photos in the meantime

our finally-finished guest bathroom

kate bingaman-burt's obsessive consumption exhibit at land on mississippi

the oft-visited multnomah falls

my new calavera necklace from frock on alberta

rainy day slug

flavour spot sausage & maple waffle

scotch

I had been meaning for us to check out the well-liked “Angel’s Rest” hike in the Columbia River Gorge for at least 2 years. Something would always come up, but we finally got up early enough on Sunday to hit the road by 9:30am. We grabbed breakfast on the go and made the fairly short drive down the 84E, along the sparkling Columbia. Jesse had made a special mix CD for the occasion (which I have decided to title “Sweaty Angels Like to Sing”). We listened to old favorites from Muse, Jem, Modest Mouse and Citizen Cope while cruising down the freeway, the smells of river and wildflowers and forest seeping into the car.

The 2.2 mile trail to the top begins with an immediate moderate ascent which quickly turns into inclined switchbacks. The path was busy with hikers of all ages and dogs of all breeds (including a poodle). We passed waterfalls, churning brooks and fields of pretty purple flowers, which I heard someone identify as Columbine. I eventually realized that my lungs were noticeably suffering because I was trying to hike uphill at the same breakneck pace at which I walk on flat ground. Once we slowed a bit, things became much more comfortable and despite the sweat gathering beneath my backpack (and forming salt grains in my hair) I was able to muster mostly-genuine smiles for the individuals we passed.

We finally reached the top and spent a while exploring the rocky bluff of Angel’s Rest. The views of the Columbia beneath us were lovely and the slight breeze at that altitude was much appreciated.

We followed the same path back down to our car, this trip working muscles opposite of those that had been enslaved on the way up. I was pleasantly surprised as I sneezed and was greeted with a friendly “bless you!” upon rounding a sharp corner. We got back to the car in no time and drove on the back scenic road toward Multnomah Falls – which were a horrible, utter madhouse that we were not going to visit (this trip) no matter how gorgeous the weather or how refreshing the water.

We made the short trip to Hood River, Oregon, a favorite spot of ours that is generally only accessible (in our vehicle anyway) in the summer. We had lunch on the patio of the Big Horse Brewing Company, just a few feet away from a delightful group of rowdy, low-tact bikers on one side and a man who didn’t want his two dogs to stand, smile, drool or look in the wrong direction on the other side. Jesse complimented me on my “running social commentary.” I’ll try to keep quiet next time. Not.

We also made a quick, excruciatingly hot visit to the Full Sail Brewery, where we sat in direct sunlight on their deck and watched kite boarders flying into the air in the distance. I had a tiny beer, saving room for the ice cream cones that were to come next. Jesse went with a scoop of fresh banana and one of pistachio, while I chose black walnut and red raspberry cheesecake. Fantastic! We sat beneath a lovely dogwood tree and watched myriad cute children slurp ice cream and have discussions with one another. It was the most wonderful weekend, a good reward for my week of hard work. My mind is buzzing with new ideas for the weekends to come.