Day 30 - Portland, Oregon to Olympia, Washington

Believe it or not, today was the first day in thirty the weather turned ugly. When they awoke it was gray, raining and foggy. Fully suited in their raingear they headed out. Fred is well prepared.
East of Portland, Oregon they came upon the Columbia River Gorge. Usually a very picturesque area, the gorge was socked in with fog. Between really having to pay a great deal of attention to the wet roads and the fog, sightseeing was pretty much out of the question.

Mike bundled up and waterproof!

Stu and Fred at McClellan View Point at Mount Saint Helens. Mount Saint Helen was a volcano that erupted in 1980. The hot flowing lava ravaged the side of the mountain.

Behind Mike, Mount Saint Helen is visible. It is snowcapped and slightly over his left shoulder. If you look closely you can still see bare areas on the side of the mountain. The guys were amazed how much the area had healed in the relatively short span of 30 years. Much of the area affected by the volcanic eruption was now covered in vegetation.

Gifford Pinchot National Forest, still in the Mount Saint Helen area.

Ron, Mike, Fred and Stu in Mount Rainier National Park.

The Mather Memorial Parkway located within Mt. Rainier National Park. The pavement had dried but it was cold, damp and drizzly. Selecting the east side of the pass around Mt. Rainier had the guys climbing to an elevation of only 4,800 feet. Viewing Mt. Rainier was impossible today. Once the boys hit 3,800 feet they were already in the clouds and fog. Mt. Rainier is 14,800 feet tall. It was hidden in thick fog and clouds.

Being in the higher elevation made for some mighty chilly conditions. Stu buttons up trying to stay warm. Given the inclement weather, the boys were happy with the 280 miles ridden. They finished up in Olympia, Washington. Plans are to hit that 3rd corner on the 4th of July.

They they'll be turning east and heading towards home!

Mike is searching the woods line, he must have lost something!