My husband and I got the heck out of Dodge this weekend, since global warming has apparently turned Portland, OR into Phoenix, AZ. Movie theaters and shopping malls must be thrilled!

Anyway, his parents own property in Washington near Mt. Adams. Just about 90 minutes from Portland and across a toll bridge, it’s a nice quiet area to escape from the city. On our way back today, we decided not to take I-5 and instead take the windy roads through the small riverside towns that line the Columbia on the Washington side. Listening to Johnny Cash’s greatest hits, wearing our baseball caps and driving 50 mph on state route 14 — it felt like we were part of our very own American renaissance.

So, next time you aren’t pressed for time, take the scenic route.