On the Road Again - Columbia River Highway

We celebrated the Fourth of July with a road trip across Oregon.

With both regret (that our week-long vacation was ending) and anticipation (about reaching our next "home" in one of our favorite cities), we drove west from Walla Walla, following the Columbia River.

We didn't drive on the historic highway segments or stop to see any waterfalls, because we were so eager to reach our destination. But there were plenty of things to see as we sped along the freeway: dams, locks, wind turbines, trains, towering cliffs, even a vineyard. There were dozens of windsurfers and kite surfers out on the water. Mount Hood was both majestic and magical! And finally, there was the Seattle skyline, a very welcome sight after driving more than 2,600 miles from Santa Fe.

These photos were taken through the car window at high speed...but they'll give you a sense of the freedom and pride we felt on this beautiful Independence Day.