrived at our destination, White Salmon Washington, on the shores of the Columbia River. It's all about fishing and fine wine here. We found our spot in the campground, surrounded by other adventurers out in the world looking for the next thing. We're parked next to a "fifth wheel." This is the name of the big trailer that is hitched onto the back of a pickup truck. The trailor next to us is called "Wildwood," and boy, is it wild. There was one point where the trailor was rocking back-and-forth. I was tempted to make a temporary sign that read, "If this trailer's a rockin', don't come a knockin'. But I decided to let the couple have their moment of privacy and not create some kind of embarrassing moment. I've had enough of those in my own life.

Dennis relaxes in White Salmon with Dolly the Dolphin

We've been spending some of our time planning out our itinerary. We'll spend a couple nights here, and then it's on to Portland for a week. We're going to park Dollie at my cousin Tom Avergerakis' home, unhitch the MiniCooper and go visit friends and family. We are hoping to have some kind of event a week from Friday to gather everyone together for a fun shindig. After Portland, we're heading out to the Coast, and we'll work our way up to Olympic National Forest, down into the Puget Sound and then on to Central Washington, up to Glacier National Park (where we'll meet up with Rosalie and Barry), then Yellowstone, through South Dakota, Northern Minnesota and Michigan, through Wisconsin and Illinois and through Ohio and Pennsylvania and then up to the Northeast through upper New York State, Maine and Vermont. Still a lot of planning, but this life on the road is inspiring. Without all my stuff to distract me, I can think clearly. Cheri and I are having the time of our lives!

The view from the Washington side of the river looking to Hood River, Oregon

To continue reading more of the blog of our Dolphin adventures, click on "Older Posts" below