Reset

We took time off from the grind of the road and stayed along the beautiful Columbia River Gorge for a second night. Our minds were incapable of making any decisions greater than choosing between a waffle or a bowl of Raisin Bran in the breakfast room. The view from our hotel was fascinatingly stunning and we had no reason to push ourselves beyond our low energy levels.

We made one short jaunt down the road to the famous Oregon Multnomah Falls, 620 feet of tumbling gloriousness. Apparently a third of the nation also decided it was a good day to visit the Falls as well. We usually travel during off-peak times of the year so the throngs of tourists ravaging their way through a must-see photo stop was new for us. There were kids in strollers, dogs (and cats!) on leashes, Tibetan monks, a  traveling minstrel and many, many smiles for the camera. The one relatively quiet sanctuary was the information center. The reading, thinking and slowing down that is required in such a place thinned the crowds to a manageable level. A very kind, elderly volunteer in her pseudo-ranger outfit cornered us at the fish display and proceeded to give us the life history of the salmon. She was passionate about her little fishy friends and we patiently listened to her presentation, a sobering reminder why it's good not to be born a salmon.

The rest of our day was spent watching the Columbia River move by as we sat still. I would highly recommend this method of renewal. No batteries required.