September 9: Fun in the Summer Sun
Today’s ride in the sun over hill and dale with multiple mountain and river views left me feeling content, full of joy, and ready to take on the week. The combination of beautiful weather, great company, delicious food, and an endless supply of broad sweeping curves gave me just the energy boost I needed after finishing the first two weeks of this school year.
As Leo Guzman Fernandez and I headed east on highway 14 this morning we were treated to one breathtaking view of the Columbia River Gorge after another. The wide body of blue water curving through the foothills of the Mount Hood National Forest spread out into the horizon as birds swooped above us and boats frolicked on the water.
We turned north on 141 up towards Glenwood, passing along the white salmon river and weaving our way through the sun-drenched rolling hills of yellow grass on our way toward Mount Adams. Cows grazed in their fields, and the sun warmed our backs as we swept around one curve after another with little traffic in front of us.
Turning south on route 142 we followed the Klickitat River as it wound its way towards the Columbia. Because the water levels were so high and the road hugged the riverbanks so closely, it felt like we were riding on the beautiful aqua marine colored river water as we made our way back to the Gorge.
We stopped for lunch at Solstice Pizza in Hood River, enjoying great conversation along with our wood fired pizza in the warm summer air. Our “Hot Mamma” pizza with Ezzo pepperoni, peppadew peppers, pepperoncinis, mozzarella, and house marinara had just the right balance of spice and tomato flavors. The wood fire “s’more” dessert with house made honey marshmallow, chocolate ganache, and buttery pecan nut crust hit the spot.
From Hood River, we headed south on highway 35 along the backside of Mount Hood, taking in the majestic views of the peak towering over the local vineyards before winding through the evergreens on the other side. Following the base of the mountain past Government Camp, we ended the ride by taking backroads through Estacada. What a glorious day!
