Crossing Eastern Oregon is a whole lot of empty, but eventually I made it to the Columbia River Gorge and on such a clear day, Mt. Hood started to become visible from a very long way off. Interstate 84 basically follows the gorge, so I stayed on that route up to Hood River. I got lunch and gas and then there was no way I could pass up the opportunity to get higher up the mountain, so I left the interstate, and drove up the Mt. Hood. I found a logging road and had a bit of an adventure driving its winding path until I got to a spot where I could see Mt. Hood's snowy peak up close and personal, but in the opposite direction got a nice clear shot of Mt. St. Helens way off in Washington State.

The view from up there was just incredible, but cell reception was nowhere near as clear, so I begrudgingly came back down the mountain to find a place to sleep for the night. Not so easy a prospect as the day was unseasonably warm at 97º F (36º C), so I broke down and just found a hotel room in Gresham, OR. All I have to say is AIR CONDITIONING. Of course, I didn't check in until treating myself to one of my childhood all-time favorites. Abby's Linguicia pizza! Goooood stuff, man.

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Camping Must-Haves of the Day

Shower Tote Bag

Having to shower at the gym or at a friend's house means this bag has been the perfect have-everything-in-one-spot carry-all for my wet stuff.

Quick Dry Towels

A few days before I left for this journey a friend recommended packing a quick dry towel. I am so glad for that last-minute encounter. Packs up super-small. Picks up an amazing amount of water. Truly dries extraordinarily quickly. Has a snap loop for hanging just about anywhere. Game changer.

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