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Foot Long Gone
Chilled from a weekend of camping in the rain (at the lovely though goose poop-ridden campground at the mouth of the Deschutes River), I wasn't sure I was ready for a foot-long soft serve ice cream. Wasn't sure Cascade Locks' East Wind drive-in would even be open, seeing how it's not quite summer season yet. But last Sunday we cruised off I-84 just in case — and tragedy! The classic 1940 snack shack we heard about on our show about the proposed Columbia Gorge casino was closed and up for sale. The Windermere listing agent says the owners will throw in all the equipment and history with the $395,000 list price. I thought about it... but I really just want to eat ice cream, not sell it. You?
The picture is from East Wind's better days.
Photo credit: Collin Oldham
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Got no interest in brick-and-mortar businesses that are easily disrupted by changes in customer behavior. Like you, I just want an ice cream. I worked at a windsurfing shop in Hood River from 2001-2007. It was amazing how there was a distinct change in attitude after 911. Before that fateful day the world bumped along like it always had; people were in a good mood and chasing dreams. Customers bought gear and had a great time on the river. After 911, shop income decreased for all following seasons. It felt like the Gorge was slowly dying. Interestingly, a bunch of McMansions were built. Made me believe there was a signficant disconnect between the have-nots and haves.