Spring Choices

Tuesday was beautiful.
We took one look at Mt. Hood that morning, decided to squeeze in another ski day, and headed across the river on up to Pocket Creek Sno Park. There was one other car there, and we met that lone skier as he approached the parking area. So it was all ours. A lot of work, but it was a pretty day an nice to be out. All I kept thinking as we trudged up was: It will be fun on the way back. We tried to find the trail we took with the club a few weeks back, but took a wrong turn somewhere and ended up on a longer loop than we wanted to do, so we turned around after an hour or so on the trail. Brindle was getting a little tired. We got back in time for Lloyd to go register for his community ed classes, and for happy hour/dinner at Horsefeathers in Hood River. They have a new seasonal brew, Nutcracker- 9.5% high octane, which Lloyd ordered and I tasted. I stuck with my usual, McStallion Scottish Ale. Both highly recommended.

Wednesday was recovery day (especially for Brindle) so we just did 'the walk'. But Thursday was another beauty, so we headed back over to the Coyote Wall area to check on the status of the wildflowers. There were a few mountain bikers enjoying the day. You can see the parking lot from this view from the top of Coyote Wall. On a weekend, there are cars everywhere. This place is a mountain bike mecca but hikers and bikers all seem to get along and repect each other. We saw some new flowers, which Lloyd worked hard to ID while I took pictures. His camera is still in the shop. Here are a few to share.


Lloyd found this neat "hole in the wall", which he thinks was formed when a tree was surrounded by lava. The rock inside looks like bark casting. Pretty cool, huh?
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There were lots of flowers for us. We need another wildflower ID hike!

Here is some desert parsley:A new find, shooting stars!:
Lloyd identifying some emerging lupines (just starting to pop out):
Pass the popcorn!
View back towards the River:
Brindle relaxes and waits patiently:


It's wonderful to have this so close to home. We got back for the last hour or so of warmth on the deck (after a hot tub soak), and had snacks/wine to christen the new furniture. Now we just need some visitors to fill the chairs!