Spring Fever

Spring is definitely springing around here. We went skiing Sunday in almost 60 degree sunshine. OK, the snow was lousy, but it was sunny and beautiful. I wouldn't mind a few inches of fresh on top of the gunk, but I'm afraid that won't happen on our side of the river. Maybe up at Mt. Hood.

Meanwhile, the grass widows (the purple flowers on the left) are popping out all over. They must be the local equivalent of Texas Bluebonnets!

It was spring break for Boston College, so Alina was here last week. We promised lots of couch time with DVDs, but a little sunshine was definitely in order. During a short afternoon of skiing at Snow King, she reminded us that she REALLY doesn't like cross country skiing. I guess we were hoping that she'd forgotten about the freezing attempt to do same in North Conway ten years ago...

On to plan B. We loaded up the dog, and took another hike in the hills just east of Bingen on the Syncline Trail, dodging all the mountain bikers...and this was mid week...why weren't all those people at work???? Spring fever, playing hookey, or just flex schedule types, I guess. Anyway, we had a fine walk, lots of good views of the Columbia River, the wild flowers, the waterfalls, the rocks... Just can't get enough of this! And it's whipping me into shape to boot!