Wilson Price Hunt Trail (‘Astorians’) 1811 — 1812

Day 29: September 10th, 2006 Ontario — La Grande

Breakfast is again at Denny’s. Because I have already driven yesterday a good portion of my today’s leg, I can start the day a bit slower. After my breakfast I drive over to Wal–Mart. There I buy new picture rolls and movie tapes — and while having the opportunity also the new CD from Kenny Chesney. Then I drive over to the gas station in Idaho.

Around 11am I depart.

My trip starts along Spur 95, like yesterday.

BUS95, Snake River, ID

At Weiser, I cross the state line to Oregon on BUS95.

Highway 201, OR

Then I continue on Highway 201 to I–84.

BUS30/Oregon Trail Blvd, OR

Next I take BUS30/Oregon Trail Blvd to Huntington. But this time I continue on this highway all the way to the Interstate.

I–84 follows pretty exactly Hunt’s trail all the way to Baker City. Unfortunately there is only now and then the possibility to leave the Interstate and follow the trail on some smaller highways.

Old U.S. Hwy 30, OR

Old U.S. Hwy 30, OR

Old U.S. Hwy 30, OR

Old U.S. Hwy 30, OR

The road takes me along abandoned cement plants, decayed houses and also an abandoned motel. You often ask yourself, what has all happened in the past there…

Bridge St, Baker City, OR

Main St, Baker City, OR

Pretty quick I reach Baker City. There I continue on Highway 30.

Highway 30, OR

Highway 30, OR

Highway 30, Haines, OR

Highway 30, OR

Highway 30, OR

On Highway 30 I drive through Haines.

Highway 237/La Grande–Baker Hwy, OR

Highway 237/La Grande–Baker Hwy, OR

Highway 237/La Grande–Baker Hwy, OR

At North Powder I continue on Highway 237.

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

At Union I take Highway 203.

The only gravel road of the day is closed after one mile and I have to look for a different route. I also have no luck on my second attempt to reach the original planned route. Therefore I must drive on Highway 203 to La Grande, my destination of today.

Already around half past one I arrive at the Super 8. But unfortunately you cannot check in before 3pm. Also at the Best Value Inn just across the street I have no luck. At the Best Western they can only offer an earliest check in around half past two. This also does not make me really happy. Therefore I drive back to town to follow the signs to other motels. My first try is the Travelodge. But even after five minutes of waiting, no one shows up in the office. So I drive to the other end of town and finally arrive at the All American Inn. There they have a free room. The rooms are pretty simple, but clean. And you can park in front of your room! The only thing that bothers is the gas station directly next to the motel.

Because I had no lunch break yet, I have an apple first. Then I start to check the video taping of the last two days. This keeps me busy until the evening. Therefore I have no chance to see the city. Around half past seven I leave to look for a dinner restaurant. I drive through town two times and finally decide to go to the Mexican restaurant “Cinco de Mayo”. This one looks the best from the outside.

Just when I enter the parking lot, another car arrives. Then I will not be the only guest. The dinner is plenty and also very good and reasonably priced, almost like always at the Mexican restaurants. Around half past eight I pay and drive back to my motel. There I check the rest of my video taping. Now I am up to date again…