Headed up the I-5 in Oregon and turned east on I-84 into the Columbia River Gorge. Immediately encountered strong winds that demonstrated the fact that the gorge acts as a tunnel for winds. Planned to stay at a state park near Portland, but that didn’t happen. Ended up at The Deschutes River State Recreation Area that I stayed at before just past The Dalles. Next time, for sure, I’ll stay near Portland and explore the forests and waterfalls in that area.

Above, the John Day Dam as seen from the Washington side of the river and wind turbines on the Washington side. They are going to get all the power they can get.

Part of a Google data center on the Columbia River in The Dalles. There are no signs identifying the complex as Google, but I got the address from searching on Google and a nearby business confirmed it. It is surrounded by a fence and there were several security patrols. The structure on the roof surrounds pipes.

A very large family of Canada geese at the campground. Had to watch where you stepped on the grass because of all the geese.

Lincoln sparrow, above, goldfinch below.

Drove along I-84, along the Columbia River on the Oregon side. Rain was forecast for Portland, so I bypassed the wooded areas for the more arid areas near The Dalles. It was striking how quickly the temperature changed. Had to be 10 degrees warmer. You can look on Google maps to see how fast the woods turn into a more barren environment. Stayed at a state park along the Deschutes River as it meets the Columbia River, a short distance from The Dalles. It is a fisherman’s haven where fishing and beer rule. It gets very hot here in the summer, 105 degrees is not unusual, but in the fall it is quite nice.

In taking a walk along the Deschutes River, heard some crows making a ruckus and looked up to see a great horned owl. Even with the crow in its face and me below it, it was able to sleep and showed no inclination to move. Always excited when I get a picture of a bird I’ve never seen before.

You can keep your boat right by your campsite. The parched hills in the background remind me of hills you see in California.

View of The Dalles on an overcast day. Some things it is known for:

• The Dalles dam. Surprised to read that it supplies Los Angeles with electricity. Hope the people in The Dalles get a discount on power so they can run their air conditioners during the hot weather they get.
• A Googleplex. Google got tax benefits for building a huge data center here in 2006.