Summer Came Back. (Sort of).

I started to write this blog a few weeks ago and just returned to see that I never published it.  There was another day but I'm leaving it the way it is for now.

I am one who thinks that anyone who says Portland weather sucks all year should just move.  Compared to other climates, we endure some misty winters (little snow) in return for not having to shovel and super, non-humid summers.  They're longer than most think, because they're very consistent, unlike the summers I was used to in Connecticut, or worse, Savannah or Arizona, where I've spent much time in my life.

That being said, on a beautiful Portland Friday morning, I checked out the weather for my favorite weekend destination, Yachats and Seal Rocks, and saw it looked pretty good.  I got my work done and planned a couple of nights of camping at my newly discovered zen escape, where I can camp in relative seclusion:

have views like this from my site (granted, with a telephoto lens):

and be able to walk across the street and have incredible walks and vistas.  Each time it's different.  The sun, clouds, tides, animals, etc.

This was catching sunset on a Friday night.

and my favorite shot of the night:

Two hours later, there was a full moon on the beach.  Incredible (no pics).

The next morning, after lighting this and having coffee,

 we walked down to see the full moon setting, while the sun came up.  (You couldn't do this if you weren't across the street.)   The closest hotel accommodations are miles away.

I went back and shot some shots of the big rock from my campsite while having coffee.

Then walked back down to visit my friends.  There were a few of them--more than usual.

 Darn.  These giant waves kept getting the way...

But I still got shots like this:

and of course, half the reason I go to the coast is to treat this guy to the great life that he deserves:

He has so much fun.  I just click away.

Mt. Hood and The Gorge--Part 4 of Gary's visit

After the John Gorham gorgefest the day before, breakfast was kind of off the table when we awoke for Gary's last day in Oregon before he headed back to wife, daughter and doggie in Connecticut.

I thought he should see the Gorge, and given that he was from New Haven, we'd have lunch in Hood River at Double Mountain and grab some of my favorite Oregon pizza there.

It was raining all the way out.  But the forecast was for clearing in the afternoon.    We stopped at Multnomah Falls.

We got to Double Mountain on this Tuesday with no crowds and ordered some beers and olives, 

and my fave:  Sausage Mushroom and Onion.

There was nothing wrong with this day.

We headed up to Panorama Point... .the clouds were breaking and it was beautiful, even though Mt. Hood was covered and we couldn't see it.

Oakley had a chance to stretch his legs and jaw.

We figured the worst we could do in the quest to see Mt. Hood was a beautiful drive through the Hood River Valley.

No luck.  Mt. Hood was not to be seen on this day.  

But we did make into the snow line.

Then back to the Gorge and to a Bridal Veil.

We hit Crown Point just as this little visual treat dazzled us.

Oakley noticed it. 

Speaking of Gorging, the fitting grand finale of food before heading to PDX (airport).  Lardo.

A couple of sandwiches and famous Lardo fries.  Tuna and Banh Mi.  Gary's face says a lot.  Dude, this was just four days.  I live here.

A Peach Whiffie Pie to cap it off.  (Not referring to arteries.)

Hopefully the memories of these four days will linger longer than the arterial clogging material.

Four days in Oregon.  850 miles.  

Just a few experiences.