Little Red Corvette

July 11-13, 2019

Historic Union Hotel, Union, Oregon

Day 27-29

Note to self, if parking under a tree, watch for branches on the way out. Another hot day, so we stop a few times before getting to Union around 2pm. Easy drive on Highway 82 and 89. Coming off the highway into Union was especially pretty. We are still in the high desert and am later told this valley is the largest high desert valley in the US.

This RV spot is a little different. It’s an old hotel along the original Oregon Trail that has 5 full RV hook-ups in the back. Built in 1921 it originally had about 100 rooms, but between the crash in ’29, the Depression and the interstate highway (84) being built in the 50’s, it has had a few obstacles in the way of success. The little town of Union is now just a footnote to the larger La Grande a few miles away.

The Union Hotel now has about 15 rooms, some residents and an unused 3rdfloor. The hotel reminds me a little of Faulty Towers meets Newhart. The owner, Charlie, is just as eccentric and gracious as the hotel. He has a collection of classic cars, some of which are parked at the hotel. He’s had the hotel for about 8 years. The hotel is very charming with lots of potential. There are only 3 employees. Each room is different and meets the basic needs of any guest. It’s not the Four Seasons but definitely a more unique and fun stop than Motel 6. The lobby and restaurant (not currently open) still have the original character. Charlie was kind enough to let me send a bunch of mail there. We became friends over the phone, and he offered to take me around town on a tour. After unhitching, and getting his help spraying the hornets off my electrical hook up, I leave Sparky with his manager and he takes me for a drive around Union in is ’14 red Corvette.

First, we drove into La Grande for a late lunch at a sports bar. I was happy to see chefs wearing gloves in the kitchen. La Grande is a much bigger town than Union and a lot of farm banking is done here. The downtown business area is charming but has more than a few “for lease” signs. He took me thru a few blocks of nice historical homes, then on to Cove, Medicine Hot Springs and back into Union. The drive was lovely. We drove thru fresh mint fields (it smelled amazing!), cattle ranches and other farms. The roads where in great condition with gentle, windy turns. A lot of fun in a sports car. Charlie says he needed an excuse to take his car out anyway. He really likes being a host and offers to make me lamb chops for dinner. How could I refuse! He is a very nice and generous older gentleman looking for someone to settle down in this area with him. If you know of anyone, send her his way.

He told me a story that the previous owners put $250K in the kitchen, so I was excited to see what it looked like. Unfortunately, however they did not know how to spend their money. The kitchen needs to be gutted. It’s a shame when non-restaurant people spend money on equipment and design.

Day 2 – Left Sparky again with Christine his manager. Today we are going to Joseph, a town near the top of the Wallowa Mountains – or little Switzerland as he like to call it. This mountain range is beautiful - very jagged and still snow-capped this time of year. It’s hot again today (95 F) and very sunny. The top is down, and the air conditioning is on. He’s a great driver, and I feel safe. The drive takes about 1.5 hours at 60 mph thru the valley, rolling hills, streams, mountain ranges and a lake. The drive today is equally as beautiful as yesterday.

We have lunch in Joseph which is popular for cast bronze artwork. We talked about my hip which is getting worse. The thinks it might be a calcium deficiency because I don’t eat dairy anymore. He says our bodies will steal calcium from our bones if you're not getting enough in your food. This seems possible. I need to schedule a hip Xray soon to confirm if it is bursitis, calcium deficiency or other. For now, I am immediately adding calcium supplements to my diet.

By the time we get back, I am exhausted because of sun. I do some light office work and then get a tour of the hotel. Going to bed early because I am off to Boise, Idaho tomorrow (Caldwell).