The Nez Perce Trail

Just when I thought it couldn't possibly get more beautiful than Idaho we traverse Mt. Hood in Oregon-swimming under the stars in an outdoor heated pool. Mike and I felt like we snuck into some rich persons pool b/c we were the only ones swimming. We are at the Timberline Lodge- site of The Shining! No we haven't run through the hallways looking for Jack Nickelson but the floors do creak!
Sabrina consulted Mike's brother Steve, the ski coach, about skiing Mt. Hood. Apparently after 1 lesson at Buck Hill on the black diamonds she feels ready. Mt. Hood is the site of the U.S. ski teams training and Steve encouraged her to try it if she feels ready. We are hoping to get through this trip with only frustrations not broken bones:) Maybe we could convince Eli and Larry to take a trip out here and Sabrina and Mike could try the mountain.
We hope to take in some hiking this morning but it is chilly, 45 degrees. Maybe a much wanted cool front for our friends bearing 105 degree heat.
We've discovered a new Native American tribe, the Nez Perce. Also an American Girl, Kaya. The tribe was the last to be put onto reservations and were very helpful to Lewis and Clark. We were able to help set up a tipi at the National Historic site- very different than our tent.
We've passed through the Columbia gorge, the last site before Lewis and Clark found the Ocean. We are all looking forward to the ocean. You can take a person out of California but you can't take the California out of a person! We will be camping on the beach tonight.
A few responses to comments: NO we haven't got lost! We are just discovering new places:) Our next vacation- a reality show involving others travelling with us? Anyone up for that? This blog thing is so cool as it connects us to all of you as well as is a ready made scrapbook! The digital camera is a borrowed item from a friend, I can't give up my 'old fashioned' camera. Wait until you see those pictures:) Sabrina may have us wrapped around her finger, at times, but we are NOT going to Hollywaood- doesn't fit into the Lewis and Clark primitive thing:) She will get to see her aunt & uncle in S.F and spend a day with Carrie, that will have to be good enough.
p.s. in Oregon you are not allowed to pump your own gas! So it is full service for the next few days- we could really enjoy Oregon! gas is only $3.02, we were expecting it to be much higher. I suppose wait until CA.
p.p.s. This is the one year anniversary of our friend Annie's Leukemia treatment and a few more to go. Please add her to your prayers