Spring trip

[lotus54]

We just got back from a trip in the Elise. A bit over 1200 miles.
Headed out west from Port Angeles to the coast. It was nice here, but pouring rain by the time we actually hit the coast. Kept down 101, through Astoria and down to Pacific City. Stayed in Pacific City for the night, had an overpriced dinner at the Pellican brew pub. I didn't think much of the 'cream ale'. Tasted like Corona to me. The stout was ok, but not outstanding.

Next day 101 to Lincoln City, then on some great backroads. Siletz river road (I think was the name) which was nice and twisty and pretty clean. Hit a little gravel for around 2 miles (almost turned around, but I knew from the GPS that it hit paved in no more than 4 miles). Went through 'Summit' then back to the 'main' road (of course I forget the number right now).
Took misc. backroads down to Eugene and stayed there.
The plan was to take the backroads over to Bend, but when we left in the morning I was dropping the motel 'keys' off and noticed some antifreeze coming out of the left nose of the car. A quick check showed I lost around 20oz of coolant. So rather than take a chance we changed plans and buzzed up to Portland to the dealer. I remembered others having a loose hose clamp so I suggested that to them (then had not heard of coolant leaks). After some time they fixed it right up and washed it. Kept it running the whole time so hopefully any leaks would show up.
Oh yeah, they had an Enzo there- man that sounded good when it started up! My wife had to have a picture with it too, sent off an email to our friends saying we dumped the Lotus and bought the Enzo...

Since we were running late, we took hwy 26 toward Bend out of Portland. If there wasn't any traffic it might be fun road for parts, but too busy for me. At least there was no snow on the road up by Mt Hood.
Hung out in Bend for a couple days, then headed back up toward the Columbia. The road coming into the Dalles is pretty fun, then when along the Oregon side until the Bridge of the Gods. Passed over to the Washington side (which is a two lane) and continued along until I5.
Since we had to get back and time was getting late- just took I5 until the 101 turn off, then up the canal with almost no traffic.

Great trip, although I really wish we could have taken the route I wanted from Eugene to Bend. Maybe next time.

Around 10,500 on the car now.

mark

[othafa]

That's something of a coincidence Mark. This past week our family was driving along the Oregon Coast for spring break in many of the same areas. Since all of our gear, bikes, both adults and both kids couldn't fit in the Honda we had to take a support car. My ulterior motive for taking the Elise along was quite transparent. The most exciting road was state highway 34 from Corvallis near I-5 to Waldport on the coast. I got the idea from another thread on Elisetalk. This road has smooth asphalt, long series of 25 mph left-right-left banked turns, no traffic on a Tuesday afternoon, and plenty of elevation change. It took about an hour for 68 miles. Highly recommended.

The trip to Bend is something I've always had on my to do list. You must have had a great time there.

By the way, you sure get some odd looks driving the Elise through rural towns in Oregon and even stranger interactions from the locals who operate the gas pumps. I just hate having someone else put gas in my Lotus. I'd be willing to pay them more just to let me do it and be sure it's full. It was a relief to get back to Washington and be able to put gas in my car without spilling drops on the paint and know it was truly full.

[lotus54]

I'll have to try out Hwy 34 next time I'm down that way.
There are some great roads. I know what you mean about rural Oregon- of course, I seem to get strange looks most places I go in the Elies!

Mark