You said — Stopped to look at the Three Sisters, part of the Cascades and even found the Stonehenge of North America. Just cuz I saw some sign. I even went to some Volcano lake. I forget the name.
—
Oh yeah..., I know them all. That Stonehenge replica was built by Sam Hill, and his “house” (actually “mansion”) he built is now Maryhill Museum (very close to that monument). You crossed the Columbia River on U.S. Highway 97 at Biggs Junction. The Stonehenge replica was on the Washington side of the river. There are only a few places to cross the Columbia River and that is one of them.
And yes, the Three Sisters, I’ve been through that area (not climbing it though...). And the lake was Crater Lake (at least that’s the one I would think of). That used to be what was Mt. Mazama (not now, though, it’s just Crater Lake).
I like driving like that, too. But, these days, it can get to be expensive, not like it used to be. One time, I got off work and just decided to “drive” (was in Portland) and I ended up at Mt. Rainier... LOL...
Hope you have many more trips like that. It can be fun...
I thought the Stonehenge monument was a neat tribute to World War II and the view was incredible. Didn't know there was a mansion.
One of these days, what I would like to do, is drive from San Jose to Tulsa, during Ski season. My dream would be to hit a resort a day on the way and come back through the southern route.
I have been to the painted desert many times but, I would really like to just go for a hike. The colors, and how they change are fascinating.
From there I want to find that new “Glass Ledge” overlooking the Grand Canyon and just walk it for few minutes. Then head back south to Sedona to stay at a little hotel I like that overlooks the valley. “Cloud” something or other.
From there, my favorite place to stay is the Fess Parker in Santa Barbara. Right on the ocean.
Next stop, Ventana, in Big Sur. Fabulous food.
I think it would take about three weeks to do all that unless I got bored and wanted to get back to work