The Columbia River Gorge
Cool fall air and bright sunshine welcomed us to the Columbia River Gorge. Oddly enough there was not a breath of wind in this windsurfing capitol. That made for perfect conditions for an exploration of the old Columbia Gorge highway by bike and on foot.
We were dropped off to explore a section of the highway newly opened for recreation. A smoothly paved trail led us through the fall splendor of golden big leaf maples and towering Douglas fir trees. The clear cool air was exhilarating and our spirits were high as we completed the trail. Our appetites had also peaked by the time we made it back to the ship for lunch.
As we ate, the ship left its dock in Hood River and started its way through the most scenic portion of the gorge where the mountains rise up high on both sides of the river. We sat on the bow in perfect conditions, the sunny skies stretching to the west side of the mountains and the windlessness accompanying us throughout this remarkable day.
The water was like glass and reflected fall colors as we feasted on local apples, pears, and cheeses, watched kingfishers fish, salmon jump, waterfalls spilling over the Oregon cliffs and the sun setting low over the widening river.
Mt. Hood was with us throughout the day, its craggy peak frequently emerging above the skyline. As the sun went down and we made our final turns of the river during daylight, a nearly full moon rose next to Mt. Hood and we watched a glowing play of colors against the moon and mountain in the final minutes of daylight.
Cool fall air and bright sunshine welcomed us to the Columbia River Gorge. Oddly enough there was not a breath of wind in this windsurfing capitol. That made for perfect conditions for an exploration of the old Columbia Gorge highway by bike and on foot.
We were dropped off to explore a section of the highway newly opened for recreation. A smoothly paved trail led us through the fall splendor of golden big leaf maples and towering Douglas fir trees. The clear cool air was exhilarating and our spirits were high as we completed the trail. Our appetites had also peaked by the time we made it back to the ship for lunch.
As we ate, the ship left its dock in Hood River and started its way through the most scenic portion of the gorge where the mountains rise up high on both sides of the river. We sat on the bow in perfect conditions, the sunny skies stretching to the west side of the mountains and the windlessness accompanying us throughout this remarkable day.
The water was like glass and reflected fall colors as we feasted on local apples, pears, and cheeses, watched kingfishers fish, salmon jump, waterfalls spilling over the Oregon cliffs and the sun setting low over the widening river.
Mt. Hood was with us throughout the day, its craggy peak frequently emerging above the skyline. As the sun went down and we made our final turns of the river during daylight, a nearly full moon rose next to Mt. Hood and we watched a glowing play of colors against the moon and mountain in the final minutes of daylight.
