Hermiston Oregon to Renton Washington 250 Miles
Just on the edge of Hermiston we saw a pickup that had just hit and killed a deer. Not a good start to that person’s day. The skies are blue and the temperature comfortable. Connie has on a light jacket and Rob is in short sleeves. We were listening to an audible story and not really paying attention to the gps so we missed their suggested turn. Well in this section of freeway the exits are quite far apart. Needless to say we didn’t turn around but just kept on the freeway. This follows along past the Tri Cities of Pasco, Richland and Kennewick. Then on to a major farming area for fruit, hops and grapes. Numerous wineries are just off the freeway. Two hours of driving brought us to Union Gap Washington which happens to have a Costco for a fuel stop. We had to navigate at least three round-a-bouts just getting off the freeway. Gas here was $4.699. Soon we could see Mount Adams and Mount Rainier. Both are dormant volcanos with snow covered tops. Just out of Yakima Washington the road goes up a steep grade which does slow us down. But once we got over that we could see Ellensburg with the snow capped mountain back drop. Unfortunately the wind really picked up. Rob had to work much harder keeping the car in the lane. Another two hours brought us to Cle Elm which has a wonderful bakery. By now we were both cold from the wind so a stop at the bakery felt good. We bought cinnamon bread plus day old cinnamon rolls and chocolate/maple bars. We normally have cheese and crackers for a picnic lunch but the weather wasn’t cooperating. Instead we ate at a McDonalds. We both put on heavier coats before heading out. The freeway is now bumper to bumper but still moving. Luckily it did open up eventually. Once that happened we got even colder. The wind didn’t quit until we were nearly to Renton. We saw another road kill deer. This time the vehicle was a small car that was in really bad shape. Hopefully no one was seriously injured.
Spoffords Travel 