The Loyale...

Well yesterday the family drove to Welches, OR (near Mt. Hood). It was about a 2 hour drive to get there. We made the trek to look at a Subaru that we've been eye ballin' for a while. It won our hearts as soon as we test drove it. It's a very simple car, much less luxurious than the van. But it's 4WD, manual, and a gas saver- and that's all we need. The guy we bought it from was very friendly. He works as a ski patrol on Mt. Hood at Timberline Lodge. He and Joe haggled about prices for a bit, but the outcome was smack dab even between what Joe wanted it for, and what the guy was selling it for. I think we both walked away content (I hope he did.) After the transaction was finalized, he suggested that we take the car up to the Timberline Lodge, to get a close up view of Mt. Hood. We had never seen it before (except as a far away snow capped mountain). Joe was nice enough to let me drive it up there (I think I've mastered my stick shift skills, finally.) Below are the pictures of our little adventure. 

 Yay! Our first car together as a couple!

 Mt. Hood

 Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture of the Lodge itself. This a bummer because I later found out that this was the Lodge that they shot the (outside) of the classic film The Shining!!! It was really awesome/creepy inside. There was not a single soul around, but there was a huge fire going, lots of old pictures, stone walls, and wood carvings. Coincidentally, we ran back into the guy who had just sold us the car! He was going on a ski trip to Mt. St. Helen's the next day, and he came up to the Lodge to get some skis. This was great, because he adamantly told us to keep his number, and if we EVER wanted to come skiing up there, he would get us free passes, and discounts on rentals!! A good man to know! 

 Then we drove back down the mountain and went on a trail that led to Mirror Lake. We didn't make it to Mirror Lake, unfortunately. It was late, we were hungry, Saylor's feet got cold, and we were excited to get back in the car!

That was our adventure to Mt. Hood, and the awesome car we got out of it!! It was a SMOKING deal, and now we get to take it to the shop and find out exactly how much more money we get to put into it!! :D We are happy to now be the proud new owners of a 1992 Subaru Loyale!!!