2014 Pumpkin Tour

Our Packard club and invited CCCA & Cadillac clubs met at Louis & Clark State Park. We have all toured together at one time or another but knowing this would be the last three day tour of 2014 made it feel special. Driving on the side roads overlooking the Columbia River and Gorge was spectacular.

We got into Hood River too early to check in so drove through town and out HWY 35 for lunch at The Gorge White House. This is an Oasis in the middle of nowhere with wine & hard cider tasting and a food truck with the best burger I have ever tasted!

We stayed at the Vagabond Lodge in Hood River which was what I call a sleeper, the outside appearance was less that exciting but it is a family run business and they couldn’t have been more accommodating. Almost everyone had a view of the Columbia River from their rooms. We had a corner suite with a deck running the length of the room with big picture windows and gorgeous views of the river.

Matt and Carla’s accommodations was a house so they invited everyone over for happy hour. We all visited and talked about plans to go to the Air Museum and Robert and Frankie Douglas’s plans to go to the Discovery Center in The Dalles. Since it was getting late several walked next door to Char burger Country for dinner. Robert and Frankie knew about this gem of a Mexican Restaurant so we rode into town with them, delicious!

The Hood River Air Museum (WWAAM) is a treat for anyone interested in vintage airplanes, motorcycles & cars which pretty much fit everyone in our group. Mona and Orville showed up with Mona in a wheelchair. She had turned her ankle and her foot was twice its normal size. (What a trouper) The Cadillac Club joined us for the day which added to the fun. The best event at the museum was giving free rides in a Model A,

Model T and a rat rod that Jan Taylor had a blast cruising the course in.

Even George got into the act by giving several rides in our 34 Packard 12. We then headed to The Dalles to join Robert and Frankie at the Discovery Center but we threw a fan belt about 5 miles out and had to go in and replace it so missed seeing the Center. “Next time”

Saturday night happy hour was in our room with its beautiful view of the Columbia River to enjoy. We all packed in and had snacks and fun conversations about adventures of the day. Matt and Karla had brought their niece, Hayley & nephew, Cameron on the tour plus a slim & trim Jeanette McCready. So with the help of the Douglas’s microwave (ours conked out) we made a big bowl of popcorn for them.

After happy hour Larry & Pat Cox, Robert & Frankie Douglas, George and I went to dinner at Stonehedge Restaurant. It is an old house, up a gravel drive way, but once inside the ambience is delightful. We were seated in front of the fireplace and made to feel like special guests of the house. The food was excellent and the flaming bread pudding which was soaked in several different libations lit up the night and was a delicious finish to our fabulous off road find!

Sunday morning we all headed over to the “Pumpkin Patch” at The Rassmusun Pumpkin Farm. These people go all out for the occasion with the local’s hand making displays of dragons, ghouls and goblins. Every were you looked the farm had displays of pumpkins, even a wagon full pulled by a moss covered horse. Also every variety imaginable of apples and pears, which of course we loaded up with to bring home. So our trip ends with just one more stop back at The Gorge White House to pick up wine and cider, then home. GOOD PUMPKIN TOUR!

Some of the picture taken by

Sylvia Potter

Click on them for full size