March 2021, so far….

March 25, 2021 / margaretquilts / 2 Comments

We are sliding into spring around here. Flowers are blooming, with a few warm days between the rainy stretches. We were vaccinated at just about the one year anniversary of the pandemic, and I am grateful! I feel the hope of spring, yet I know we still have so far to go until everyone can say that. And then my daughter reminds me of our privilege in the world. I know. I can only live where I am, but I do know.

Knitting, reading, hiking, on we go, fuzzy days mushing into each other. Planning the weekly grocery list. Creating with my hands, my brain, I take notes. I try to find the distinguishing features of each day, and celebrate the positivity and the beauty. That is most of what I do, and will do, and am lucky to do. So….

Hiking

1) We snowshoed up White River on Mt Hood on March 2nd – clouds swathing the peak much of the day, but in a most artistic way.

Mt Hood in clouds, near the Sno-Park.

Lunch view, near the Timberline Trail crossing.

The snow on nearby Boy Scout Ridge looked unstable, so we kept our distance!

Return trip…

Last views – we can almost see the entire peak.

2) On March 11th we hiked Tom McCall Point and around Rowena Crest, east of Hood River in Oregon, to see the fields of grass widows.

Thousands of grass widows on the plateau below Tom McCall Point.

Grass widows

More grass widows…

Columbia River reflecting the Cherry Orchard cliffs in Washington.

Parsley alley

Mt Adams and Rowena Plateau, from near the top of Tom McCall Point.

Tiny flowers of spring whitlow grass.

Then we walked around Rowena Crest, closer to the river:

East view from Rowena Crest cliffs – kettle lakes in the foreground.

Westerly view.

One of the lakes on Rowena Crest.

Abstractions in the lake reflections…

And more grass widows!

3) The next week, on March 16th, we went out across the river to Lyle Cherry Orchard again. No squalls this time – a perfect hiking day, and the first of the bright yellow balsam root blooms were opening as we hiked.

Hiking up above the Convict Road.

Columbia Desert Parsley in full bloom.

Balsam root opening on the upper slopes.

Lots of flowers showing for the first time this spring:

shooting stars

balsam root

death camas

ballhead waterleaf

popcorn flower

fiddle neck

blue-eyed Mary

gold bells and buttercups

Stunning views from the cherry orchard:

Eastward, one of the remaining cherry trees.

Westward, balsamroot

4) We also walked a fast loop through Tryon Creek Park, on March 17th, where the very first of the trillium were opening, a little later than last year.

Tryon Creek

First trillium of spring

Around Portland

My neighborhood is also blooming.

cherry trees

star magnolia

The mountain is out, from the Markham Bridge.

goodbye to the Subaru

“Emily’s house”

windows

hyacinth

dove

windflowers

star magnolia

Knitting

I finished knitting a pair of socks for me and another hat and a cowl for the guild charity project, and cast on new socks and a cardigan.

New yarn, Rose City Virtual Yarn Crawl!

Marled Alaska Cowl

Bankhead hat

New socks for me

Patons Kroy socks

Em Dash cardigan

And…

I hold the more difficult challenges to the outside world in my heart. This week it is yet another uniquely American gun violence episode in Georgia, another hate crime, anti-woman, anti-Asian. I know in my heart it is all true, and part of the work we all have to do – bring out all the biases into the light of day and see how they harm so many. I am listening and learning more each day, and it all rings true, and saddens me. I pledge to myself to be as much of an ally as I can recognize. Listen and learn. Validate. Search for the commonalities and not the otherness. From my place on the privilege spectrum. That is most of what I do, and will do, and am lucky to do. And before I can publish this – yet another mass shooting at a grocery store in Colorado.

As a youngster with all the idealism of youth, I envisioned a giant magnet circling the world sucking away all the implements of violence, all the guns and weapons of war. On days like today with a heavy heart and a less idealistic world view, still I sigh and wish it could be true.

An image from Instagram.

And a volcano is erupting in Iceland!

Begin anew! January 2021

January 23, 2021 / margaretquilts / 1 Comment

January 20, 2021 – So far 2021 has not brought much change to our daily life, but the relief of having a new president casts a hopeful light on our future! We celebrated our 36th wedding anniversary this month, with homemade Indian food and leftover Christmas chocolate. We continue in pandemic lockdown mode, staying home unless doing essential shopping, going on neighborhood walks, or weekly out of neighborhood hikes. Vaccines are seeping into the community, mostly to health care professionals and long term care facilities. My husband has temporarily unretired and will be helping with vaccinations. Thus he was able to celebrate inauguration day doubly, as he got his first dose today.

Hiking: We have been on three hiking adventures so far. The first, on January 7th, was our annual trek to see the bald eagle nesting area along the Klickitat River near Lyle, Washington. We saw at least thirty birds, many of them juveniles that still have brown plumage.

Bald eagles flying across the Balfour-Klickitat pond.

One eagle stayed perched in a tree nearby.

Closer view.

Many more eagles in the trees across the pond.

Zooming in, even more eagles can be seen disguised in the foliage.

Another dozen eagles were out on the sand bar where the Klickitat River flows into the Columbia River.

Two adults, one juvenile bald eagle on the sand bar.

Osage oranges along the trail here.

They are a curious fruit.

We walked a couple of miles along the Klickitat River trail.

Downy woodpeckers were in the bushes nearby.

This is a converted rail trail with a nice even tread.

We turned around at the Fisher Hill Trestle.

View down the Klickitat River from the trestle.

A side stream cascading into the Klickitat River.

On our return walk we saw a congregation of a couple of dozen eagles circling overhead.

On January 14th, we walked around Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge in Southeast Portland. The blue sky was reflected beautifully in the water, and we saw cormorants, herons, and a barred owl near the trailhead.

Blue sky.

Reflections in the marsh.

Winter foliage.

Muraled Mausoleum across the marsh.

Oaks Park on winter/Covid hiatus.

Cormorants and herons, Downtown Portland.

Cormorants.

Barred owl.

Back out at Catherine Creek, near Lyle, Washington, on January 19th, we found the first grass widow of spring, then hiked a long loop up Atwood Road, across the top of Sunflower Hill, then down the Desert Parsley Trail back to Rowland Wall, thus completing some of the gaps in our map there. It was a beautiful day – chilly, but conducive to hiking up hill at a steady pace to see the eastern gorge spread below magnificently.

First grass widow of spring!

Catherine Creek waterfall set in the winter landscape.

Mt Hood to the west.

The arch from Atwood Road.

An old stove near Atwood Road.

Lunch view from the top of Sunflower Hill.

Oak tree, Mt Hood, noonday sun.

Looking up at our guide Ponderosa from The Desert Parsley Trail.

Knitting: So far this year I have finished knitting a sweater and a gnome, I’ve started a blanket and a new pair of socks:

Farallon Cardigan

Here We Gnome Again

Habitation Throw, using my “advent” yarns exchanged with my knitting group

Artists Garden Socks

Quilting: I finished my Plaid Rectangles Charm Quilt, a companion piece to my Plaid Applecore Charm quilt.

Plaid Rectangles Charm Quilt

Companion quilts.

A New Day! After a long, satisfying hike yesterday, I got up way too early (for me) to watch the inauguration celebration. I felt some trepidation, due to the recent insurrection. I am very relieved to report that all proceeded beautifully. The participants were diverse, eloquent, hopeful, forward looking! I cried as I witnessed the swearing in of our first female vice president! The singing, the president’s speech, and the prayers were relevant, meaningful, beautifully delivered. I adored the young poet laureate, Amanda Gorman, and the firefighter who signed as well as spoke the Pledge of Allegiance. The outgoing vice president was gracious in the transition. The colorful wool coats of the ladies brightened a blue sky day, when the Capitol, unfortunately, had to be surrounded by military lockdown, as the previous occupant never really conceded to his violent, deluded followers. I am disappointed that my daughter, sitting in her apartment about a mile away from the proceedings, could not witness the day. She assured me they remained safely within, while the din of helicopters continued above. Perhaps, going forward, the domestic terrorists will withdraw and think about the bill of goods they were sold, the lies told, the violence fomented by a greedy, disappointed narcissist who was only ever out for personal profit and aggrandizement, with no concern for the common good, no interest in public service. Good riddance! Meanwhile, executive orders and initiatives are already putting to right some of the damage, and asserting to the world that we want to participate in finding solutions for global problems.

Hiking in November, 2020

December 27, 2020 / margaretquilts / 1 Comment

A gathering of late reports….

Monday, November 2nd, The Labyrinth

My favorite, often visited, eastern Gorge trail on a windless day with beautiful low autumn light. (Hike #69 for 2020, 4.4 miles, 1000 feet)

Trailhead, Rowland Lake, perfectly calm and reflective. Our destination is the tall Ponderosa Pine, left of center.

The Old Hwy 8 waterfall is completely dry.

Mt Hood on view to the west across the Columbia River.

The labyrinth waterfall is almost dry…

A few drips in the mossy wall,

and some still pools below in the streambed.

We wind around columnar basalts surrounded by golden grass,

Through the oak grove.

Mt Hood still on view in the glare, as the sun moves west

We pass a favorite trailside oak tree,

Almost to our destination Ponderosa…

The eastern Gorge beyond

Rowland Wall and the Catherine Creek area slopes.

Zoom in on Lyle and Memaloose Island

Tom McCall Point and the orchards of Mosier on the descent.

The haunted oak tree bids us farewell.

Monday November 9th, Dry Creek Falls

We spotted the winter swans in Mirror Lake at the base of Crown Point as we made our way through The Gorge to Cascade Locks.

Dry Creek Falls, which we have hiked many times, is one of the closest waterfall hikes, most of the trails still being closed since the 2017 fire. Today we walked through falling Big Leaf Maple leaves lighting up the partially burned forest. (Hike #70, 4.9 miles, 1050 feet)

Bridge over Dry Creek on the Pacific Crest Trail.

Dry Creek Falls

Monday, November 16th, Finley Wildlife Refuge

Our first visit to this refuge, on a day when the Willamette Valley to the south was the only partly dry place within a two hour drive from home. Recovered farm land is a winter sanctuary for migratory birds. (Hike #71, 2.5 miles, 150 feet)

Our first stop, the Prairie Overlook:

Miles of Willamette Valley grasslands.

From there, we walked the Homer Campbell Boardwalk through a wetter terrain.

Canadian Geese near the trailhead

The boardwalk…

Marshy forests

A bird blind at the end of the winter trail.

Back through the mossy and lichen covered trees.

Another hiker told us we would see swans in the McFadden Marsh, so we headed there for our lunch stop.

Swans, geese and other water fowl.

The weather had cleared a bit, so we hiked the Woodpecker Loop trail to stretch our legs a bit more.

Along the Woodpecker Loop trail.

High point – a shelter, and view of some of the high Cascade Mountain peaks to the east.

As we began our drive home, we found the best view of the Cascades was from a road pullout above some of the historic farm buildings.

Mt Jefferson

North, Middle and South Sisters.

We enjoyed our day at Finley Wildlife Refuge – anything to get out of the house for a few hours and walk in nature. I would like to visit in other seasons, but we usually have destinations closer to home…

Ramona, Henry, and Ribsy celebrate the winter solstice

December 26, 2020 / margaretquilts / Leave a comment

December 21st, 2020:

Just about noon, during a sun break between storms, in Grant Park, Northeast Portland, Oregon.

After a long walk up to Alameda Ridge, and along Klickitat Street, I passed through the park on my way home.

And to think that I saw it on Klickitat Street:

Low winter sun lighting up trees against the dark clouds.

Rose hips

Lemons

Christmas tree in the clouds.

These are the droids, and pig, you are looking for.

In October we went to John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, Oregon

December 9, 2020 / margaretquilts / 5 Comments

Another socially distant/Covid careful trip. We stayed three nights in Prineville, and had two days to explore the Painted Hills and Sheep Rock units of the National Monument. Indoor exhibits were closed, trails were available for walking.

Painted Hills 10/27/2020

We walked five different short trails, each highlighting an aspect of the ancient lake beds that are exposed now as brilliantly colored and striped landforms. It was bitter cold out in the morning – well below freezing, but warmed up during the day.

Painted Hills Overlook – The main overlook has an amazing view of the Painted Hills. We walked to the upper overlook for more views.

Main overlook.

River of grass on the nearby hills.

Zooming in from the upper overlook:

Upper overlook

Painted Cove Trail – We next walked the short loop through the red hills near the John Day River.

Red Scar Trail – Another short trail that leads past brilliantly colored badlands.

Red Scar Knoll and Red Hill

Carroll Rim Trail – Our longest trail for the day (1.6 miles/400 feet) was a walk up to the Carroll Rim. As we hiked up, we could look down on the Painted Hills. From the top, we could see views in every direction.

Carrol Rim

Looking down from the trail.

View from the end of the trail.

View to the east

View to the northwest, Painted Cove area.

Close up of Painted Cove

View to the Painted Hills on the way down.

Back to the Painted Hills Overlook – for another look as the low western light added a glow to the Painted Hills.

On our drive back to Prineville, we saw a herd of deer, and a view of the Central Cascades.

Deer near Painted Hills.

Mt Bachelor, Broken Top and the Three Sisters on the horizon.

Sheep Rock Unit – Blue Basin – 10/28/2020

We first walked the Island in Time Trail in the heart of Blue Basin.

Entering Blue Basin – one of many bridges on this trail.

Ice in the creek – last time we were here there was bluish water in the creek.

Blue-green volcanic ash claystones.

One of many fossil displays along the trail.

We would be hiking on the surrounding hills later in the day.

Bench at the end of the trail.

This beautifully eroded skyline was a prominent feature.

Zooming in on the prow…

We spotted this little bird on our way out.

After lunch, we hiked the longer Blue Basin Overlook Trail (3.25 miles/ 600 feet) around the encircling mountains.

North of Blue Basin, the trail passes more blue badlands formations.

Continuing up hill…

Boardwalk over mudstone

Views to the north

Robins and juniper berries.

Eventually we reached the viewpoint over Blue Basin –

The trail circles around to the south, above the basin, giving views of the same beautifully eroded skyline I noticed earlier.

Eventually, we descended to the trailhead.

John Day River Valley.

We also took a short hike on the Story in Stone Trail, located just a few miles north in the Foree unit. We saw similar landforms there.

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to this remote area. We were lucky with sunny, if cold, weather. The trails were mostly empty, an important Covid consideration. Lots of fresh air and a good change of pace from our sheltering at home routines.

Knitting update, neighborhood walks, an art exhibit, and waterfalls…October 2020

October 24, 2020 / margaretquilts / Leave a comment

Knitting

My fingers have been busy:

Stripey socks – finished!

Rio Calina Cowl – getting longer, and I might just make it into a long scarf instead of a cowl.

Dissent Socks, in honor of Ruth Bader Ginsberg – I’ve finished the ankles – on to the heels!

Walks around the neighborhood,

New signs, whimsy, architectural elements:

Mural

Gnome and spaceman

Rain chain and shadow

New sign

Window critters

New signs

Eave pig

Garden gate

Winding stairs with turret

Fall colors evolving…

I have been hunting witches and other Halloween displays, to be shared in a later post.

Portland Textile Month, Tiny Pricks Art Installation

We visited the exhibition window to see the stitchery, made by artists who embroider a quote onto a vintage textile as a form of protest. It is not how I want to spend my crafting time – but I was glad to get a chance to see a small sampling of the thousands of pieces that have been contributed to this crowd-sourced artwork.

Silver Falls State Park

October 19th – We hiked the 5 mile waterfall loop. It was hard to relax and enjoy the scenery – there were a fair number unmasked, seemingly Covid-protocol-oblivious hikers. We cut our day shorter than usual. The waterfalls are always beautiful, and the light streaming through the yellow big leaf maples enchanting.

South Falls

Lower South Falls

Double Falls

Middle North Falls

Rim trail.

Deschutes River/Ferry Springs Trail, Oregon – October 14th, 2020

October 21, 2020 / margaretquilts / Leave a comment

Deschutes River trail, a smattering of rain, it feels like walking through a purifying mist, and there’s no Covid out here.

Deschutes River

Rabbit brush

Sumac along the trail

Sumac

Raindrops on leaves

Raindrops in the creek

A place to rest

Burned tree from 2017 fire

Golden grasses

I could be wrong, we have passed a few hikers, anglers, a hydrologist; there are boats on the river, workers on the railroad across the river, campgrounds and powerlines nearby.

Looking uphill to the east.

Our trail continues south, upstream.

Columbia Hills to the north.

Rocky cliffs

Seagull in the river

Maybe because in this low desert landscape, with golden light on the black cliffs and the dry grass of late summer, I feel like I can really breathe out here; the scent of the high desert, and a smattering of rain only enhancing the sense of free fresh air.

Climbing up the cliffs..

Golden grasses

Lunch view north.

Looking down at the river from our lunch stop.

Looking down to the river through the rock arch.

Up on the hill now after lunch, golden and desolate views of the rivers, views of the black volcanic rocks that used to enclose cascading waters of Celilo Falls, cascading waters that used to have salmon leaping up them every year, salmon leaping up into the nets of the Celilo people, before the dam.

Ascending the hills.

Closer view of the Deschutes/Columbia Confluence

Windmills on the hills, power transmission lines to the dam, cell towers, highways, train tracks, campgrounds, and yet I feel alone on this golden hillside.

Golden grasses

Dried balsam root will bloom bright gold in spring.

Approaching the upper Ferry Springs crossing.

Ferry Springs

I feel alone even though the powerlines are buzzing above us, the powerlines are transmitting the thoughts and bytes of millions, and yet I feel blessedly alone.

Its all downhill now to the trailhead.

Dry waterfall and power lines humming above.

Back down to river level, with power lines.

I’m not really alone of course – hiking with Dan, in a respite from the city; the desert is a place of wide open freedom – harsh, spiky, dry, rocky, steep, prickly; hidden hazards beyond each cliff, under every rock, yet wide open above, on an autumn day, I am lucky to be here, to be breathing freely.

blanket flower

horsetail

thistle

snow buckwheat

sumac

preying mantis

Bonus content: More River otters! There were six otters playing in the river near the trailhead –

River otters

River otters and ducks

Celilo Falls, Salmon fishing, before the dam:

“Courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine”

https://www.nlm.nih.gov/nativevoices/timeline/632.html

Fresh Air at the Oregon Coast

October 12, 2020 / margaretquilts / 1 Comment

September 20 to 23, 2020

We were able to reschedule our planned trip to the central Oregon Coast until after the wildfire smoke cleared out. We stayed in a hotel, brought our own food, and walked on the beaches and trails, following all the covid-safety protocols. Many of the parks and trails along the coast were closed due to the recent windstorms and wildfire smoke event, or due to Covid precautions. But all of the beaches were open for walking.

Central Oregon Coast, and places we walked on our trip.

Sunday, September 20th

Yachats, Oregon

We arrived in Yachats in the evening, in time to walk along the rocky outcrops near our hotel as the tide was receding, and watch a lovely sunset, with pelicans and gulls.

Yachats sunset

Pelican

Yachats sunset

Pelican peleton

Monday, September 21st –

Washburne to Hobbit Beach at low tide – A lovely three mile walk toward Haceta Head.

Tidal pools and sand bars on the beach as we walk south toward Haceta Head.

Rocky outcrop with tide pools.

Sea anemones, barnacles, and mussels.

Blue sky, blue sand.

Ripples.

Return walk north.

A skittering of sand plovers.

Sand plovers, doubled.

Darlingtonia Wayside

After our beach walk we continued south along the coast looking for more adventures. Our next stop was to see a swath of carnivorous plants.

North Jetty

We followed the north side of the Siuslaw River to it’s mouth and took a walk along the North Jetty, where we again saw pelicans and plovers.

Entry to the North Jetty.

Walking seaward on the North Jetty – those shadows in the distance are birds!

Another skittering of sand plovers! It makes me so happy just to watch them!

Plovers.

Pelicans and other sea birds far out on the jetty.

Pelican in flight!

I spotted one seal nearby.

The dunes and lifeguard tower near the North Jetty entrance.

A line of rocks in the estuary make perfect perches for the seabirds.

Pelicans and gulls on their perches.

Exploding Whale park

As we drove back toward Florence, this park caught our attention. It is named for the infamous attempt to dispose of a washed up dead whale with dynamite, on a nearby beach, about 50 years ago.

Local citizens voted for the park name.

A short walk here reveals nice views of the highway bridge, and the dunes to the south.

Haceta Light House

We stopped briefly south of Haceta Head in the early afternoon to see the lighthouse through the fog. On our return trip north in later in the day, the view was much clearer.

Haceta Head Lighthouse from the beach, through the fog.

Lighthouse from the highway viewpoint, early afternoon.

Lighthouse from the highway viewpoint, late afternoon.

Monday, September 22nd

Wax Myrtle Trail and Lagoon Trail, Siltcoos River

Campgrounds in this area were closed, and the trails were particularly empty on this beautiful September day.

The walk to Wax Myrtle Beach follows the Siltcoos River.

We spotted a heron in the estuary as we got closer to the beach.

Heron.

We followed the Siltcoos River to the sea.

A line of sand dunes border Wax Myrtle Beach.

Dunes and beach.

We walked north to the mouth of the Siltcoos River, where birds were out on the low tide sandbars.

Pelican.

More plovers in the foreground!

As we walked back upriver on our return hike, another hiker pointed out three river otters who were swimming upstream and eating fish along the way. We followed along with them until they disappeared upriver. This is my first time seeing them in the wild!

All three otters in this photo – the third one in the upper left corner. They are very fast and hard to photograph!

We walked partway around the nearby lagoon, where these beautiful plants floated on the surface.

South Jetty, Siuslaw River

We drove back north toward Florence, and decided to drive out to the South Jetty of the Siuslaw River, just across from where we had walked on the North Jetty the previous day. There were plenty of people out there, also plenty of room to walk on beaches and in the dunes.

Looking seaward between the jetties. The North Jetty lifeguard tower is on the horizon.

Waves crashing against the South Jetty. Not as many pelicans on the outer jetty.

South Jetty beach from South Jetty.

Seaweed on South Jetty beach.

Swash zone.

Looking south.

Sand dunes to the east all along the beach for miles.

Sunset in Yachats

We had a lovely colorful sky outside our hotel.

Wednesday, September 23rd Yachats

We woke up to wind, and predictions of a storm coming in. We walked a short way on the beach in the wind before heading north toward home.

Seal Rock and Ona Beach

On our drive north, we stopped to look at the Seal Rocks, in the wind.

Seal Rocks to the south.

Seal Rocks to the north.

We stopped at Ona Beach, just to the north of Seal Rocks, and walked out to the beach.

Crossing Beaver Creek on our way to the beach.

Beaver Creek estuary

Squirrel getting ready for winter.

Ona Beach.

Windblown sand across the tidal flats.

Sand ripples, birds on the low tide bars.

These might be our last pelican sightings for the year.

Ona Beach, looking south toward Seal Rocks. Too windy to explore today – we will have to come back another time.

Rain started as we headed back to the car. I felt so refreshed from our few days in the fresh air and wide open spaces of the Oregon coast, and thankful that I could be there during this difficult year of pandemic, climate and political crises.

September – wildfires and smoke

September 19, 2020 / margaretquilts / 1 Comment

September began with a heat wave, too hot for hiking. I went on my usual walks through the neighborhood, noting the late summer flowers and early signs of fall.

And I finished sewing my summer kimono robe.

We were planning some adventures after the Labor Day weekend, when the trails would be quieter. Instead, quite literally, all hell broke loose. In my last post, I expressed my “hope for a late summer without a local fire season.” I could never have predicted the late summer snowstorm in the Rockies that created an ‘unprecedented’ giant windstorm that swept westward across the continent, fanning the flames of wildfires in every combustible forest on the west coast of North America. We were safe at home, watching in horror, as the news kept getting worse.

September 8th: Wildfire smoke wafting into our neighborhood as we watched swifts fly down our neighbor’s chimney.

September 9th: Last appearance of the sun for a week.

Sept 9th: Aerial view of the fires and the smoke.

Satellite photos from September 11th show the smoke being pulled far out to sea:

After the winds died down, the heavy smoke settled in, limiting visibility, and making breathing painful. We learned how to use the AirNow app to monitor our air quality, constantly refreshing the page, hoping for better results.

For six days I did not go out of doors at all – grateful to have a safe home to harbor in, knowing there were so many families evacuated, and many with their homes burned. Many have still not been able to return; meanwhile the firefighters, Red Cross, and all the social support services have stepped up to aid those in need. I have only gone out once, so far, to pick up a prescription and some groceries. Nobody is walking our neighborhood streets – the air has been too bad. Today it finally shows signs of improvement, and we may be able to step out in the next day or two.

September 16th – our first glimpse of the sun in more than a week.

Knitting

Once again, knitting to the rescue. I have had time to finish a few projects:

**Rafa Hat for my brother – Malabrigo Arroyo, pattern by Joji Locatelli**

**Dog Sweater for a donation toy – Pattern by Jeslane on Ravelry.**

**Ridge Washcloths, Lily Sugar’n Cream cotton, pattern by Hannah Maier.**

And make progress on other projects:

**Rio Calina cowl, Malabrigo Rios, pattern by Cat Bordhi**

**Farallon cardigan, Classic Elite Song yarn, pattern by Elizabeth Doherty.**

Awake and say
“What time is it?
What day is it? What season?”
No sun,
but not dark,
so…
daytime…

End of summer in a strange year
when all the cues are gone,
and now gone again.
Most things closed down again.
Wildfire smoke blankets our part of the planet.
Fall approaches, but is it the fall of our civilization? Or autumn?
Invisible viruses still pervade the air.
Not quite invisible smoke particles dim our sight, harm our lungs.

A metaphor for the insidious gloom covering our entire nation in an unprecedented election year, the outcome to determine how we will breathe going forward.

9/12/2020

Another couple of pandemic weeks with a birthday, two hikes on Mt Hood, and knitting…

August 19, 2020 / margaretquilts / Leave a comment

8/17/2020 – I’ve had a birthday, which we celebrated with a hike and a socially distanced takeout Thai dinner with our two sons. Despite the palpable pandemic/political chaos tension in the world I have much to be grateful for. Although I am missing having our usual summer get togethers with extended family, so is everyone in the world right now. I am especially grateful that we saw almost every relation last year, between two weddings and a graduation trip to the east coast. My latest acromegaly lab tests all look good, and, we are eating homegrown tomatoes and basil almost every day.

Birthday cake, flowers from my daughter,

I have been knitting, knitting, knitting away on a few projects, fingers keeping the anxiety away.

Rio Calina Cowl, by Cat Bordhi, in Malabrigo Rios.

My neighborhood walks continue to reveal signs of encouragement and solidarity.

Also in the neighborhood, late summer flowers, shadow play, interesting architectural elements, and tinges of the autumn ahead….

Two hikes on opposite sides of Mt Hood –

Burnt Lake August 5, 2020

My birthday hike on the west side of Mt Hood was mostly through shady forest, on a hot day, with a few stream crossings, and late season flowers. The other time we hiked here the mountain was under a cloud, so today we were very glad to see the beautiful reflections of Mt Hood in the lake. Hike #55, 8.5 miles, 1500 feet.

The shady forest

Tree scorched in the early 1900’s.

Mt Hood, Burnt Lake

Mountain close up

Reflection

Notable flowers and plants:

pinesap

rattlesnake plantain

fireweed

devil’s club

yellow pond lily

Newton Creek to Timberline Trail, August 10, 2020

We started from the Elk Meadows trailhead, then walked uphill along the Newton Creek Trail, stopping for lunch near the Timberline Trail junction where we enjoyed lovely views of Mt Hood and Gnarl Ridge. We then walked south on the Timberline Trail toward Mt Hood Meadows for a short distance before turning back. Hike #56, 7.7 miles, 1600 feet.

Moon over Clark Creek

Newton Creek trail

Ghost tree in the forest

Gnarl Ridge beyond Newton Creek

Upstream

Downstream, fireweed

Mt Hood ahead

Lunch view of Gnarl Ridge

Gnarl Ridge closeup

We saw a few tiny hikers crossing Newton Creek on the Timberline Trail.

Glacier closeup

The peak

Backside of pea gravel ridge, which we walked along as far as the descent into Clark Creek.

Return hike down Newton Creek.

Editing note – This is my first post with the New WordPress Editor, so there are lots of formatting inconsistencies. Not loving it, but I suppose I will get used to it as I continue hurling forward into the future, keeping my synapses sharp by constant novelty….