Hoyt Arboretum

We went back to Hoyt Arboretum this afternoon and followed a map which led to trails that I haven’t been on before. Amazing or not, I have been on most of them even though there are nearly 50 miles of trails in the arboretum and connecting Forest Park. Hoyt Arboretum is home to 1,100 species of trees from around the world on 185 acres within the Portland city limits.

Angel's Rest

The weather is clear and bright today, so we headed out to the Columbia River Gorge to one of our favorite hikes, Angel’s Rest. Just a quick trip out I84 to Bridal Veil and the trail head. It was busy today; every Oregonian was taking advantage of the dry, sunny day before getting stuck in months of rain. Casey was his usual excited self as we got ready to head up the trail. It is amazing that a 13# dog that is 12ish has so much energy! I had forgotten that the trail to Angel’s Rest is 2¼ miles UP! It is an elevation change of 660’ and I felt every foot of it. The truth is the burning glutes are so worth it when you get to the edge and look both up and down the gorge. It is incredible. The Gorge is beautiful from any angle, but from this viewpoint one can see how vast it is. How great is God that he not only created such beauty, but also a way for us to view it.

Weekly Hike

A while back, my husband and I would go for a hike each weekend. We would then send a photo of something we saw along the way to friends and loved ones. We have begun to do so again. This time I will also share them with whoever happens on this site. Today, the choice was a small state park within Portland, Tryon Creek State Park. It has a combination of asphalt and hard packed dirt trails that meander through a wetland area. It is under a canopy of trees, both evergreen and deciduous. Soft moss covers much of the trunks and the sun peaked slightly through the treetops and the clouds.

I'm back...

So, I am back finally. Since my last post, I have left a stressful job and been on vacation. So, it is getting a bit easier to see the bright side of things again. (Especially, since I got a couple of good leads for a new job today!)

Fall colors have always been one of my favorite things to see. The changes happen every year just like I expect them. Yet the views are so spectacular, I find a new thrill with each turn of the path. That is definately a good thing!