Around the United States in Eighty Days

We're off!  All of the planning and packing (and repacking) came to an end and we left home today on Day 1 of what we know will be an interesting and enjoyable 80 Days Around the Country -- US and Ontario, Canada.

Our First Gas Stop in Troutdale

Our first day only brought us into the Columbia River Gorge to windy and burn scarred Rufus, Oregon, east of The Dalles.  Along the way here, we saw a lot of burn scars beginning at Multnomah Falls from last year and continuing to this past years week.  We even saw the reddish stains on the hillsides where the aerial fire tanker dropped retardant, stopping one fire near I-84.

Day One from Home to Rufus. Oregon

Here in Rufus, we are in a space that is just about 100 yards from the burn scarred hillside just outside the RV park.  It was about 95 degrees and blowing about 15 mph when we arrived, but it has cooled down nicely.  We like it a whole lot cooler than 95!

Fire Retardant Stain on Hillside from I-84

Camped in Rufus, Oregon - No Fires Here Thankfully

We celebrated our first night with St. Germain champagne cocktails (which Skyler and Brittni got to try out last weekend) and shrimp, along with pizza from last night.  The frig and freezer are stuffed with goodies. This morning, Pamela's wonderful friends from Prayer Shawl group sent us on the road today with GF blueberry muffins and a lovely send-off. Thank You much!