The Dalles, Oregon to Ketchum, Idaho 9/14/2013

SEPTEMBER 14, 2013 (Saturday)

I had made reservations the day before to spend the night at the Shilo Inn in The Dalles. I tried Priceline but you are not guaranteed two beds. We’re traveling with Lexi now so we need two beds. I then tried other discount bookers and we were able to get this place, two beds, for under $90.00 a night through Hotwire, and it included a nice restaurant hot breakfast.

We checked into the Shilo Inn about 11:30 PM last night. Was sure glad we hadn’t planned on going any further because we were all tired. The checkin process was quick and we were in our rooms and in bed by midnight.

The pool, got there too late and hit the road too early to enjoy.

Edie was captivated by the old weathered buildings next to our inn.

We got up around 8:30 AM and loaded up. We drove around to the front of the Shilo Inn and went inside to the restaurant. We were seated right away. It was lovely, overlooking the mighty Columbia River. It looked like it was going to be another glorious day. The breakfast was quite good. There were three choices – biscuits and gravy with a fruit cup; scrambled eggs, ham and English muffin; or pancakes and sausage. It also included a drink – coffee, tea, or juice. Nice and filling.

Today is all about the drive to Ketchum. We stopped somewhere and had a little treat – DQ – and for gas in some small, small town on the way to Ketchum on Route 20 (can’t remember the name). Most of the men in the area were in camo clothing. Not sure if it’s hunting season or if that’s just what they wear.

The Dalles, homes on the bluff, overlooking the Columbia River.

Just a few of the Salmon fishermen on the Columbia. — Just a few of the salmon fishermen on the Columbia.

The road is really becoming a blur to me.

I was excited to see this old...umm...I forget. — I was excited to see this old…umm…I forget.

We got into Ketchum around 6:30 PM, but then realized it was really 7:30 PM as we are now in mountain time. We stopped at the Tamarack Lodge in town and registered. Coly gave us all the stuff we needed, our keys, and directions. We asked about a good place to eat and he told us his personal favorite was the Ketchum Grill.

We left the Tamarack Lodge and went to the Ketchum Grill. It was really packed and we were told we couldn’t be seated inside without a reservation. The hostess said we could eat outside if we wanted without waiting. We then went outside and were seated, given water and bread, and menus right away. We were also offered blankets as it was starting to get chilly. What a nice touch and we really appreciated it as we didn’t bring our jackets.

Dinner was better than excellent. We all had meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and cauliflower. It was so good, more like a steak than meatloaf. Also, the sauce around the plate was good with all items. Presentation was lovely but the flavors were awesome.

After dinner we left for our room. We are in unit U which is a little hike down a paved walkway. Relatively easy to find in the dark. The unit was lovely – had a fireplace, flat screen televisions, nicely appointed kitchen. The bonus was there was a Murphy bed for Lexi, as opposed to her being on the sofa bed. Everything is kinda rustic and lovely.

A surprisingly comfortable log/stick chair in living room.

Still have to tell her not to jump on the bed!

Pretty woman in the kitchen, putting stuff away.

These birds are right up there with the ravens in my book. I love them both,.

Before dinner, Lexi, Michael and I started our gratitudes. We are going to list three gratitudes each day before we go to bed.

That was our day. Hope yours was fun!