5/5–Cascade Locks

Our hotel sits at the foot of the Bridge of Gods.  For those of you who have read Wild, you’ll know all about the bridge – which is the final stop on Cheryl’s Pacific Crest hiking odyssey.  Since we had just finished reading the book, it was sort of neat to be there – not that we touched the bridge like she did or anything – but the symbolism was there. And the scenery! The bridge is really quite striking against the backdrop of the Gorge – and our hotel was literally right there – we could see it out our window – and from the little patio out back where we hung out for a while with sodas and coffee in the afternoon.

After settling in, we decided to take a walk around town – which is truly one-horse and one road.  Ed had found a restaurant across the bridge on the Washington side of the river for dinner –but we had also read about a little brewery, Thunder Island Brewing, down in the waterfront park that served light meals along with the beer. Hey – that sounds like us!  We decided to walk down to the park to get a better look – mistake! That was a hike – it looked so much closer than it actually is – we enjoyed the great scenery all around us in the little one road town.

 

But…then – misery of all miseries – the damn place was closed on Tuesdays! Oh come on – really?  Poop. Well, at least there are great views of the river and the bridge down here.

Back at the hotel, we find that the Cascade Locks Ale House (across the street) is also closed on Tuesday.  Sigh.  It looks like Char Burger (which is right next to the hotel) is our only option this side of the river.  We weren’t really in the mood for burgers, but after relaxing a bit on the patio out back we decide we don’t want to drive anywhere – so Char Burger it will be.

Before  dinner though, we hit the patio to watch the sunset with our beer and wine.  Beautiful!

Char Burger ends up being a great place.  Totally relaxed, good menu, not just burgers and a great view!

We just wanted light meals, so Ed ended up with the all you can eat Salad Bar, and I had the Chicken Caesar – but perfect for us – not too much, not too little.  We enjoyed the view for a while after our meal with another wine and beer, then walked back to the hotel ready for our next day’s adventure.