Robert Stuart Trail 1812 — 1813

Day 15: August 26th, 2007 La Grande — Ontario

In this small town I already had last year trouble finding a decent place for breakfast. That’s why I drive again over to Denny’s, which is close to my motel. The breakfast is quite okay and also the coffee service improved over time after some trouble in the beginning — which I honor with a good amount of tip. Then I drive over to the next gas station, where I am allowed to clean my windshield myself because they are too busy. Perfect for me, because now the windshield is really clean for my video taping!

Foothill Rd, OR

Around half past nine I am ready to roll. First I drive almost the same roads like last year, but now from west to east.

Curtis Rd, OR

Hot Lake-Union Rd, OR

Also last year I was driving on Highway 203.

Main St/La Grande-Baker Hwy/Highway 237, Union, OR

La Grande-Baker Hwy/Highway 237, OR

La Grande-Baker Hwy/Highway 237, OR

La Grande-Baker Hwy/Highway 237, OR

La Grande-Baker Hwy/Highway 237, OR

Like last year I drive through Union in Oregon.

As well as through North Powder.

Highway 30, Baker City, OR

Old US Hwy 30, OR

And also Baker City.

Dry Creek Rd, OR

Dry Creek Cutoff Rd, OR

At some spots I take a different route than last year, because Stuart traveled there on a slightly different way than Hunt.

Dry Creek Cutoff Rd, OR

Dry Creek Cutoff Rd, OR

On Dry Cutoff Rd I follow Stuart’s footprints further on.

Dry Creek Cutoff Rd, OR

Alder Creek Rd, OR

Alder Creek Rd, OR

One time I must once again turn around due to Private Property.

Old US Hwy 30, OR

Plano Rd, OR

Therefore I drive back to Old US Hwy 30 and continue then on Plano Rd.

Plano Rd, OR

Plano Rd, OR

Plano Rd, OR

Plano Rd, OR

From there I drive on to Sisley Creek Rd…

Sisley Creek Rd, OR

…and finally to I–84.

Oregon Trail Blvd/BUS30, OR

Oregon Trail Blvd/BUS30, OR

From the Interstate I take a little side trip to the smaller and in parallel running Oregon Trail Blvd/BUS30. Then I must return to the Interstate for a short distance.

Highway 201/Olds Ferry-Ontario Hwy, Snake River, OR

Highway 201/Olds Ferry-Ontario Hwy, Snake River, OR

Highway 201/Olds Ferry-Ontario Hwy, Snake River, OR

Highway 201/Olds Ferry-Ontario Hwy, OR

Highway 201/Olds Ferry-Ontario Hwy, OR

Highway 201/Olds Ferry-Ontario Hwy, Snake River, OR

Highway 201/Olds Ferry-Ontario Hwy, Snake River, OR

Now I leave the Interstate in direction of the Snake River while having plenty of sunshine. There I take Highway 201 which follows one of the most picturesque stretches of the river. There you could stop at almost every bend to take pictures. Although I have already taken plenty of pictures last year, I also stop this year very often. Behind a guard railing I even find a license plate from North Carolina, which somebody has lost. That would be something for the bar of my Dad — and I decide to take care of the poor license plate.

Despite all my stops I already arrive at a quarter past four at the Motel 6 in Ontario, where I also stayed last year for a couple of times. However, the manager from last year is not working here anymore. But the reception lady gives me a good advice for dinner: I should go to Winger’s Ann, which is similar to Applebee’s. I say thank you and ask myself, why I haven’t received this dinner recommendation already last year…

I put my stuff into the room, which is due to my early arrival still on first floor. Then I check my video taping of today, which turns out to be one and a half hour long! It is again and again unbelievable how much you can video tape during one day of traveling. Then I make a quick stop at Wal–Mart, because there are also no sales taxes in Oregon — you only pay taxes for motel rooms.

With three new CDs from Tim McGraw, Luke Bryan and Dirks Bentley I start my search for the Winger’s Ann. After a little bit of searching I find the restaurant, which would have been just across the main street. Things can be so easy…

The restaurant interior is like a 50’s Diner. And the food is just simply great — plenty and with a fantastic service. This is definitely a place to remember for the future. Because it is a chain, I will watch out for restaurants like this!

Around half past eight I pay and drive back to my motel. To my surprise, the parking spot in front of my entrance door is still free. Back in my room I start writing my diary and program the next GPS coordinates while listening to my new CDs…