Multnomah’s fall

“Uh, sir, you have to park your moped next to the bike rack.” (Orin O’Neill photos)

This weekend was the last gasp of Indian summer, so I decided to head for Multnomah Falls on the Historic Columbia River Highway. I’d been meaning to make this trip for a while.

Too much excitement

I swear, I am not making this up. There really is a town near Portland named “Boring.”

Hawthorne Boulevard

You are hereby warned (Orin O’Neill photos)

All of the young, hip, creative types flocking to Portland even though they have no job lined up have caused some to suggest that this is the coolest place in the world to be unemployed. And if that’s the case, one of the coolest places in Portland is the Hawthorne neighborhood.

Four strong winds

The GTS is enjoying the view of The Dalles Dam, on the Columbia River (Orin O’Neill photos)

The trip on 395 seemed easier. Maybe because it feels like it goes downhill more often southbound. Or maybe because there weren’t so many trucks, it being a Sunday.

I slept like a log at Rob’s (a long ride on a scooter is quite conducive), and hit the road early. Rob gave me directions to WA 14 that avoided the freeway (available on a new map on the World Famous Scootin’ Old Skool Maps page. Also new is a way to get from Tri-Cities to Spokane without using 395, created by Rob’s brother Rick). I was ready for a nice, scenic trip.

A prairie scooter companion

Somewhere west of Spokane. No, I didn’t take I-90. (Orin O’Neill photo)

The morning TV newscasts forecast near-record high temperatures Sunday. Yes, everyone said, low 90s F is normal in August, but not mid-September. I decided to bungee the Corazzo jacket. The ride south and west would be relaxed.

Rob offered a couch for the night at his home in Tri-Cities, so I could take my time. Going back the way I came would be a treat. Until Ritzville, anyway.

How I spent my Spokane Scoot

My mirrors were full of scooters all weekend (Orin O’Neill photos)

SPOKANE—So what did we do all weekend? There was a meet-and-greet Friday evening, then a short ride to a local pub, including a killer view of Spokane, which looks like a miniature version of the Los Angeles Basin, because it, too, is in a valley.

Feed me a baked potato, stat!

Eastern Washington wind turbines (Orin O’Neill photos)

The sun had not risen at 7:00 am. I rode past the groups of tweakers on NE 82nd, toward the airport. This would be the easiest place to get on I-205 and begin the journey to Spokane.

It’s off to Spokane I go

Northwestguide.com

I’ve been waiting for this all year. Spokane Scoot is this weekend, and I’m gonna ride there. And back.