Tag: Rowena

Scenic Loop

Kayaks on the Columbia at Mayar State Park
Looking up at the crest
The "loop" with McCall Point in the distance

Headed home from Walla Walla, Suzi and I made a few stops in the Gorge. The first was Mayer State Park where I’ve taken a few pictures. A group was preparing to paddle to Hood River, a distance of probably eight miles. They were in long, slender kayaks that an online search says are called “surf skis.” One of the skis had an outrigger pontoon so the paddler used an oar instead of a kayak paddle.

When they left, we did too. We headed to the scenic loop between Rowena and Mosier.

Hillside of yellow flowers
Poison oak
Balsamroot flowers

We stopped in the iconic loop below Rowena Crest Viewpoint to enjoy some flowers, not knowing what was to come shortly.1I was disappointed there were no longboarders bombing the hill. At the viewpoint and the adjacent Tom McCall Preserve, it became obvious – fields of yellow balsamroot flowers!2And a fair amount of poison oak. Three days later, I think it’s safe to say I wasn’t exposed.

Fields of flowers
Balsamroot flower
Lupine in the yellow balsamroot

We hiked the trail to McCall Point, taking pictures and making friends along the way. We also saw a bald eagle and a rattlesnake.

Selfies

We tried to take selfies multiple times, but the sun, wind, and clouds all conspired against us. No worries!

After our hike, a quick trip to Doppio in Hood River capped the day. Mmm… :-)

Rowena Crest and Memaloose Overlook

Driving to Walla Walla, Suzi and I traveled the historic Columbia River Highway between Mosier and Rowena. I had an ulterior motive: I wanted to stop at Rowena Crest to see another famous longboarding spot with a pretty view.

View from Memaloose Overlook
Mayer State Park
Mayer State Park by Google
Rowena Crest view
Rowena Crest view in context

I didn’t expect to see longboarders as this was the weekend for the Fall Freeride at Maryhill Loops Road, just a little farther east. Jamison and I are hoping to participate in a freeride next summer.

I was surprised to learn Rowena Crest is just above Mayer State Park, where I’ve taken a few pictures. I guess it should have been obvious…

This highway is a pleasant diversion, one Suzi and I used to take to and from college many years ago. I think we’re going to add it back to the repertoire for our trips up and down the gorge.

My favorite photos of 2015

MAX blue train
St. Johns Bridge Tower
Kmarin Melbourne docked by the Steel Bridge
Rebirth
Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach

Here, in no particular order, are my ten favorite photos I made in 2015.

Interestingly, there is no overlap between my favorite photos and my pictures on Instagram that got the most love.

  • instablogan #2015bestnine

This is the third year I have done this; I also posted my favorite photos of 2013 and 2014. One reason may be that I don’t always post the same pictures on Instagram that I do here. Another is that people give love to pictures for various reasons other than artistic merit.

Gorge Views

Traveling up the Gorge to Walla Walla, I took a few detours along the way to snap some shots.1Instead of pictures of Oregon peaks out of plane windows, prepare to be inundated with pictures from the Gorge. :-)

Multnomah Falls is always a great stop and today was no exception. The falls were full, taking my breath away just beyond the bridge.2In more ways than one. The blowing cold mist made breathing difficult.

I haven’t stopped at Mayer State Park at Rowena for a while. My earlier pictures are dark and moody. Other than all the dead fish on the beach, today’s mood was much brighter.

Although I didn’t bring my longboard,3Nor do I have the requisite skills, courage, or protective equipment, though it’s on my bucket list. I had to stop at the overlook by Maryhill Loops Road, if for no other reason than to forward the picture to Jamison and Instagram.