Things to Smile About

Tying up loose ends before my trip includes letting you know what things look like around here.

Soča Wine Shop

Months ago I read a local news article about a wine bar opening out in the Columbia River Gorge called “Soča” after the Soča River in Slovenia. Pedro and I were excited to hear about it because we spent a lovely day along that very river in 2021 with our friends Manja and Marco. We […]

Wahkeena Falls Trail (and weather)

It was finally time for me to re-visit these trails in the wake of wildfire and in a window of dry weather.

Weekend in Lyle

I know I am spoiled that I have the option to get out of town when others don’t. I am grateful.

Rock & Falls

Will came to visit from Rhode Island for two weeks. Prior to this visit he had never stepped foot into Washington or Oregon. I was delighted to be able to show his virgin eyes my favourite part of the world. On our first day back home after Seattle, the day dawned sunny once more, and […]

Indians in the Gorge

The people that choose outlet malls over this are insane. Truly. Off their rockers.

Larch Mountain Hike

I managed to get out with my hiking group again on Sunday. Saturdays are sooo busy (this one was my Mt. Hood Cherokees meeting), and the option for Sunday hikes is appreciated. My hike the previous weekend to Poo Poo Point gave me a chance to prepare my body a little, because this hike was 6.8 miles to […]

Cherry Orchard Trail

We would be hiking the Cherry Orchard Trail that also begins near Lyle, and I knew ahead of time that I would like it.

Cliffs, moss, waterfalls

My philosophy is that there is potential danger all around us at all times, and that a trail is actually safer than a sidewalk.

Hood River fruit blossoms

The Hood River Valley is famous for its fruit.