The end of the trail

<p>Well friends, we have finally arrived. 2,200 miles, 10 days, 10 states and two tired girls. We awoke this morning at our odd little inn/hotel in the dalles and headed out for breakfast at a lovely little place called Burgerville. We ordered a white bean basil burger and a black bean chipotle burger and discovered that they are locally made and actually kinda good for you! They were amazingly delicious. With food in our bellies we finally made the decision to travel the southern route and not risk the river. Luckily, we did not have to pay for our crossing like the settlers but we did face our share of hardships. </p>
<p>We attempted to find and take the Barlow road, a recreated version of the one used was supposedly in the mountains and accessible by car. Well we found mount hood (seen below) an awkward peak looming over the rest of the land and we tested the limits of the pilot. Lets just say the road resembled the original trail road a little too much and we had to do some clever driving to get out of there. We gave up and continued on a paved road, a much better route through the mountain. </p>
<p>We then headed to see the pioneer woman's grave. After many miles of getting lost, again, we finally stopped asked for directions and found our way. This grave is of an unknown woman who died along the trail and a rock pile marks the spot because, over the years, visitors have left behind rocks to add to her memorial. This site is particularly sad because it was so close to the end of the trail. The site is beautiful surrounded by old growth pines and we left rocks we picked up at south pass. </p>
<p>We continued to Laurel hill where pioneers began the descent down the mountain. This site was terrifying, even for today's climbers. There is an incredibly steep area where settlers used to have to disassemble their belongings and wagons and lower them down this drop off that was too steep to even climb! The hike was lovely but the best part was the smell! The pine forest made everything smell like sweet pine! We began formulating plans to create and sell Oregon trail candles! Perhaps a gun powder scent? We shall see! </p>
<p>From here we continued on TO OREGON CITY! As we pulled in we could barely believe it! We were here! Finally!!!!! We pulled into the trail center and ran out of the nd discovered the trail center itself had been closer for 3 years... luckily they had a gift shop and the man working there was so excited about our trip he gave us a private tour through the center, set to reopen in a few weeks. Oregon city has seen better days but the important thing is that we made it! So, then what do you do? Why, go to a winery of course! I had a tasting plate at Enso winery and it was all delicious!

Then we headed to Portland! Unfortunately I am very tired tonight so our Portland adventures will have to wait. I will say, the people are ALL crazy hipsters (from what I saw) but their food, beer and 24 hour donut store are amazing! Until tomorrow friends, good night!