From Hops to Happy

Starting out this morning from Yakima, WA, along the highway we saw a field where hops are grown.  It is recognizable from the poles used to support the plants vertically from 15 to 25 feet to expose them to more sunlight.  Hops prefer to grow in well drained soil in a temperate climate following a winter dormancy period, and are used by brewers of beer to achieve a desired bitterness, aroma, and the preservation qualities of beer.

The terrain for much of the morning consisted of flat high desert amid rolling hills and cultivated fields.  Occasionaly we spotted a sparsely situated home, farm. or business sprinkled amid vast stretches of land reaching out to the distant horizon.

We crossed the Columbia River into Oregon and the rain began in earnest.  Near Pendleton we saw a sign that read "Beware of Solar Glare" which seemed like a strange warning until we spotted solar panels spread across a hill.  Less explained was the name "Deadman Pass" that we traveled through which I researched to learn had acquired its name because of violent incidents that occured during the 1870s as travelers along the Oregon Trail were killed by Bannock or Paiute warriors. 

We stopped in Boise, Idaho, tonight as we felt weary from the rainy driving.  Plus today we crossed a time zone.  Perhaps it's psychological, but it seems the new later time made stopping a good idea, too!  The motel had TV dinners AND ice cream available in the lobby, so we didn't have to hunt down a supermarket nor a restaurant with our room having both a refrigerator and microwave.  Snoopy has settled into traveling quite nicely and he gave this latest room a decided vote of approval.  Jimmy's asleep and I am going to say good night to all.  We'll see what adventures tomorrow brings and hopefully we'll slip far enough south to escape the rainy weather.