Awoke early and had our last breakfast at rim rock. Fruit and a sort of banana loaf. Sad to leave having enjoyed. Our couple of days here. Weather very clear and set to be a hot day. Set off for wallow and lake which is about 45 miles away. Stopped off for a viewpoint of Joseph canyon. This gave us the history of the canyon and told of the Indians that lived there including chief Joesph who has a town called after him. The canyon looked a lot deeper and bigger than it did at rim rick. A good journey to wallowa lake and the tramway. The lake is bounded by mountains but is not as dramatic as crater lake, we could see the alpine festival at the foot of the tramway. Parked and got tickets at $31 each for a 13 minute ride up to an 8,100 ft mountain called mt Howard. There were no queues and we sat in a three person gondola with just the two of us in. Both of us sat facing outward. The tram moves slowly up the mountain. At its widest we are 129 ft high above the pine trees with spectacular views over the lake and surrounding mountains, some snow capped. Arrived at the top phewwww. Felt a bit nauseous due to the slight sway of gondola and perhaps the altitude.also. A board showed the trails available. Hardly any people around as still just after 10. We went on several of the trails as had our walking boots on. They weren't too arduous. One gave views over hells canyon. We are not going there as too far. It is apparently deeper than Grand Canyon. The temp is getting hotter but still cold on the mountain. I had 4 layers on including fleece and and wind proof waterproof coat. Never took them off all the time we were there. Stated on the mountain for an hour and half including a coffee and cookie stop. Chocolate chip for Martin and peanut butter for me. The air was so clear and it was really peaceful with awesome views along the gullies, crevices and mountains. It had started to get busy with people and I was glad we had arrived early.

Back down the best fairground ride ever.....

Had a brief walk around the festival selling everything from bier west sausages to hand carved walking sticks.

Drive along the lake to Joseph. This is a small town with a cowboy feel. There was a farmers market in a small square with vendors selling huckleberry jam , caramel popcorn plus cushions and craft. Explored Joseph and its small shops. There were Jewellery gift shops including a quilt shop and pumpkin ice cream.

Lots of bronze statues of cowboys and Indians and wolves etc.

Stopped to have a meal and tried the chicken pot pie which had a suet crust topping. Fed up with burgers at this stage... very tasty and filling. I was offered a free ice cream and chose pumpkin flavour. The ice cream was huge. Yum yum yum.

Followed our tracks back to leg grand and drove 184 miles to Pendleton. Over the blue mountains.coming out over a a very wide plateau. Could imaging the settlers making the same trek except they did not have a tarmac road. The 184 is a fairly straight large road with 70 mph limit so made good time.

Arrived at Pendleton which is quite a large town famous fir its rodeo. This was held a week ago they also have the Pendleton mill which produces Indian style designed blankets and material.

Found our bed and breakfast near the river grande ronde. It is an historic area with parking in the middle of the road. A lovely house dating from 1910 approx. Our room was large but no television. The bathroom was shared but everything was very grand. It was a comfy bed.

Went out to explore and find somewhere fir a meal. Most shops were closed as past 5.30. Decided on hamlets which dates back to 1900 and has a lot of original fittings. We ate at the bar end, the menu was extensive and a little bit pricy. I had a sirloin steak with mashed potatoes and beans. Yes veg at last... Martin had a rack of ribs and rogue beer followed by a shot of Pendleton whisky. I had a Margaret's which was very large. Meal cost $85 with tip.

Went to brew pub. I was on Diet Coke by then......

this pub had a very different feel to hamleys . Hamlets was traditional including a cowboy wearing a stepson and starched white shirt. The brew pub was alternative and mor hip. Exposed brick and pipes etc,

A good night out, walked back to B and B and slept well.