Day 2 July 25, 2026 Condon Oregon to Renton Washington 353.9 miles
The outside temperature is a little cooler this morning. We ate some of the hard boiled eggs we brought with us breakfast and then took off. Connie had to put on the light jacket. Some sun is shining through the smoke this morning.
When we entered our destination in the GPS for the day we were immediately rerouted. Best guess is a forest fire has the shorter route closed. That added at least another 20 miles to our route. Most of that was miles we drove the day before.
Just before the first road change this morning we saw three deer and about 12 turkeys. Most of the turkeys looked to be young birds. They were right in the middle of the road. Our vehicle didn’t seem to bother them much.
The traffic is mostly something to do with the forest fires. Lots of pickups with equipment or supplies. At least four buses that may have fire fighters going to or from fires. Two semis with heavy equipment on board.
We drove through an area that had burned earlier in the summer. One farm yard was completely surrounded by burned land. Some of trees are completely burned while others are still standing and with green needles.
Finally arrived at Biggs Junction about noon. We ate lunch in the truck parking lot of the gas station. Then we crossed over the Columbia River and into Washington. Drove through the outskirts of Yakima and lots of orchards. We looked very hard at the new apples on the side of the road.
Further along the route we were rerouted again due to a road closure. So our 275 miles day turned into 350 miles. Thank goodness the temperature was cooler most of the day. We drove through White Pass Washington. The temperature was so much cooler Rob had to put on his heavier sweat shirt. The traffic in the area was much heavier. Lots of RVs and tents in the camping locations. Also lots of hikers parked near trail heads.
The wind all day really rocked the car. Sometimes it felt cold and sometimes hot. Sometimes a head wind and sometimes a side wind. Never seemed to helped push us however. Surprisingly the gas mileage was an average of about 16 miles to the gallon. Must be due to the slower speeds.
Sure glad to finally reach Rob’s brother Ed’s house.
Spoffords Travel 