last901

Mary and I are leaving next week for Pendleton, OR. Apparently she's discovered a casino she's only been to once before. In the interest of maintaining martial bliss for the 45th year, I agreed to go along - driving the entire way of course, so she can nap. do crossword puzzles and say things like, "My god, did you see that?" once we're 3 miles down the road from whatever "that" was, or ask: "Why can't we listen to something else on the stereo besides the Captain and Tennille"?. She already made me toss away my Carpenters' CDs. I guess we'll find out (quickly) if she enjoys the gentle refrains of "Vanilla Ice: The Anthology Collection"

So, to Pendleton we shall go. Is that where they make those wonderful shirts, like my duck assassin bearded ninja brothers in law wear - or is there a Pendleton in Bangladesh? For that matter, is there an Indian casino in Bangladesh?

Sorry, i'm starting to wander here - which I will likely do as well on this epic road trip - unless I get some help and advice.

Sooo, I've never been to Sun Valley, but it's June and it's a ski resort. Is it still a viable place to visit? Maybe later drive up to Couer d'Alene (or some place I can learn to spell properly) or might I be better advised to head south and drive to Portland through the Columbia Gorge (which I've done many times, but do have a friend who owns a liquor store in Portland) and then back to Seattle (past 3 more casinos) where I can finally get back to working on the Blue Blaster?

Speaking of boats, I tried once to take her white water rafting near Bend and that didn't work out once I forgot she doesn't swim and tends to wear non-waterproof cosmetics. So much for my notion of a special Silver Anniversary.

Now, this one is supposed to be fun. A renewal of our wedding vows, possibly, though she seems to have ignored those the day she taught me how to do laundry.

I do need some help. Any ideas of where to go from Pendleton and then, eventually, back to Seattle?

Please save me...and our marriage.

duckvett

If you into history (via Interpretive Centers) there is a museum very near Wildhorse Casino. In that part of the country "very near" means you can see it on the horizon. I highly recommend this interpretive center as it's story is told from the Native perspective and is very well done. Even if I could remember the name I wouldn't be able to spell it.

Kmcoldcars

You can take her to Goldendale Observatory, which is only a relatively short detour, for an evening of viewing heavenly bodies through the 24 inch telescope there, which is open to the public. There are some interesting items to see in the summer sky.

last901

Thanks. I saw something about that while perusing the local attractions. It actually sounds pretty interesting and, yes, I happen to be into history. I'll have to check this out.

last901

Thanks Keith. Good idea.

JETninja

Wander the south eastern side, this was sent to me from the Audi Club, awesome drive later this month.....

This event promises to deliver driving excitement along with exceptional scenic views, while driving across the state of Washington to the SE corner of the state. The highlight of this tour will be either a jet boat ride in Hells Canyon on the Snake River, or a scenic drive on portions of the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway. [There is an optional Sunday night stay for those wishing to return home Monday.]

This event includes driving the Spiral Highway, a 10 mile stretch of driving delight with hairpin turns tucked into a 2000 foot elevation change, just north of Lewiston. Also featured will be the Rattlesnake Grade, 18 miles of highway with over 110 turns and a 900 foot elevation change, just 30 miles south of Clarkston. The optional drive along Hells Canyon Scenic Byway will offer challenging roads and wonderful vistas along Hells Canyon. This will be photographer’s dream tour.

SmileyOr

That's one for my bucket list. The Hells Canyon area.

If you like old cars and old planes you can check out the WAAAM at the Hood River Airport. Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum.

http://www.waaamuseum.org/

The drive along the Columbia River will be relaxing after a day in the casino .

After the WAAAM head up the historic Columbia River Highway to Multnomah Falls and Vista House.

VIK TOY

OMG how have you stayed married for 45 yrs???
Ken and I both love Corvettes and boats and old rock
High Desert Oregon is beautiful, but the weather doesn't look good this week and weekend. The Columbia Gorge is a wonderful "Vette road and the "old highway" is even better. On trip with MHCC up to your area (Seatac) we stopped in Elbe at the Mt Rainer RR restaurant which has great food and fun atmosphere (RR cars are the restaurant) windy roads south to Hwy 84 (make sure it is cleared of rock slide) We aren't gamblers so can't help with casinos,but seems there everywhere!
Have fun!!

George's_Vette

Phil:

A little out of the way but may I suggest a trip up to Whitefish, MT and a stay at the Grouse Mountain Lodge.

http://www.grousemountainlodge.com/

Sally and I stayed there on our trip home in the Vette from back east via Glacier National Park. I'd never been to Whitefish but look forward to returning to the community and the lodge for more then one nights stay. Plus there is a golf course on the adjoining property which is a plus for us since we golf.

Wed. just got an offer from the lodge offering 20% off for 2 nights stay, 30% off on 3 nights stay and 40% off on 4 or more nights on new reservations during the remainder of June.

George

RED99

There is some nice canyon curvy roads over by Fossil just Southwest of Pendleton, not to mention the painted hills, and fossil beds. And there is a Casino in Warm Springs.

VIK TOY

Are you going to the Fossil carshow on July 5??
We will have to try out the "Vette roads " on the way home!

last901

I think I've got this figured out. Thanks everyone for all the great ideas.

So, I'm thinking we'll head for Pendleton and the casino on Monday. Probably spend Tuesday visiting the interpretive center and then driving to Hell's Canyon. Possible opportunity to go white water rafting on the budget plan (without live jackets) or possibly the jet boats. Probably spend a couple days in that area while they search for my wife, then up to Couer d'Alene.

Check out Couer d'Alene in anticipation of another revival of the Diamond Cup races and taking some of our vintage boats there again. I know there's a casino there so this should meet with little resistance from my soggy wife - assuming they found her. BTW, does the Snake River flow south or north?

From there, who knows? This is one of traditional annual tours in the Corvette. Might tweak this a bit depending on hotel availability.

Stay tuned...

VIK TOY

Hi! The Oregonian Newspaper (Sunday edition) had a travel section with lots of info on central and eastern OR. check out OREGONLIVE.COM/premium/travel-plus. If you are a beer drinker, had lots of info on beer pubs and craft beers.
Had some info that I want to checkout on our trips to Fossil and High Desert Car shows

last901

Some good ideas here. Thanks.