We went on five hikes in May, all in the Columbia River Gorge, following the wildflower bloom…
May 6 – Lyle Cherry Orchard, WA
Warm and a bit windy today – we got a chance to see the waning balsam root – everyone’s favorite!
Purple ookow blooming on the Convict Road.Ookow and the seedpods of Columbia desert parsleySwales of lupine on the middle plateauThe last of the yellow balsam rootA poppy patch.
On our drive home, we stopped briefly at the Catherine Creek Trailhead so I could get a peek at the bitterroot that blooms there – probably my only chance this season.
And there it was, on the rocky outcrop just above the parking lot.Lewisia rediviva, bitterroot – one of my all time favorites!
May 10 – Cape Horn, WA
Tall larkspur season at Cape Horn – it is always a treat to walk on the neatly groomed trails here. Today we started at Strunk Road, and walked to one of the lower overlooks – less than two miles, but with rain in the forecast for the next few days, we took our opportunity.
Tall larkspur along the pathCloser viewWhite fringe cup and candy flower also prolific today.Nancy Russell Overlook – we stop to look at the view and say, “Thank you!” to Nancy Russell for her conservation work.Up river view toward Beacon Rock.Continuing downward, the purple path continues…And the fringe cup…A few other flowers tucked in – Hooker’s fairy bells,Fern leaf biscuitroot,and vanilla leaf.
May 13 – Wahkeena-Multnomah Loop, OR
Back again to this five mile long, 1500 foot loop.
We began at Multnomah Falls, and started west along the old highway toward Wahkeena Falls.After passing Wahkeena Falls, the trail ascends up many wildflower-filled switchbacks,to Lemmon’s Viewpoint, overlooking the Columbia River.Continuing up Wahkeena Creek, past Fairy Falls,passing more wildflowers along the way. Columbia windflowers, and salalBaneberryA few fading trilliumLarkspur and fringe cup
After a lunch break at the trail junction, we walked eastward toward Multnomah Creek. This part of the trail has always felt rather magical to me – mostly flat, through a forest of tall firs. The undergrowth has changed a bit since the 2017 fire, but it is still one of my favorite places.
2013 Lookback – Magical trail before the fire.May 2025, Lots of redstem ceanothus filling the forest floor under the burned trees.Still very pretty, and with a view to the river…More wildflowers along the trail as it descends into Multnomah Creek – thimbleberry, columbine, arnica.CorydalisWiesendanger FallsHoneysuckle and inside out flowerBack to the trailhead at the bottom of Multnomah Falls.
May 22 – Cape Horn, WA, again
We wanted to take our son and his fiancee for a hike – though they didn’t bring proper shoes, and it was a bit rainy. We settled for going back to the tall larkspur-lined path from Strunk Road to the Nancy Russell Overlook at Cape Horn. It was less than two weeks since our previous visit, the tall larkspur were even more profuse, and the cow parsley were starting to spread their umbrella heads. Lovely, even with a bit of our Oregon sunshine misting us.
Previous week, May 10, with older hiking gentleman.Same path, May 22nd, with cow parsley and a cute young couple.Misty view from the overlook.Cow parsley
May 27 – The Labyrinth, WA
The Labyrinth was one of the first trails we ever hiked in the eastern gorge, and we have returned many times. The path winds through piles of columnar basalt that provide some protection from the wind, and the views are great! Wildflowers change throughout the bloom season. Today was the first time I have seen this particular suite of flowers – blue and purple bachelor buttons and ookow; white buckwheat, yarrow, and mock orange; pink clarkia and onions; all accompanied by a full gauntlet of poison oak.
The first surprise – abundant wildflowers surrounding the Lower Labyrinth Waterfall on the old highway approach trail – mock orange, bachelor button, ookow, buckwheat, and monkeyflowersMore mock orange, poppies and buckwheat, the Columbia River, and Mt Hood.Mock orange
Starting up the trail along Labyrinth Creek –
Buckwheat, golden grass with late season flowers. YarrowOokow, and bachelor buttons. The bachelor buttons are considered disturbed, but they do add a pretty color to the late season wildflower suite.Winecup clarkiaSwales of flowers in the drying grass
Continuing up along Labyrinth Creek –
Monkey flowers surrounding the upper waterfallHomage to the poison oak gauntlet that we carefully walked through today.Colorful slopes beneath one of the volcanic buttes.My favorite oak grove, with a lush poison oak understory.
Lunch views, with mule deer…
Westward, mule deer on the next ridgeMule deerEastward – Columbia River shimmeringHooker’s onions
It was getting warm, and I was losing my uphill motivation, but I wanted to go a little higher, to the rocky bluff where bitterroot blooms.
Mt Hood and buckwheatAs I expected, the bitterroot is shriveled up – I’ll have to wait until next year.Looking farther uphill, toward the slopes that lead to Coyote Wall – green grass turning to gold.Another look at Mt Hood, then we begin the return hike…I didn’t notice these White Brodiaea on the way up.Ceanothus blooming in the oak groveAnd past the waterfall again on our return to the trailhead.
It was beautiful day in the Labyrinth. But it is getting too hot for me in the eastern gorge – we may not be back until fall! I am going to southern Utah in June, where it is already very HOT, to help a family member. I may not hike much in the next month, but there will be red rocks and possibly some dinosaur tracks…
In May we enjoyed a visit from our son and his fiancee, went on five hikes (next post), and attended a live concert, while the spring flower season rolled on…
Walking the neighborhood
Blooming this month in Portland:
RhododendronsIrisPoppiesRosesDogwoodColorful tile stepsSidewalk of the monthNeighborly advice
Knitting
I finished a dishcloth for donation, and I have three active works in progress.
DishclothSocks, a scarf, a cardigan, in progress
Books
I finished eight books in May. The one I enjoyed the most was Austen at Sea by Natalie Jenner, set in Post-Civil War Boston, and Portsmouth, England. It is an imagining of Americans who appreciate Jane Austen’s novels, and interact with her last surviving sibling. Ms Austen’s themes of women’s restricted access to their own money and life choices are compared between the two countries. Spoiler – neither was great, and we still have a ways to go. The judicial aspect was interesting. I love the opportunity to think deeper about Ms Austen’s work.
May books
Events
We spent a lovely afternoon in a garden in Eugene, Oregon. Pegasus pizza, toy airplanes, and lots of conversation.
Eugene garden
I passed on this beautiful dress, handmade in about 1982 by my sister for her daughters. My daughter wore it in about 1998; and my little grandniece is the next eligible little girl in the family.
The red dress, made in 1982
We attended the James Taylor concert at the Ridgefield Amphitheater with one of our sons. The music was lovely!
James Taylor concert
An upcoming event I will not attend because I will be in Utah, helping a family member with some health issues. But you should go if you have an event near you!
We went on one hike on April 1st, before my husband’s neck surgery on April 4th. After a couple of weeks of rest, we found some shorter, easier hikes in the last half of April, following the wildflower bloom, but keeping activity level within medical guidelines.
April 1 – Catherine Creek: Lower Tracy Hill – Arch Loop, WA
One of our usual trails. It was lovely to see the next phase of bloom in the meadows here.
View from the trailhead: the meadows are full of white saxifrage, also purple shooting stars, and a few camas beginning to bloom.Looking south toward Mt Hood, the orchards of Mosier are glowing as the leaves unfurl.Along the trail – rosy plectritus and purple broomrape.Pockets of camas liliesSaxifrage and shooting starsColumbia desert parsleyPonderosas reflected in a vernal pool, and yellow desert parsley.Our trail passed above the ent who guards the slope…He’s still standing.On our return trail, we passed below the Arch, with eagles soaring above.Some early bloomers were hanging on in this cliff shadow – gold stars and grass widows.A few larkspur were just starting to bloom among them.
April 21 – Mitchell Point Tunnel and Mosier Plateau, OR
Last month I mentioned seeing the nearly completed Mitchell Point Tunnel from the highway as we drove by. The tunnel is now open. We stopped on our way to Mosier Plateau to see the views from the tunnel.
Mitchell Point from the parking lot. The new pedestrian and bicycle tunnel replaces the original automobile tunnel on the Old Columbia River Highway that was destroyed when Interstate 84 was built. The tunnel passes around the north side and through Mitchell Point.Western tunnel entranceWestern view from the western tunnel entrance on a windy day.There are five or six viewing windows in the 600 foot long tunnel.View through one of the windows.Another window view.Eastern tunnel opening.View from the eastern opening toward the highway and the eastern gorge.Back through the tunnel.The western entry patio was comfortably sheltered from the wind today.We walked a short way up the Mitchell Point Trail, which has been closed during tunnel construction. There were lots of wildflowers blooming in the woods. The trail becomes quite steep and rocky, and not suited for a surgical recovery hiker, so we didn’t go very far.
We drove on to Mosier Plateau, where the lower part of the hike is protected from the wind. Eventually, the trail emerges onto the open bench above the river, where the blooms and views were beautiful, but the wind too strong to want to walk the full length of the plateau.
Passing Mosier Creek Falls on the lower trail.Heading uphill within Mosier Creek drainage, well protected from the wind.Looking up along the trail,Northward, toward the river – clumps of bright yellow balsam root bloom becoming more abundant.BalsamrootWith a few poppiesOn the windy plateau, looking west down the Columbia River and toward Mosier.Northern view, looking directly at Coyote Wall in WashingtonA perfect view of the black basalt outcrops of the labyrinth, where I can pick out a couple of my favorite trees.And farther east toward Rowland Wall, Catherine Creek, and her famous Arch.
April 23 – Camassia Nature Preserve, West Linn, OR
A one mile loop trail through a natural area near Highway 205 and the Willamette River – somehow preserved from surrounding housing and industrial development.
Walking boardwalks through the green forest, with fringe cup and ferns.A few blue-eyed Marys that always remind me of my sister.Open meadows of camas and rosy plectritisCamas meadows and mossy rocks.Another meadow.Cell tower osprey – the bird can see the Willamette River near Oregon City from their perch.CamasCamas, rosy plectritis and buttercupsTrillium and violets in the forest on the return trail.
April 25 – Round Lake Lily Fields, Camas, WA
Another short, easy walk in a suburban area where large slopes of camas lilies are not far from housing developments.
The lower trail near Round Lake…Several paths wind through open slopes of camas lilies.Camas lilyContinuing upwardMossy rocks and camas liliesNear the top of the hillA few glacier lilies still blooming at the very top of the trail.
April 29 – Weldon Wagon Road, WA
The wind continued strong and steady all week in the Gorge. We chose this hike, in part because it has fabulous displays of balsam root along a smooth trail, but also because it is a bit protected from the relentless blasting wind in the main Columbia River corridor.
Oak woodlands along the lower trailBastard toadflax – my first time seeing this small white cluster flower.Purple lupine and white manroot along the upper forest trail, just before the opening to…the wide view across the balsamroot filled slopes.We took a side trail up the ridge with a view to Mt Adams to the north for our lunch stop.Back on the main trail, balsam root all the way…And big headed clover,BalsamrootThe upper trail is wooded, with blue flowers of Pacific hound’s tongue and yellow violets in the understory.Returning down the way we came. Pale pink phlox among the yellow balsamroot.Our descending trail back down through the flowering slopes.
On the drive home, we stopped at the overlook on Highway 84 just below Corbett, where the perfectly calm air allowed a river mirror to form – we don’t see that very often on our gorge excursions.
Eastward, up river, Crown Point/Vista House on the right skyline.Westward toward WashougalPanorama viewHistorical Marker at the viewpoint
Thus, we enjoyed another month of wildflower hikes, with more to come in May.
We enjoyed three wildflower hikes in the eastern Columbia River Gorge in March, all trails we have been to many times in different seasons. I love tracking the phases of wildflower bloom each time we go.
March 3 – Catherine Creek and Lower Labyrinth, WA
Early March is grass widow season at the lower elevations of the Catherine Creek and Labyrinth trail systems. My camera doesn’t do them justice, but the swaths of purple grass widows are so very pretty!
Fields of purple grass widows carpeted the lower meadows along the ADA Trail at Catherine Creek.Grass widowsLooking eastward…Early yellow parsleys in the woodland.More grass widows on the rocky outcrops.There was nothing blooming at the slightly higher elevation fairy ponds, so we went to the nearby Labyrinth/Old Highway 8 Trail to see what was happening there.The Lower Labyrinth Falls along Old Hwy 8 was full.The Upper Labyrinth Falls was also full, but there were no flowers up here.The flowers were concentrated in the lower elevation areas…Grass widows, gold stars, pink woodland stars.
March 11 – Rowena Crest, OR
The next week, on the Oregon side of the river, we saw more swaths of purple grass widows along Rowena Crest – both in the lower part of the Tom McCall Trail, and the Rowena Crest Trail.
We started by walking toward Tom McCall Point, where grass widows filled the meadows.Grass widows and tiny white spring whitlow grass bloomsWe walked through the oak tree lined Parsley Alley, and saw purple Columbia Desert Parsley beginning to bloom.Columbia Desert ParsleyLooking east toward Lyle Cherry Orchard and the Rowena curvesYellow bells popping up in places.
We went back down, and walked all the way to the end of the Rowena Plateau Trail.
Grass widow meadows along Rowena Plateau TrailYellow parsleyWhite salt and pepper parsleyGold Stars in the meadows at the west end of the trail
Reflections in the ponds along the way provided some abstraction distractions…
Pondwith ripplesZooming inCloserand closerand back out.Another pond.
We walked back along a side trail near the cliff edges – so many flowers!
Looking toward Lyle, WA.And back toward Tom McCall Point.
March 18 – Rowland Wall/Stringbean Loop, WA
By mid-March in the Catherine Creek area, grass widows were joined by other flowers – saxifrage, gold stars, yellow bells, more of the parsleys, and the first balsam roots.
At the trailhead, white saxifrage were speckling the meadows along with grass widows.Gold stars becoming abundant in the rocky areas overlooking the arch.Plenty of grass widows, looking toward the orchards of Mosier.The burn areas from last fall’s Top Of The World Fire are prominent around the trees, but the slopes have turned green.There were many robins hopping along today. We watched these two playing in some puddles while we ate our lunch.RobinWe continued uphill on the burned, but now green, slope of Sunflower Hill.Two robins in the top of the oak tree.Looking east from our high point. We dropped down over Rowland Wall, then decided to walk the inside-out switchbacks of the String Bean Trail. We didn’t find many flowers in the woodlands.Looking back toward Rowland Wall, and the Needle.We crossed the lava flows, then went back up over the wall at the lower trail.We saw the first of the balsam roots blooming along the wayRowland Wall scree slope and NeedlePlenty of yellow parsleys blooming along these west-facing slopes,And pockets of yellow bells.Grass widows and gold stars.
It was a beautiful day, and I am looking forward to the next phase of wildflower bloom in the eastern gorge!
Preview of Coming Attractions –
Driving home westward on Interstate 84, we passed under the base of Mitchell Point. The tunnel on the old highway was destroyed when I-84 was built, but has recently been reconstructed and reopened as part of the bike path through the gorge. I grabbed a photo as we passed – and we hope to walk there sometime soon. The views are supposed to be amazing!
Mitchell Point Tunnel, above the highway on the left.
We made our way to the spring equinox with a lunar eclipse, a St Patrick’s Day parade in the neighborhood; more knitting, quilting, home improvement, and reading; blooming plants in the neighborhood; three wildflower hikes in the Columbia River Gorge (next post), and a lot of rain…
Lunar Eclipse, March 13th
My photo, with camera set to fireworks…The sky is light because of the time delay, but the stars are out.My husband’s photo, with fancy zoom lens on tripod.
March 16th – Neighborhood St Patricks Day annual parade…
Knitting:
Hats for the Guild Service ProjectSock progressAnd a new scarf
Quilting –
I sewed together these quilt blocks. They may become pillows – I’m still trying to decide.
Home Improvement –
New dining room blinds and patched wallpaper
Reading –
I read six books in March.Nancy Russell and John Yeon, Columbia River Gorge
I learned so much in the two books about Nancy Russell and John Yeon, two conservationists who worked indefatigably for many years to create the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, and then to implement the plan. It was a huge political and fundraising challenge to cobble together all the different government and formerly private lands, preserving the ecosystems and creating many of the trail systems we hike regularly. I think grateful thoughts every time we drive through or hike in the gorge!
Neighborhood blooms –
Flowering plumHyacinthDaffodilsCamilliaRain, in puddlesCherry treesTulipsSidewalk of the monthYard sign of the month
A change of plans…
At the end of the month we cancelled our planned trip to the east coast to visit family in Connecticut and Pennsylvania, so that my husband could get surgery on his neck, where a bone spur on the C3 vertebra was causing neurological symptoms and weakness. The procedure will be during the first week of April. More on the outcome next month… ( Update – it went well, he is recovering as expected.)
Two final notes –
1) I still have not gotten the hang of blog editing in the block mode on this site, so it is taking me a long time to create posts.
2) We are trying our best to stay positive in a constantly chaotic, hateful regime, so I am posting a couple of positive internet memes here at the end, to remind me to stay hopeful…
The shortest month seemed very long. I went from skiing the neighborhood snow to admiring the early spring blooms. I knit, quilted, and read as productive activities to counter the political upheaval. We honored the boycots. I made progress on the recycle/repair/upcycle four-year home improvement project. And we went on two hikes.
Crafting/Home Improvement:
Another pair of socks completedHat for the Guild service projectI started sewing these quilt blocks togetherBack hall carpet installed, almost the last step in that project.
Reading – I read nine books last month, many by or about women: writers, artists, a river guide, a Supreme Court Justice. After watching the Bob Dylan movie last month (A Complete Unknown), I was very interested to read Suze Rotolo’s side of the story. She was a politically active artist. She made a lasting impression on Dylan and his music, but she wanted to pursue her own artistic and life goals, not be just another string on his guitar, his ‘chick’, who would wait for him while he did whatever, wherever in the world. I really admire her for that. There are many great, less celebrated women out there, and I plan to read more of their stories. Meanwhile, I have been listening to the early Bob Dylan music – it fits the mood of this time in the world.
March 2025 Books
The neighborhood:
February 14th – I always love a chance to get out my 35 year old cross country skis, and kick-glide for a couple of miles down the quiet, flat streets of Irvington. The snow was perfect this day! And almost completely gone the next day.
Skiing out the front doorJust enough snow…Sunny and calmNice flat streetsJapanese Maple
Meanwhile, in Philadelphia, our son and his fiancee were attending the Super Bowl Victory Parade! Wearing hats that I knit for them last year.
Around town – flowers and rainbows…
Yellow crocus are earlyDaffodilsPurple crocusLavender crocusWindflowersRainbow seen while driving north on I-5 in Portland
Hiking –
We hiked out in the eastern Columbia River Gorge twice in February –
February 20th – Crawford Oaks, WA – We hiked about 5 miles on the Lower Vista Loop, past the full Eight Mile Creek Falls, and around the lower plateau. We saw very few early flowers and just a bit too much wind that day.
February 27th – Memaloose Hills, OR – A beautiful, perfectly calm day. We could see the blue heron rookery on yonder cliff top and a few flowers. It was an easy, enjoyable 3.5 mile hike with dear friends.
Eastward view from the Memaloose OverlookView to the north, with a peek at Mt AdamsWestward view, heron rookery circled in redFuzzy zoomed-in heron rookeryTrail up the south approach to Chatfield HillView to Mt Adams from the topA few grass widows up thereColumbia Desert ParsleySpring Whitlow grassLunch at the top, and a view to Mt Hood (photo credit to my husband).
Meanwhile, the news is worse every day – we are doing what we can, and trying to hold on to the glimmers and small victories. The daily reports of the shredding of the constitution by anti-empathic billionaires is trying every nerve, but I try to stay positive…
I went on a few hikes, knit a little, read quite a few books, and embarked on what I have decided is my personal four year project.
New Years Day was the last day of Hannukkah. We had a small gathering, with latkes.
Menorah and latkes
Neighborhood walks – the low sun position intensified shadows and sky…
Shadows in windowsShadows on wallsShadows on sidewalksLow light lit treesIndoor and outdoor lighting and shadowsThe first snow drop of winter
Hikes
Early in the month, we spent five days on the sunny southern Oregon Coast (see previous post), where it was cold, but not windy! We took several long beach and headland walks. More locally, we hiked in the eastern Columbia RIver Gorge a few times:
January 13 – Klickitat River Bald Eagles and Lyle Cherry Orchard Trail, Washington – Our annual trek to the bald eagle nesting area on the Klickitat River began with disappointment this year. We saw no eagles along the river in the morning, other than one down on the delta just as we were moving along.
Seagulls and salmon in the Balfour-Klickitat Lake, no eagles in the trees.Osage oranges scattered on the slopeOne bald eagle on the Klickitat River Delta
We then took a short hike along the lower benches of basalt at the Lyle Cherry Orchard site. It was a beautiful day out there, calm and cold! We saw a pair of eagles flying along the cliff face. We also saw a hawk on sitting a rock, then devouring prey that it pounced upon as we watched. Circle of life…
Hiking up through oak woodlandOak treeLooking down on the Convict RoadEastward viewLunch view toward Lyle and the Klickitat River DeltaOne of the eagles flying along the rim rockOn the return hike, my husband spotted a hawk perched on a rock.Closer viewHawk in the grass, after finishing their meal
We stopped back at the Klickitat River later in the afternoon, and were rewarded with seeing about a dozen bald eagles – a few perched in the trees, and others flying up the canyon, past us and farther up river, beyond our view, seemingly heading home after their day’s outing.
The bright white of an eagle head, across the lakeCloser viewEagles perched in a snagEagle, with the sunlit Oregon slopes beyond the riverCloser viewAnd another angle, with Osage oranges still clinging to some of the trees.
January 22 – Wind Mountain, Washington – a short, sharp hike. I hadn’t been up this one in a while, and was looking for a test for my hip bursitis rehab, after about four months of steady focused exercises. This trail goes up about 1000 feet in a mile, leading to the top of this conical mountain at a bend in the Columbia River.
Reference photo – May 2013. View of Wind Mountain from Dog Mountain. Our trail zigs and zags up the back side of the peak.
It was quite windy up top on the river side, so we didn’t spend much time looking at the river and Oregon view.
Windy westward viewWindy westward view
We found a windbreak on the landward side, so ate our lunch looking at Mt Adams and Dog Mountain – also nice landscapes to admire. It was cold, but a good short hike, and a good work out for my legs. Progress!
Lunch view toward Mt Adams and Dog MountainCloser view of Mt AdamsCloser view of Dog Mountain (where the above reference photo is from), and the river, looking east.
January 30 – Catherine Creek – Rumors of a few blooming grass widows drew us out east in the gorge, on what will probably be the last dry hiking day for the next week or so. We did not find any blooms while wandering several of the lower elevation trails. We visited several vernal ponds that were frozen, and saw foliage of blooms to come…just not yet.
Catherine Creek Trailhead on a cold day in JanuaryMt Hood across the riverBitterroot and grass widow foliageFrozen pond on the lower trailCatherine Creek FallsIce along the upper trailFrozen fairy pondsIceWider viewThe archAnother frozen waterfallwith iciclesFrosted moss and leavesTrail for the day
Knitting
Unfortunately, I overdid the knitting action on a pair of socks – right around the time I needed knitting the most to keep my hands busy while my brain was exploding with the national news. I reactivated an overuse/arthritis knitting injury in my right thumb joint. Blah! I wore a brace and knit not at all for two weeks. I am now allowing myself a few rows per day, and it really helps! I’m trying not to overdo it again. Here are the guilty socks, in progress. But I don’t blame them.
Wanaka SocksBlue gradient socks
Less Knitting = More reading…
I finished all these books in January.
Four Year Project
Sometime after the disastrous election outcome last fall I decided I would need a four year project, something I can do in my own home, when the outside world is too much to take (more than sitting on the roof.) It is time to edit, sort, rehome, recycle, and organize the lifetime of belongings we have accumulated during the 33 years we have lived in this house. Three children have grown up and moved out and left behind many things they ‘might want someday’ but don’t have room for yet. I had a career as a geologist before I settled into family life, and I still have boxes of rocks, maps and books (that apparently nobody wants because it is all digital now). Photos and slides, both professional and personal; quilting fabrics and textile art materials for my creative life; personal writing and memorabilia. We have already made some progress during recent renovation work. We recycled all the old paint, thinned out our shelved books in the rooms where we got new carpet, and delivered usable items to new homes. We gave the unplayed banjo to a local music school, and have recycled many magazines that we were shelving for no good reason. A little action every day will make a big difference in four years, and be much more productive than doom scrolling. I plan to find a means of more outward action/resistance, in addition to donations we make to human rights and environmental organizations. And I will knit more hats (thumb permitting) for the guild service project.
Right now it is difficult to think this new year will be a good year, given the chaos at the national level. I call to mind a passage from the novel, Dune, by Frank Herbert, which I first read in the 70’s, as a teenager. Potential future leader Paul was given a test to prove he was human. There was a good chance he might not be, and would not be made leader. The fictional character passed the test. But I can’t believe the current ‘leadership’ ever would – there has been no sign of human empathy, only selfishness and cruelty. Yet we will resist in the ways we can, and hope that our actions in our own lives will contribute to persistence of human rights beyond the next four years…
Instagram memes I collected in January expressing gratitude, encouragement, and hope:
Honoring Dr Martin Luther King, Jr.I will miss these humans.Reminder to be supportive…More words of encouragement…Keep trying…Music might help…
We celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary with a trip to the southern Oregon Coast. We stayed just south of Bandon, in a room with a view.
View southView north
We had easy access to the wide sand beach south of Face Rock, and took several long walks north and south over the next few days. We also drove south to Cape Blanco, and north to Cape Arago. Other than a bit of rain the day we arrived, we had fabulous weather – sunny and calm.
Locations of hikes and beach walks on the southern Oregon Coast near Bandon.
1/6 – Bandon Beach and Cape Blanco
We walked north to Face Rock in the morning.
South view, Bandon BeachNorth toward Face RockOyster catcher Rock pillars off shoreThe tunnel near Face RockLooking south from the Face Rock overlookLooking north from the Face Rock overlook
After lunch, we drove south to Cape Blanco. We walked down to the beach, then along the strand line to the north, at approximately low tide.
Looking west toward the Cape Blanco Lighthouse,and northward from the bluff above the beach.Cape Blanco beachLots of wave action in the rock garden,Tide going out…And another view of the beach on the north side of Cape Blanco.
Later that evening I watched the sun set from our room…
Sunset
1/7 – Beaches to the north – Sunset Bay, Yoakam Point, Blastendorff Beach, Seven Devils Beach
We drove north to Cape Arago, but a recent washout closed the road, so we could only go as far as Sunset Bay. We started with a short walk there, then explored a few locations to the north.
Sunset Bay at low tide
We walked about a mile around Yoakam Point, looking at the view from various cliff overlooks:
Looking east toward Blastendorff BeachYoakam PointCape AragoCape Arago LighthouseNatural arch
We ate lunch and then took a walk at Blastendorff Beach.
Blastendorff Beach, and jetty to the Coos Bay inlet
Driving back south, we took a side trip to the Seven Devils Wayside, and walked on the beach there. We even saw someone panning for gold.
Historical uses of this area…Looking south from Merchants BeachPainterly sky and water
Back in Brandon, we took a walk along the pier. It was mostly deserted, with most shops closed. I was fascinated by the mosaic installation on the boardwalk.
Bandon pier
Spiral Mosaic
Mosaic center
Mosaic detail
So many great little details – I looked at it for a long time!
Later, we walked out onto Coquille Point again, to watch the sunset. We met a large puffin sculpture there.
Coquille Point overlookLooking southPuffin made of flotsamAnother view of the Puffin sculpture
1/8 – Low tide near Bandon – Face Rock and Coquille Point
With low tide in the afternoon, this was a perfect day to walk north toward Face Rock and then beyond Coquille Point and look at tide pools, water, sky, and all the reflected permutations.
Bandon Beach, looking north…Looking south – reflections – water – skySea stacksLogs north of Coquille PointMore reflectionsLow tide beachBlue sand and skySea stars and anemonesCloser viewMore reflectionsFace Rock tunnelTide poolsSky and water…
Later, we enjoyed another sunset from the Coquille Point Overlook…
South viewSun just dipping below the horizonThe flotsam Puffin glowing in the sunset.
We enjoyed our few days of calm weather and beach walks, a break from the ‘real’ world, and what was to come next in January.
We returned from our California/Thanksgiving road trip on the first of December, with the Winter Solstice, Christmas, Hanukkah and home repair to look forward to. In the neighborhood, some folks went all in on their decor – a few of my favorites:
Rudolph and friends
Giant ornaments
All the snow people
We had a stretch of cold, clear days, one of which was an appointment at OHSU for me – all well, for the moment, and I got a great 7th floor view of Portland.
Tram, Downtown Portland
Willamette River, Mt St Helens
And, during that clear weather stretch, the roofing crew we hired put a new roof on our very steep roof.
New plywood
Tar paper
Shingles
Hiking
I went on two hikes – one out to Catherine Creek, WA, on a foggy day, and one to Powell Butte, in Portland.
December 10th – Catherine Creek, WA –
We stopped at the Starvation Creek Rest Area on our drive. The sun was out, and we could see the frosted trees at the top of Wind Mountain.
Wind Mountain from Starvation Creek
Clouds were sitting on the hills at Catherine Creek. We walked up Sunflower Hill through the recent controlled burn zone, then back down along Rowland Wall. The sun never came out here…
Walking up Sunflower Hill toward the burn zone.
Green coming up through the blackened soil.
Springtime view of that same slope – 2023
Walking down Rowland wall
The leaning tree and Rowland Lake
Fields of Mosier beyond
Golden grass of winter
December 19th – Powell Butte – We could see Mt Hood, Mt St Helens, and a few deer.
We watched the lenticular cloud forming over Mt Hood
Mt Hood
Mt St Helens had already donned her own cloud cloak
A few deer in the forest
And a sentiment from the Bard…
Knitting
I finished my Christmas gift knitting, and then made a new cowl after Christmas.
Socks, mitts, hat
More socks
Lancelot Cowl
Winter Solstice
The sun was out. I walked through the neighborhood looking at shadows and puddle mirrors in the low bright light.
Christmas
Christmas arrived, a little quieter this year, with no out of town company. We celebrated with local family and our usual trappings – tree, gifts, cookies, tamales…
Cookie baking
Cookies and grapefruits
Tamales
Gifts from the Paris Olympics and Dollywood
Gifts from Dollywood
Iceland ornament, with puffins!
Cozy fireplace
2024 Christmas Tree
Hanukkah
The first night was Christmas evening this year. The next day, we went with friends to the old Hollywood Theatre, not too far from us in Portland, to see the new Bob Dylan biopic – which we thoroughly enjoyed. I grew up listening to that music as a child, because my older sister played it non stop on the record player in our shared room.
First night
Hollywood Theater, Sandy Boulevard
New Years’ Eve
Another sunny day. I walked through the neighborhood, thinking about choices for next year as I passed some of my favorite shadows and cracks, and found some new shadows and reflections…
We lit the seventh night candles at sunset, than enjoyed a phone call with our son, who had just gotten engaged to his partner – a splendid, cheerful moment to end the year!
November 23 to Dec 1 – For the first time in many years we did not host Thanksgiving at our home. Instead, we drove to California to share the holiday with our daughter, graciously hosted by her partner’s family. We stayed in a nearby hotel, and hiked outside four of the days of our visit.
Southbound – We drove as far as Red Bluff, CA on Saturday, Nov. 23. There had been road-closing snowfall earlier in the week, but we made it over the Siskiyous with no problems, and had beautiful views of Mt Shasta.
Mount Shasta
The cone just visible,
and the glaciers and moraines.
The next day, we continued south in the Sacramento Valley, through the Tule fog. We turned west near Williams, and as soon as we left the valley, the blue skies shone through.
Tule fog along I-5.
Williams, CA
Blue sky, oak woodlands along Cache Creek and Hwy 20.
Watching ourselves reflected in the slow milk tanker truck.
We drove to Forestville, Ca, to meet some friends for lunch and a rainy walk through Armstrong Grove, then continued south to Corte Madera by dinnertime.
Armstrong Grove in the drizzle
Colonel Armstrong tree
Oxalis on the forest floor
Overflowing stream
Monday, November 25th – The next day, my good husband tested positive for rebound Covid….drat! We quickly arranged separate hotel rooms, and he had to stay quarantined most of the visit. Fortunately, it was a mild case, but we did not want to spread it around! He was able to join the family in their outdoor spaces – they had a good array of Covid-era heat lamps. And he could join in outdoor hikes and walks, so all was not lost, and no one else there became ill, so in that respect it was a successful visit. I tested negative every day, so was able to join the family for a lovely Thanksgiving dinner, and several walks and hikes.
Thanksgiving table
Walks and hikes near Corte Madera
Dawn Falls – This was a completely rainy walk up to the falls, through redwoods and forest – quite beautiful and authentic!
Dawn Falls, Baltimore Canyon
The Corte Madera Bike Path was close to our hotel, and a good place to walk to see birds.
Canal reflections
Wetlands with egrets
Egret
Skunks
Bird of Paradise
The Shore Marsh Wildlife Area was also nearby – flat, and with scenic views across the North Bay wetlands.
Egret, San Quentin
We hiked around Phoenix Lake on Black Friday – just one of the many trails around Mt Tamalpais on the Marin Peninsula.
Mt Tamalpais above as we walk down toward Phoenix Lake
Stream channel
Phoenix Lake
Reflections
Hiking back up
Oak tree with galls
Mistletoe that has fallen by the path
Northbound – November 30
We drove across the north end of the San Francisco Bay on a clear day. I took photos from the car as we drove – so the framing may be a bit blurry. We transitioned from flat watery views, through the foothills and into the central valley, from which we could see the Sutter Buttes and the snow-covered peaks around Mt Lassen.
San Pablo Bay
Looking south
and northward
Sutter Buttes
Mount Lassen
We stopped for lunch in Redding at the Sundial Bridge across the Sacramento River, a good place to stretch out our legs.
Sundial Bridge from our picnic table
Crossing to the north
Eastward view to Mt Lassen
Shadows and lines
Side view from the north viewing area
Underside, looking south
West view toward the Trinity Alps
After lunch, we continued north to Medford, Oregon, over frosty passes.
Frosty landscape over the passes
Blue sky and frosted trees
Mt Shasta
Crossing into Oregon
Hotel room art in Medford
Home to Portland, December 1st – We drove north from Medford, once again over frosty passes, reaching our familiar Mt Hood scenery by midday.
Frosty pass near Medford
Mt Hood from the Marquam Bridge, Portland
We had a lovely visit with our daughter, and with her partner and family. I enjoyed revisiting some of our old stomping grounds in northern California. I didn’t realize there were so many great trails around Mt Tam – I hope to visit again and hike more of them.
Margaret Quilts 