548 miles
My day started with a bit of panic. I could not find my panniers’ key. Turns out I had left the key in the lock overnight. Truth be told, I had bought a spare key that won’t start the bike, it has a proximity sensor, for exactly this purpose. When I went out to the bike it was still there – in general people are nice – although I do wonder how many “what an idiot” thoughts there were.
Anyway, after a quick breakfast at the bistro that would not serve me beer without food, I was off to Pendleton. What I quickly realized was that northern Utah is almost as windy as Wyoming, almost.
Given there was little traffic around, I pulled over and got a picture of the Welcome to Idaho sign. I think I can now officially check it off my list of states. Last time I visited it was a quick run over the border just to say I’d been. Now, I’ve spent more that 10 minutes in the state but still not a full day.
Twin Falls sounded like a great place to visit. I didn’t find the twin falls, it was a long detour and I had a long way to go, but the views down into the Snake River from the Perrine Bridge were spectacular.
As I got into Oregon, I saw signs for “Historic Baker City”. Looking at the bypass signs it seemed like a reasonable place to scoot through as I needed gas. It was a cool little town.
I finally made it to Pendleton. I chose the town as a stopping point because – it was about the right distance from Stevenson for an easy ride in on Monday – and because I’d done some work for Pendleton Woolen Mills in the past. They are no longer there, I think most of their products are contract manufactured in Mexico and Asia these days.
It does have an interesting history and like a good western town had its brothels in pace as late as the 1930s.
These days, agriculture seems to be the main industry and the town is quite rundown. Although I didn’t find the Woolen Mill, I did find the Flour Mill.
I could not find a Marriott to stay at but I did find a Wyndham. The Hotel Pendleton has taken over an old motel and refurbished it with cool features – like hot tub baths and internet tvs – which serveral people did not seem to be able to use. It has a cool little bar and dining area by the check-in area.
I think the Hamley’s sign is a great metaphor for Pendleton. It looked great once but there’s a bit missing these day.
