Vancouver church sets

'ultimate road trip'

to In-N-Out Burger

     VANCOUVER, Wash. — There are no In-N-Out Burger joints in the Northwest. But anyone who has had one of the famed California-based chain’s supremely tasty burgers may well understand what is compelling a Vancouver church’s event this month.
      Billed as the “ultimate road trip,” an outing sponsored by New Heights Church of Vancouver will see a busload of folks hopping aboard at 7 a.m. Friday, Aug. 12 at the church’s main campus, 7913 N.E. 58th Ave., for a 20-hour round trip to the nearest In-N-Out — in Redding, Calif.
      Yes, that’s about it. A 429-mile bus ride between Vancouver and Redding, consume a famous burger for dinner, then get back on board for the drive back home.
        In-N-Out has more than 260 locations in California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah and Texas. Known for its made-to-order hamburgers, fresh ingredients, and efficient service, it has maintained the same basic menu and a simple, customer-friendly philosophy since its founding in 1948 by Harry and Esther Snyder. Consistently ranked among the nation’s best fast-food outlets, In-N-Out has a very devoted following — especially in the Christian community. Bible verse notations can be found in small print on the eatery’s soda and milkshake cups and burger wrappers.
      After Harry Snyder died of cancer, his son Rich, a born-again Christian, became company president. He was killed in a plane crash in 1993. Soon afterward the Snyder family contributed the funds for the Rich Snyder Prayer Chapel at Western Evangelical Seminary — now George Fox Evangelical Seminary — in Tigard.
       Cost for the bus ride is $10. A light breakfast will be provided prior to boarding. Those taking part in the trip are asked to bring a sack lunch and money for their In-N-Out meal, and maybe for an In-N-Out shirt as well. Youths 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
       To register in advance, phone 360-750-3978.