Trip Report

The highlight of the trip was at the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center in Stevenson, Washington, for the monolog by Merna DeBolt who portrayed in costume, Lucy Meriwether Marks, the mother of Capt. Lewis. She returned after 200 years to set the record straight about her beloved famous son. Her performance was informative, amusing and truly delightful. All of us applauded with enthusiasm.

Our mid-morning coffee break was at the Tualatin Rest Area, and, as always, our hospitality committee spoiled us with delicious goodies.

The next stop was the new Capt. William Clark Park on Cottonwood Beach near Washougal, where the Lewis and Clark group camped for six nights in 1806. Unfortunately, the Columbia River was so high that this nice sandy beach was under water. So we did not fully savor the experience of this important site.

We continued east on Hwy #14 for great views of the Columbia Gorge especially from Cape horn. En route, Ewart Baldwin discussed the geology of the area.

At noon at the Interpretive Center, we ate our sack lunches outside beneath their covered entranceway. In addition to Merna's presentation, we enjoyed action demonstrations for the giant sized fish wheel and the Corliss Steam engine. Their museum housed a number of excellent displays, including a large Rosary collection.

Completing three hours here, we crossed into Oregon over the historic Bridge of the Gods, where Ewart explained the legend. Next stop was 30 minutes at the spectacular Multnomah Falls with enough time for a short hike closer to the falls.

From the Falls to Shopko, driver Kurt Hand returned us in 2 hrs. 10 minutes. Well done, Kurt... On a rare sunny spring day, Mt. Hood, St. Helens, the Cascades, the gorge, and even the Three Sisters were all beautiful to see.

My appreciation to Verna Kocken for handling the sign-up, Vera Woolley and the hospitality people, Ewart on Geology, and to a very congenial group of riders.

Members: Ewart Baldwin, Barbara Beard, Paul Beard, Louise Behnke, Mary Bridgeman, Mary Lee Cheadle, Barbara Chinn, Rachele Fiszman, Barbara Hagerman, Dora Harris, John McManigal, Lenore McManigal, Joyce Norman, Barbara Payne, Don Payne, Virginia Prouty, Liz Reanier, Paula Sievers, Julie Snell, Dick Speelman, Janet Speelman, Mary Ellen West, Cristy White and Vera Woolley.