July 28-29 2007 Rufus, Oregon

Here we are at the Giles French Campground, Dufus, OR., just below the John Day Dam on the Columbia River.


This is a Corp of Engineers park. Camping is free with no hookups. We are parked about 10 feet from the Columbia River on the Oregon side. This is the state line for Oregon and Washington. The whole time we were here the wind blew, nonstop. The area just to the east of us is also known as wind surfing capital of the world. Note the trees that seem to only grow in the direction of the wind. The drive from here to Troutdale, Oregon was the worst wind we have driven in since we bought the coach 4 yrs ago. Sometimes head on and worse sometimes from the side. Never want to do that again!
One picture shows the river traffic in the gorge, barge traffic headed for the locks on the dam, and train traffic on the Washington side of the river. Another picture shows us parked alongside the river with the John Day Dam behind us. Another of the pictures is of a Indian fishing pier. The local Indians come down to the river at night and set out their nets in the river, returning the next night to pull in their catch. We are told the Indians are the only ones that are allowed to fish this way.