Stop 33 Pendleton, OR

We've been through a complete change in weather. If we didn't know better, we'd think that we'd passed from the constantly wet rain forest into a hot dry region. We do know better, however. Portland is now in a heatwave and the folks in Pendleton tell us that it was recently very wet.

I mentioned previously that the rain stopped at about noon of our only full day at Cascade Locks. The clouds stayed and were with us until we broke out of the trees as we approached The Dalles, OR. Suddenly, it was warm with nary a cloud in the sky.

Most of our 170 mile trip to Pendleton was along the Columbia River. Along the way, we passed 2 more dam/lock/fish ladder sites that were very similar to what we saw at Bonneville. The Columbia is navigable hundreds of miles inland. They say that it offers a sea level passage to the East side of the Cascades. With the exception of those locks, I believe them.

A change in scenery. This is the view from the edge of our campground.

On our only full day in Pendleton, the temperatures got up to the mid-90's (we haven't seen temperatures that warm since Death Valley). We had planned on visiting the Pendleton Underground but, naturally, they are closed on Tuesday's. Instead, we toured the Pendleton Woolen Mill.

Outside of the building.

Kristen in the blanket shop.

More of the shop.

The carding machine. The predyed wool is combed again and again until all of the fibers are aligned. It is then separated into narrow strips that are tightly twisted into yarn.

The yarn is first put onto 2 Lb. spools. This machine then winds the 2 Lb. spools onto 5 Lb. spools which don't have to be changed as often during the weaving process. Why don't the put them onto 5 Lb. spools in the first place? Got me!

Closeup of the 2 Lb. to 5 Lb. respooler.

One of many looms. This one is controlled by something that looks like a player piano roll and can only do solids, stripes and plaids.

Another loom.

The fastest, most modern loom can quickly handle very fancy designs. Kinda noisy in here.

This is where they put the seconds and all of the spare spools of yarn. Not essential to the process but I liked the colors.

After the tour, we had lunch at a spot that our neighbors had recommended and then toured the downtown area.

I'm writing this as Kristen takes care of some laundry.

Tomorrow, we're off for Baker City. OR.

-JC-