Columbia River Gorge
The play of light and its interaction with natures’ infrastructure make for amazing sights and humbling views. This morning the alpine glow of dawn light on the increasing clouds pointed the way to Mt. Hood. Many white cumulus and nimbus shrouded the top of the great pinnacle of Oregon, but the strong wide base could be seen dusted with newly fallen snow. Our views continued as we visited the Columbia River Discovery Museum and saw that the trees had returned as we have ventured west. The fall colors increased as well. For every 10 new trees in view 3 were showing the vibrant yellows and browns that the gorge is known for. Some of us walked along the old Columbia River Historical Highway, some ran, some frolicked, but all experienced the falling leaves of color and the contrast to the evergreens that increased in frequency as well.
After all meeting on the M/V Sea Lion for lunch the ship showed us the gorge in full glory as we made our way into the heart of the Pacific Northwest temperate rainforest. The green hillsides were spotted in many places and sometimes in wide swaths with more fall color. Occasionally a brilliant white streak appeared amongst the foliage. They were the many waterfalls that break up the botanical splendor seen on the slopes of the grand Columbia River. The colors and textures were all apart of natures’ glory this time of year.
The play of light and its interaction with natures’ infrastructure make for amazing sights and humbling views. This morning the alpine glow of dawn light on the increasing clouds pointed the way to Mt. Hood. Many white cumulus and nimbus shrouded the top of the great pinnacle of Oregon, but the strong wide base could be seen dusted with newly fallen snow. Our views continued as we visited the Columbia River Discovery Museum and saw that the trees had returned as we have ventured west. The fall colors increased as well. For every 10 new trees in view 3 were showing the vibrant yellows and browns that the gorge is known for. Some of us walked along the old Columbia River Historical Highway, some ran, some frolicked, but all experienced the falling leaves of color and the contrast to the evergreens that increased in frequency as well.
After all meeting on the M/V Sea Lion for lunch the ship showed us the gorge in full glory as we made our way into the heart of the Pacific Northwest temperate rainforest. The green hillsides were spotted in many places and sometimes in wide swaths with more fall color. Occasionally a brilliant white streak appeared amongst the foliage. They were the many waterfalls that break up the botanical splendor seen on the slopes of the grand Columbia River. The colors and textures were all apart of natures’ glory this time of year.
