Max running around like a maniac for no apparent reason...

backpacking videos

I've just discovered the video function on my camera...probably should stick with still images :0)

Alpine Meadows

Max and I set out on the Vista Ridge Trail up to Elk cove along the Timberline Trail. We were hoping to see alpine meadows ablaze with colorful wildflowers. Alas, I think we were about a week too late. There were a few slopes speckled with lupine and western pasque flower seedheads. And, we did see some alpine lilies and paintbrush. Perhaps we were spoiled by an earlier visit to McNeil Point. It was a beautiful day on Mt. Hood! I had forgotten how enjoyable solo hiking is. It affords a quietness for introspection that is different from hiking in a group.

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Muddy Max

more splendor in the bear grass

from the Timberline Trail up to McNeil Point...

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Splendor in the Bear Grass

Went for an overnight "quickie" up to Mirror Lake on Mount Hood. Laura has not been backpacking since Fall 2007, and was ready to get back into the wild. I had been drooling over the pictures of bear grass that hikers were posting in trip reports on portlandhikers.org and decided Tom, Dick & Harry Mountain would be worth braving the crowds. The last time we were on this trail, Mirror Lake was covered in snow and we encountered gale-force winds at the summit. The wildflowers and vistas were spectacular even with all the noise from OR-26, which sounded like race day at PIR. Hope you enjoy the pictures...

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packing up the Jeep before hitting Hwy 26


swatting away mosquitoes at campsite by Mirror Lake


Max running on the trail



Mt. Hood playing peek-a-boo


Laura on the trail w/rhododendrons, lupine and bear grass - oh, my!


at the summit of Tom, Dick & Harry Mountain


the gang at the summit


columbine in front of vista of Mirror Lake and Mt. Hood


Mt. Hood


back down the trail...


more rhodies and bear grass


another view of Mt. Hood and, yes, more bear grass!


Mirror Lake w/Mt. Hood


pooped puppies in the car


traffic in Sandy (fortunately going the opposite direction)

Opal Creek

Beautiful weather, beautiful creek...

Hamilton Mountain

Laura, baby Mackenzie, the puppies, and I summited Hamilton Mountain today. We had fair weather - overcast with a slight breeze. The last time we attempted this hike together, Mackenzie was still in the womb and Emma nearly died from heat exhaustion and then nearly drowned in the overpowering current of Hardy Creek.

The wildflowers were on full display...lupine, columbine, tiger lily, bleeding heart, larkspur, indian paintbrush, daisies, and several others I've yet to identify (including the two photos in this entry). I posted a new topic in portlandhikers.org's "let's see some ID" forum and will update post when I get some replies.

It was a fun day of hiking in the Gorge!

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Thousand Acres

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Max waiting for Emma to emerge from the forest...


And it's on!

Wanna hear me scream like a girl?

Conditions were not ideal today at Pocket Creek...solid sheets of ice, but clear and sunny! There were some good moments and some painful moments. I've attached one of each for your amusement...might I suggest you turn down the volume?

lolo pass

perfect day for xc skiing: warm temps, no wind, sunny, and fresh powder!