Road Trip Day 4: Salt Lake to Pendleton

Sunday morning I awoke in Salt Lake City. I had realized the night before that my budget was much tighter than I had planned, because I had spent so much on the hotel in Lincoln when I had planned to stay at Darla’s for free. I decided to stop at the Super Target behind my hotel to get my meals for the day, rather than eating fast food. Soon I was on the road north, towards the Great Salt Lake. I had planned to get to Salt Lake much earlier the day before and spend the evening at Antelope Island State Park, but the drive through the Rockies added four hours to my trip. I decided to stop at the park while I ate breakfast and have a quick look around before heading to my next hotel in Pendleton, Oregon.

I begrudgingly paid the ten-dollar entrance fee and headed across the causeway to the island. As I drove I listed to the informational AM radio station and learned about the varying levels of salinity and a few other facts about the lake and island. It was difficult to focus on driving while taking in the splendid views around me. I drove to the beach for a few pictures, wishing I had a whole day to spend here, before heading up to Buffalo Point to eat breakfast. The views from the point were fantastic, although breakfast was slightly marred when Winston snatched the last of my doughnut from hand while I was distracted by a European couple and their beautiful golden retriever.

the beach

along the way to buffalo point

on the way up to buffalo point

on the way up to buffalo point. winston is staring at the golden retriever i mentioned.

the view from buffalo point

the view from buffalo point 

Next we drove back down and past the causeway and headed up the edge of the island, planning to visit the ranch nearer the north end, the oldest consistently inhabited home in the region. Unfortunately, I soon realized how late it had become and knew that I must get back on the road or risk being too late to my hotel. I reluctantly turned the car around and headed back across the causeway.

the beach on the way back  

The drive through Idaho was pretty, but unspectacular.  As I neared the Oregon border I became more and more excited. Finally I saw the sign welcoming me. I had finally reached the state that was to become my home. I stopped for gas at the first station I came to, and was extremely confused when a boy came over in a Pilot Truck Stop uniform and mumbled something about putting the gas in my car for me. I had already swiped my card, but I let him take it from there. When he was finished I thanked him, unsure if this was something that people should be tipped for and got back into my car.

I soon began passing through low mountains, again slowing down and taking the right lane. Finally, I made it to Pendleton and my extremely shady looking hotel. That was the worst hotel stay of the trip. The bed was creaky and uncomfortable, the wifi didn’t work, and for some reason my room was on a lower level only accessible by leaving the parking lot and driving down an alley. Nervous, but exhausted and ready for the trip to be over, I slept fitfully through the night.