Since I was reluctant to turn around and head home the way we came I decided to use the few extra days after we left Collier to stop and see one or two good friends along the way.  Still not wanting to do freeways we cut across Highway 58 to get over the Cascades and it was a lovely drive for sure.   More busy than I expected but still pretty.

This is Opal Lake and Diamond Peak in the background.

You might remember me mentioning the friends that came to see ME at Champoeg back in May when I was out in Oregon.   Lori is a dear friend that I used to work with here in Montana but who moved 'back home' to Lebanon, Oregon about 8 years ago.   I'd never been to the place she and her husband Mike have outside of town and she assured me they had "plenty of places to park" the truck/trailer combo.   Oh but a text before we arrived said I would need 4WD to get up the drive way - EEKS!    We did indeed manage to get up the drive and after quite a bit of maneuvering also got turned around and set up outside the front of their house for a couple of nights visiting!    They have a SUPER lovely place and although we had to do a little negotiating with our pups as to who could be out in the yard when I was able to go walk with the dogs up the hill and let the poodles enjoy some leg stretching!

I also had to get some photos of the yard and forests along the way!

Not only was it great to visit, sit outside and relax but Lori is also a world class cook!   Oh and did I mention the fresh grape juice we got from their very own grapes?   To die for!   Paella for dinner off the grill, crepes, fresh apple pie...well you get the idea (and why I gained weight this trip).    It was awesome!   Thanks Lori and Mike for being such lovely hosts and for transporting us to visit our friend Lisa at her place (that is the next post)!