OSU Mom's Weekend

The weekend before Mother's day is traditionally mom's weekend at Oregon State University.  In the four years Denise has attended OSU, I've yet to miss a one.  Last weekend was no exception.  I packed my car on Friday afternoon and headed south towards Corvallis.


Size matters!  Click on any image to enjoy a larger version.

Mother-daughter photo op

Wanting to avoid the Friday afternoon traffic on I-5, I sought an alternate route.  I'd read about a short hiking trail at Willamette Mission State Park, and since it was sort of on the way, decided to make a short detour and check it out.  This hike is also one of the "100 hikes" in Sullivan's book I've yet to check off the list. 

Willamette River at the Wheatland Ferry crossing

The park is about 9 miles north of Salem, deep in the heart of the Willamette Valley farm country.  The drive was especially scenic, through rolling farmland and forested valleys.  But when I reached my destination, I found it closed, the main road barricaded off.  I discovered - much to my disappointment - most of the park under water.  It's been an extremely rainy spring, and an abundance of "liquid sunshine" caused the Willamette River to overflow its banks.  No hiking for me today!

The Wheatland auto ferry

But all was not lost.  I whipped out my map and saw that the Wheatland Ferry was practically next door.  If I crossed the river on the ferry, and took a secondary road for a short distance, I'd connect with US Hwy 99W.  This alternate, scenic route would take me straight into Corvallis.

So I got to ride the Wheatland Ferry.  This particular ferry, in operation since 1844, is the oldest ferry landing in Oregon. With a maximum capacity of of six autos, the Wheatland Ferry provides a vital connection to the neighboring farm communities.  A ride across the mighty Willamette costs a mere two dollars. 

That day the river was running high and fast.  But the ferry plowed right through the water, and got my car safely to the other side.  What a fun experience!  Definitely something I don't do every day.

Hot air balloon rides for Mom's weekend

After a beautiful drive through neon-green farm country (I never knew there were so many wineries north of Salem!) I arrived safely in Corvallis.  Friday night was spent doing the usual mom things, buying my broke college student groceries, and taking her out for a nice dinner.

The balloon rises through flowering trees

Saturday morning, Denise and I headed to the OSU campus to check out the Mom's weekend activities.  One of the more popular offerings was hot air balloon rides for moms and students.  Although we weren't able to get a ride (it was booked solid all morning) I enjoyed seeing the colorful balloon moored in the middle of campus.  Great photos ops too. 

Beautiful flowers on campus

The school hosted a large craft fair adjacent to the student union building.  Denise and I had fun looking over all the wonderful handmade items.  We always end up buying something (or in today's case I bought three "somethings.")

 

More lovely floral displays

One of the things I enjoy most about coming to Corvallis for Mom's weekend is seeing the OSU campus in spring.  The grounds are landscaped beautifully with a great variety of different flora.  All the flowering bushes and trees are at the height of their bloom.  There are rhododendrons and azaleas in many different hues - some that I've never seen before.  It's a true kaleidoscope of color.

 

My beautiful daughter

With a little persuasion, I was able to get my daughter to pose for a photo by this lovely peach azalea bush.  Isn't she beautiful?

Gorgeous flowers

Denise gave me a tour of campus.  She has a new job working in the chemistry lab, and showed me the building she works in.  The doors were locked, so I decided to take an outdoor shot instead.   I thought this was an interesting view of the outside corridor looking towards the entrance.

Chemistry building

After completing our walking tour of campus (which took a little longer than Denise expected, due to her mother being distracted by the many photo ops) we decided to visit downtown Corvallis.  In all the years Denise has been a student at OSU I've never spent any time downtown.  We found lots of interesting places to check out.  They had an amazing tea shop!  And it's way better than anything I've seen in Portland.

 

Love the colors!

Our day ended with dinner at a local burger place with Denise's roommates and their mothers.  I had a blast talking with the other ladies.  It was so much fun, I considered staying over Saturday night, instead of driving back to Portland as planned.

Denise's roommates and their moms

But I'd already promised a friend I'd ski with her on Sunday, so after dinner I pointed my car north on I-5 towards home.

I had a wonderful time hanging out with my daughter.  I think this mother's weekend was my favorite one yet.  Happy Mother's Day to all you moms out there!  And Happy Mother's Day to my mom too!

Yes, I'm Still Skiing

Saturday's hike to Nesmith Point was fantastic.  But even better things were in store for the following day.  Wonderful Weekend Day Two had me joining forces with John and Young for another ski trip up to the Palmer Lift.  (Yeah, we can't get enough of this route!)


Size matters!  Click on any photo to enjoy a larger version.

In the parking lot, getting ready

Even though the calendar said the end of April, you wouldn't know it by looking at the mountain.  Hood had way more snow than it did last December. Yes, people are still lift skiing at Timberline ski area, and a few more hardy souls are strapping on skins and climbing the mountain (such as you-know-who!).

Young and John behind a sea of clouds

After the previous day's tough hike, my skiing buddies and I weren't moving very fast.  How crazy were we to plan a backcountry ski tour the next day?  Meeting up in the morning, the three of us compared aches and pains.  Young made the comment if it wasn't for me wanting to go skiing, she and John would've stayed home.  I told them I felt the same way!  Hooray for friends - they keep us from bagging out on good times. 

I never tire of this view

But the weather was so fantastic, how could you stay home?  It was another perfect bluebird morning.  The sky was clear, the sun warm, and the snow just starting to soften, as my companions and I arrived at the Timberline parking lot.

Silcox Hut's roof emerges from the snow

We unpacked our gear, and started to climb.  Oh how my leg muscles protested!  Weary from the day before, I seemed to move at a snail's pace.  The hot sun beat down, causing sweat to pour out of every nook and cranny.  It was gonna be a long day.

Break time fun

John told us to take our time, no pressure.  He reminded us we were here to have fun, not break the world's land speed record (which was a good thing considering my physical state).  John has a warped idea of fun, doesn't he?

Young and John caught in mid-snack

Once we got near the top of the Magic Mile lift, the wind picked up.  It provided some relief from the blazing sun.  The cool breeze felt great on our sweat-soaked bodies.  Young and I took a snack break and clowned for some pictures.

Now it's time for Young and I's close-up

Although the weather high on Mt. Hood's slopes was warm and sunny, it looked like the Portland area was not so lucky.  To the west, a thick cloud bank hovered below us.  We laughed thinking of all the poor souls in Portland who were enduring yet another gray-sky day.

Nap time at the top of Palmer

Beyond the Magic Mile, things again got steep (how quickly we forget!)  After last week's blisterfest, I'd taped up my heels good.  But my right side still gave me trouble, necessitating another stop to bolster the blister prevention.

Enjoying our lunch break

Our goal for today was only to reach the top of the Palmer lift.  Considering our wearied states from yesterday's hike, this was ambitious enough.  The last pitch was another long slog that seemed to last forever.  But I ended up reaching the Palmer in a faster time than last week (not that I was trying for time, I was just hungry and wanted to have lunch!)

Checking out our downhill route

It was wonderful to perch on the side of Hood, rest, enjoy my sandwich, and take in the sights.  I never tire of the panoramic views from the mountain's slopes.  Then, my tummy filled, I laid down in the sunshine and took a quick nap. 

Our route down

Soon it was time for the best part - skiing downhill!  Hoping to catch some untracked snow, John chose a route outside of the ski area boundary.  The top portion was a little chewed up, thanks to a Mazama basic climbing class that had trooped through.  But once we got below this area, it was sweet, sun-softened corn snow.  And it was unmarred by any tracks!

Veer to the right of that cornice!

What a blissful ride to the bottom!  It was a totally fabulous, effortless glide.  I felt as if I was skimming through velvet.  The snow held up much better than last week, not turning sticky until the last quarter mile before the parking lot.  Skiing like this is the reason I put myself through such tiring climbs!  (Well, that and the after-tour trip to the microbrewery).

Hiking one day, skiing the next.  And beer after each event.  Last weekend couldn't have been more perfect.  (Now back to work to rest up...)

Nesmith Point

Last weekend I had the most wonderful two days.  Saturday, my hiking buddy John invited me to join his group for a hike in the Gorge.  I haven't hiked with John in like forever, so the answer was a resounding YES.

Our day's destination was Nesmith Point - a steep trek up the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge.  John's training to climb some mountains later this spring, and needed a good conditioning hike.  I haven't been up to Nesmith in many years.  All I remembered was a long, boring slog up a mostly viewless trail.

Hail, hail the gang's all here!

The opportunity for great company, not the trail itself, was my motivation for joining up.  John always gathers the most fun, interesting people for his hikes.  Today's group was no exception.  Along with my ski friends Young, John (another John), and Katie, were his climbing pals Terri, Debbie, and Ted.   A couple of these folks I hadn't seen for over a year.  It was great to reconnect.

Bear is ready to roll

John's hiking club also had a four-legged member.  After watching me pack up and leave for ski trips all winter, Bear was happy to finally be included.  He's missed romping on the trails, and took full advantage of this opportunity, running back and forth making sure his "herd" stayed together.  (I think he traveled at least double the distance we humans covered).

Gorge view in between the trees

The trail began climbing almost immediately.  Our group puffed up switchbacks, through a brilliant green forest bursting with new leaves.  Although cloudy, the weather was warm and humid.  It didn't take long for everyone to shed clothing down to their base layers.

Looking ahead to our destination

The majority of the group was on a mission - get to the top as quickly as possible.  They took off at a gallop.  But Young and I, the photographers of the bunch, hung back.  We took our sweet time climbing up the trail, capturing scenery along the way.

The trilliums were blooming!

Young and I discovered small patches of early wildflowers in the forest.  The trilliums were in full bloom mode.  Oodles of huge blossoms decorated the lower portions of the trail.  I've never seen trilliums so big!

We hit snow around 3000 feet elevation

At the top of the first ridge, the air began to feel noticeably cooler.   After pulling a layer back on, the group came across a snowfield.  No wonder the temps had dropped - it was still cold enough to keep snow intact.  We'd also gained quite a bit of elevation, climbing almost 3000 feet to the snowline.

Bear on the snowy trail

Everyone picked their way across the snow-covered trail.  The snow was firm enough to keep us on top, but the going was slippery.  I was glad for my trekking poles. 

Making our way through the snow-covered forest

The snowy trail seemed to go on forever.  I was getting tired of slipping and sliding, and longed for a return to the dirt trail.  I remarked to Young "We should've brought our skis!"

Foggy trail junction

But finally we climbed out of the snow onto a junction with an ancient road.  The forest here was in a fog bank, and the trees towered over us like eerie ghosts.

Old moss-covered sign

The mossy trail sign showed just how far we'd come.

Foggy road to the top

An easy trek along a old roadbed led us to our final destination.

A small peep of the Columbia River from Nesmith Point

Nesmith Point!  Today's low clouds and fog didn't make for much of view.  However, there was tiny glimpses of the Columbia River and Washington side of the Gorge peeping out between cloudbreaks.  After the monstrous climb, I appreciated any small reward I could get.

Lunchtime at the top

All the members of John's hiking group settled themselves amongst Nesmith Point's tiny summit to enjoy a hearty lunch.  Bear wandered around, giving everyone his most mournful look, hoping to score some sympathy food.  Katie gave him the most food and attention, so she became Bear's new best friend.  (On hikes Bear never goes hungry.  Lest you worry, I always bring a baggie of dog food and some treats for my pup.  And he usually ends up with a large portion of my sandwich).

John, Debbie, and Ted

The temps on top were chilly, and everyone bundled up, putting back on the layers we'd stripped off during the climb.  Many of us had also packed up thermoses of hot tea, which tastes great on a damp, cool spring day.

The whole group (minus Debbie who took the photo)

Before heading back out, I insisted we all pose for a couple of group photos.  Debbie was nice enough to man my camera, which allowed me (and Bear) to be included in a shot.

We discovered a newt in the snow

After such a long, hard climb, the first mile of downhill was a welcome treat.  We hit the snow again, and the march over the slippery white stuff was much easier than anticipated.  Towards the end of the snowpack, John discovered a little newt lying in the snow.  An unusual place to find animal life, we hoped it wasn't frozen.

John rescuing the newt

The newt appeared to still be alive.  After shooing Bear away, and getting a couple of photographs of the little guy, John rescued our amphibian friend from his chilly perch.  We left him in a snow-free patch of the forest floor to hopefully warm up and scurry to a lower, more temperate elevation.

Young and Bear on the trail

Everyone thinks climbing is the difficult part of hiking.  But the descent can be just as grueling.  Quads, calves, toes, feet and knees all take a beating from the constant downhill pounding.  About halfway down, with our legs growing weary, Young exclaimed "Boy, I wish we had our skis.  Skiing downhill is so much easier!"

Mossy trailhead water tank

As we descended in elevation, the air became warmer.  The layers came off once again.  Finally, we could hear sounds from the adjacent highway.  The ancient water tank located at the trailhead came into view.  Finally finished!  Time to head into town for some beer and grub.

Total stats for the day: 9.8 miles round-trip, 3800 feet elevation gain. 

But my weekend fun was not over yet.  Stay tuned for the next blog post - my wonderful weekend part two.

Powell Butte

Before I begin my latest adventure tale, I'd like to say "thank you" to all my readers.  Thank you for visiting, commenting, and following my blog, either on Google Friend Connect, or my newly-established Facebook page.  Thanks to the folks who are frequent commenters, especially Kim at Snug Harbor Bay (who comments almost every time) and Hendrik at Hiking in Finland, who has featured some of my posts in his "Week in Review" compilations.

I'd love getting to know more of my readers, so if you're a regular visitor, please consider following my blog through Google Friend Connect, or "liking" Linda's Lens on Facebook (links on the right sidebar).  You'll receive a notification every time I update the blog.  And I really enjoy hearing from my readers, so please don't hesitate to leave a comment. 

Bright flowers along the path

Now on to today's story...... this is from two weekends ago.  After my amazing ski trip up to Illumination Saddle, I woke up the next day tired and sore.  Although skiing was in my plans for the day, it became quickly apparent this was not gonna happen. 

Poor Bear had to stay leashed

My dog Bear, however, had tons of energy.  While I was up on the mountain, he'd been napping in his doghouse.  Since today's ski trip was off, I decided to take my pup for a hike somewhere with the sole aim being to tire him out. 

Spring color

I'm still missing some of the Portland area trails in my quest to visit all of the hikes in Sullivan's "100 Hikes" book.  Not wanting to drive too far, I consulted my book for a new place to visit in the metro area.  I landed on Powell Butte Nature Park.  This park is located in far southeast Portland.  It occupies an old volcanic cone that sits high above the surrounding neighborhoods.  The Portland Water Bureau has a huge reservoir buried underneath this butte.  Not wanting any development over a critical water supply, PWB turned the hillside into a park.

Remnants of a pioneer orchard

It was a rare sunny, warm spring day.  Wishing to beat the heat, I decided to get an early start.  Upon arriving at the park, I realized being an early bird had other benefits - like getting a parking spot in a small, crowded lot.  As I was soon to discover, Powell Butte is a popular place on sunny weekend days.

Cool gnarled trees

Unfortunately for Bear, the park had very strict leash rules.  There was to be no romping and playing for my doggie.  But Bear was so happy to be somewhere new, he didn't care.  There were interesting things to smell, other dogs and people to meet, and abundant bushes to pee on.

Path through a lush forest

The park had many trail choices for hikers.  I first headed straight for the summit, where an old pioneer orchard still stands.  The families who originally settled here in the 1800s planted walnut, apple and pear trees.  The gnarled branches of the old trees are especially scenic.  The south and west side of the summit loop trail provided nice views into Portland.  The Cascade peaks of Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helens were visible to the north and east.  There was a picnic table on top, and this looked to be a great spot for a scenic lunch.

The dogwood trees were blooming

At the next junction, I chose the woodsy Mt. Hood trail, which dived into a lush forest of Douglas fir, bigleaf maple, and red cedar.  I felt as if I was entering the gorge or the forests near Mt. Hood, instead of a park within Portland city limits.  Temps were already heating up, and the cool shade of the trees was most welcome.  The path was even muddy and wet in many places.  The Mt. Hood trail was so nice, I extended my hike to include the next forested loop (the Cedar Grove trail, I think).

 

Lovely dogwood flower

Emerging from the pleasant wooded loops, the next path took visitors back into a broad meadow.  And, to my delight, this meadow was inhabited by several wild dogwood trees in full bloom.  I absolutely love dogwood flowers.  Out came the camera to capture some low-hanging blossoms.

 

Faint Mt St. Helens view

Three hours later, I returned to my car with a tired dog, and a few nice images in my camera.  By now it was near noon, and the place was hopping with people and dogs.  A car waited patiently for me to leave so it could take my parking spot.

I was glad to get outside and check out a new park with my pup.  Especially on a rare sunny spring day.  It's always fun to discover another pocket of wilderness so close to home!