City of Roses

"For you a rose in Portland grows."

Portland, Oregon is known as the Rose City.  It's cool, wet spring climate is perfect for growing these lovely flowers. 

In late May, colorful rosebuds explode into bloom all over town.

Portland celebrates it's Rose Festival in early June.  Two weeks of events culminate with the Grand Floral Parade.  Similar to the New Year's Tournament of Roses parade, it features floats decorated with thousands of brightly colored roses.

Portland has a huge rose garden located in Washington Park.  It's a designated International Rose Test Garden, one of 24 official testing sites for the All-America Rose Selections (AARS).  This organization is dedicated to the introduction and promotion of exceptional roses.

Early June is the perfect time for a tour of the Washington Park rose garden.  Rows upon rows of brightly-colored, fragrant roses cover the grounds. A great place for a stroll.

Of course, I don't have to travel all the way to Washington Park to get my rose fix.  My hubby maintains his own little rose garden right in our front yard.

He grows several varieties of roses, in many gorgeous colors.

I was home this morning, and noticed the blossoms were covered in droplets from last night's rain.

Fantastic photo ops - right in my own yard!

This pale pink rose was my favorite. 

No - this last photo isn't a rose - it's a dew-spangled tulip from over a month ago.  It was so pretty I just had to include it too.

Have a flower-filled weekend!


Sharing with:  Weekly Top Shot.

Call of the Coast

Sunday of Memorial Day weekend, and rain was in the forecast.

But the coast was calling.......

Bear is ready for the beach!

I'd been itching for a trip to the beach.  I enjoy walking along it's broad, sandy expanses, checking out tidepool creatures.  I love photographing Oregon's scenic rocky cliffs and picturesque rocks out in the sea.

Blustery seascape

But I really didn't want to drive all the way out there only to get caught in a downpour.  The weather on the coast can be 180 degrees different from what's happening in Portland.  Was I willing to take the chance?  After mulling it over all morning, I decided to go anyway - rain be damned!

Lots of crab shells in the sand

Of course, I couldn't visit the coast without bringing my dog.  Even though he's slowing down in his old age, Bear has a blast running in the sand, and sniffing everything in sight.  What dog doesn't love a trip to the beach?

Bear smells the sea air

Although the clouds threatened to dump any minute, I managed to complete the hour's drive to the coast with only a couple of brief sprinkles.  Pulling into Arcadia Beach, conditions were dry for the moment.

Abandoned crab shell

I unloaded Bear and he gleefully commenced romping through the sand.  Although low tide was still a few hours away, I noticed there were already several crab shells and broken sand dollars littering the waterline.  My first photo subjects!

North end of Hug Point sports lots of green lichen

At the south end of Arcadia Beach lies a rocky headland that juts out into the ocean.  Called Hug Point, it got it's name from early settlers that used this beach as a wagon road.  At low tide, travelers had to "hug" the steep cliffs in order to pass.  In the early 19th century, locals blasted a road into the rock of Hug Point, just above the waves.

Crab legs, anyone?

As Bear and I approached Hug Point, I noticed numerous empty crab shells littering the beach.  It appeared they were left over from a huge crab feed.

Colorful anemone

At low tide, the area adjacent to Hug Point is a great place to find tidepools.  As the tide was starting to go out, I did notice a couple of interesting ones, with some colorful anemone.

Ancient wagon road at Hug Point

Bear and I scrambled up the slippery rocks onto the ancient wagon road.  The views above the crashing waves were quite nice.  But we were also exposed to the wind's strong fury, so I made my passage quick.

Interesting anemone

On the south end of Hug Point were a few more tidepools, with more spiky anemones.  I also spied one that had a bunch of colorful sea stars, as well as a bumper crop of neon-green anemones.

Bear patiently waits for me to cross Hug Point

There were lots of people on the beach south of Hug Point.  A large parking area, with easy beach access helps draw the crowds.  There are also numerous caves and a hidden waterfall here.  About the time Bear and I reached this area, the clouds decided to let loose.

Colorful tidepool

I ducked inside a cave, hoping to wait out the shower.  It was a long walk back to the car, and I didn't really want to get any wetter than necessary.  I lingered inside the cave for a good 10 minutes, but the rain gave no sign up letting up.  I realized it was going to be a soggy return trip.

Looking south from Hug Point

So I stuffed my camera under my rain jacket, and began hoofing it back.  Over Hug Point once more, past crowds of people heading the opposite direction.  Although many visitors appeared to be seeking shelter, there were still quite a few die-hards playing on the beach, not bothered at all by the precip.  Yep - I'd say they were true Oregonians!

Sand dollar pieces

After a wet, miserable walk to the car (taking very few photos, both due to the rain, and the dreary lighting) I decided a hot drink was in order.  I drove south to the nearby town of Manzanita, hoping to score some tea.  While driving around, looking for a coffee shop, I happened upon a scenic local road paralleling the beach.  The vegetation growing between the beach and this road was so lush and green I just had to stop for some photographs.  If it wasn't raining so hard, I would've taken camera and tripod out onto the sand and captured Neahkahnie Mountain's foggy hulk. 

Fog-shrouded Neahkahnie Mountain

Although I didn't quite beat the rain, I'm still glad I decided to come to the coast.  There's something soothing about walking along the sand, breathing the salt air, and listening to crashing waves.  Kind of resets my attitude.

Hot tea in hand, and smelly wet dog in the back, I pointed my car towards home with a smile on my face.  But I'll be back......the coast is calling again.


Sharing with:  Our World Tuesday. and Wednesday Around the World.

Angel's Rest

Want wildflowers?  Do I have a place for you!

Single pink flower

Check out the Angel's Rest Trail in the Columbia River Gorge.  Although I've hiked here many more times than I care to admit, a Memorial Day visit proved very flowerful (is that a word?).

Tall trail sign

Located on the Oregon side of the Columbia River, it's the closest Gorge trail to Portland.  This proximity and the fact that it's one of the shorter and easier of the Gorge hikes makes Angel's Rest a popular destination.  Especially on a holiday weekend.

Ferns, ferns everywhere!

Knowing this, I got up early Memorial Day morn, hoping to beat the crowds.  Arriving at the trailhead by 9 am, I was able to snag a coveted parking spot in the overflow lot.  It was a lovely clear spring day, and the temps were mild.  Not bad for late May in Oregon!

Wild rose

Since the Gorge is comprised of steep cliffs rising from the base of the Columbia River, most trails here involve lots of climbing.  Although the trip to Angel's Rest does require some elevation gain, it's more moderate than most.  Rising 1500 feet in a little over two miles, this trail winds through lovely Douglas Fir woods, past an old burned out forest, finally terminating atop a rocky bluff boasting killer views.

Lush green forest

I began my journey in a lush green forest, chock-full of leafy green bushes and prolific ferns.  The woods gave off a most pleasant scent, a kind of mix combining fir, moist ground, and leafy vegetation.  Living here, I've discovered the PNW forests have a distinct aroma that I've never noticed anywhere else.  Being in these great woods, filling my lungs with these wonderful smells, always makes me feel right at home.

Still some larkspur going strong

It didn't take long before my first flower sighting.  Although this trail is famous for prolific blooms of lovely purple larkspur, it was a lone wild iris that caught my eye.  Since I'd never seen these particular flowers on this trail before, the camera came out immediatly.

Wild iris!

A half mile later, the trail crosses a creek with tiny Coopey Falls roaring far below.  In the adjacent wooded glen were huge patches of larkspur flowers.  Although early May is normally prime time for these blooms, I still found a few that weren't totally shriveled up yet.

Tons of lovely iris growing trailside

Then the climbing began in earnest.  Switchbacking up through the forest, I was treated to occasional patches of columbine, wild rose, larkspur, and some tiny pink flowers that I didn't know the name of.

Columbia River view from on high

I entered the ghostly bare trees of an old burn area.  In 1991, a wildfire swept over these steep cliffs.  Although destroying many trees, it did clear the forest floor of underbrush, allowing wildflowers to take hold, and created new viewpoints.
 

Well fed trail friend

Diving back into the forest, I again started to notice more wild irises.  Progress ground to a halt and I spent the better part of a half hour clicking away with the camera.  Pleased with my many shots, the camera got packed away so I could continue my climb.

Bench with a view

But....around the corner were more irises.  And the higher I climbed, the more frequent the sightings became.  Finally, rounding a corner, I came upon a huge patch of lovely purple blossoms covering an entire side of the trail!

Perching on the edge of Angel's Rest

Wowza!  I'd hit the iris jackpot.  Another massive photo session ensued.  I'd never before seen wild irises on this trail - let alone such high numbers of them.  I felt very lucky to hit at the height of their bloom.

Rock cliffs

After many, many more shots, I finally tore myself away.  It was getting near lunchtime, and I wanted to make it to the top before stopping to eat.  Besides, the world had begun to wake up, and I began to notice large numbers of people passing me.  Time to get up top before things got too crowded.

Lovely hues in this flower

So I put the camera away, and hoofed it up the remaining half mile.  The actual overlook of Angel's Rest is situated on a bare mesa.  A small amount of climbing puts one on top of it's rocky outcrop.  Then an easy walk brings you to the very edge of a tall, steep cliff.

Columbine

And, oh the views!  Westward, the Columbia River spreads out far below, with sights such as Crown Point, and if it's a clear day, the eastern suburbs of Portland.  Sitting at the very edge of the rock outcrop, one can gaze down to I-84 and spot boats on the mighty Columbia.

Another lovely iris

I continued on past the bare mesa, into the woods.  Just a short walk beyond, lies a sturdy bench perched on a nice vista offering first-row seats to more panoramic sights.  Although by now, the summit area was fairly crowded with people, I was pleased to discover the bench unoccupied.  Perfect spot for a quiet lunch!

Ghost trees at burn area

My silence didn't last long.  A large group of people wandered by and, ignoring hiker etiquette, plopped themselves down around me without asking if they could share this spot.

It didn't take long before word got out to the area residents, and before I knew it, a couple of chipmunks came skittering from nearby bushes.  Begging for handouts, the folks sitting next to me were happy to oblige.  Although I don't approve of feeding wildlife, it did provide some nice photo ops of the little guys.

One last iris - just because!

Luckily, the group didn't stay long, and I was able to have a few minutes to myself enjoying this lovely viewpoint before heading back down.

The trip back was as delightful as my initial climb.  I ended the day with a camera full of great flower pics and a relaxed, happy soul.

Nothing resets my attitude like a Gorge(ous) wildflower hike!


Sharing with:  Weekly Top Shot and I Heart Macro. and Today's Flowers.

Just Ducky

I spotted these cute little ducklings one rainy Sunday a few weeks ago.  They were swimming around with their mama in a neighborhood pond.

I stood out in the pouring rain with my zoom lens, patiently waiting for them to swim near.  It took awhile, but finally my persistence paid off.  Not only did I capture these duckling's adorable expressions, I really like the silver shimmering ripples in the water.

These little guys remind me of my own two children, now both adults and on their own.  Like the ducklings, it seems children stay little for such a short while.  Before you know it, they've grown up and left the nest. 


Sharing with:  Saturday's Critters and Our World Tuesday.

Dog Mountain

A favorite trail is like an old friend.  You've hiked it so many times you remember all it's junctions, steep climbs, panoramic viewpoints, and secret lunch spots. You know exactly when the wildflowers bloom each year.  Each visit evokes memories of past trips (the spot where I saw the grouse, the year it was so muddy I almost slid down the trail, the time I was nearly blown off the summit...)

Balsamroot good morning

Dog Mountain is one of those trails.  Located in Washington State on the Gorge's eastern fringe, each spring it's steep slopes erupt in a massive riot of wildflowers.  Truly a spectacular sight, people flock here in droves.

Two trail choices

Dog Mountain holds the record as my most often-hiked trail.  Starting in 1996, climbing it's steep slopes to view the flower show has been a spring tradition.

Lower viewpoint

However, for reasons I don't remember, last spring I missed the annual Dog Mountain trip,  Not wanting to make it two in a row, this year I was bound and determined to get up there during the bloom.  Busted rib or not!

Looking ahead to the summit

On a Friday off in early May, I left my house super-early, headed for Dog Mountain's trailhead.  The large parking lot, often packed to capacity during flower season, was totally empty when I arrived.  (It really does pay to wake up with the birds.)

Nature's bouquet

The trail, although short, is notoriously steep.  Rising almost 3000 feet in a mere 3 miles, it's a lung-busting trudge.

Gorge selfie at Puppy Point

But mentally I was prepared.  After babying my rib for the past three weeks, I was more than ready for a workout.  Beginning in a dense forest, the trail rises steeply from the very beginning.  It didn't take long before I was huffing and puffing.

The spectacular upper meadows

Exiting my car in the parking lot, I noticed the wind was really blowing.  Hmmmm......not a great sign.  If it was strong down low, that didn't bode well for the summit.  At the last minute, I grabbed a pair of mittens that just happened to be in my car and shoved them in my backpack.  Later, I'd be thankful I did.

Looking towards Wind Mountain

Hikers have a choice of three trails to reach Dog Mountain's upper slopes.  There are two older trails, dubbed the "scenic" and the "steep" (I love the sign at their junction that gives hikers the choice of "more difficult" or "less difficult").  There's also the Augspurger Mountain Trail, a longer, but more gentle path.  I prefer to travel the scenic trail uphill, and take Augspurger for my descent.

Floral frenzy

The "scenic" trail takes visitors through a lovely forest of fir and oak.  Undergrowth grows thickly, accented by colorful flowers.  After climbing for 1.5 miles, the path suddenly emerges at a treeless knob offering fantastic views up and down the Columbia River Gorge.  This halfway stop has been dubbed "Puppy Point" by the locals.

Colorful flower fields

It was here I encountered the first of the massive balsamroot fields.  Their cheery yellow blooms carpeted the adjacent slopes.   Time to break out the camera!

The only drawback - gusty winds had followed me from the parking lot, and had only gained in their intensity.  Sweat cooling, I quickly donned my jacket.

The upper meadow winds through a yellow carpet

After many attempts to capture these fields of color, the cold wind got the best of me.  Time to dive back into the woods, and head for Dog Mountain's summit.  The dense trees provided a welcome windbreak as I continued my trek to the top.

More flower fields

The final mile to the summit viewpoint is murderously steep.  Not for the faint of heart or weak of knees.  I kept putting on foot in front of the other, maintaining a pace that was turtle-slow.  But finally spying a clearing ahead, I knew it meant just one thing - Dog Mountain's wondrous upper meadows.

Wonderful views from on top

I'd hit the balsamroot at prime bloom.  The high meadows of Dog Mountain were one large carpet of yellow.  As I wandered out into the open taking in the spectacle, a large wind gust hit full force.

Nearly losing my hat, I quickly zipped up and pulled a hood over my head.  Then I slowly meandered along the upper trail, trying my best to capture this truly amazing sight.
 

Paintbrush

But the strong winds buffeted the flowers around, making close up shots all but impossible.  I tried to wait for a break in the gusts, but holding my camera for this extended time only gave me very cold hands.  Body chilling fast, and rib starting to hurt, I retreated to a small wooded area just off the main trail.  This quick windbreak gave me a chance to find those mittens I'd stashed earlier, and take an ibuprofen or two.

Gorge overlook from Augspurger Trail

Hands now covered, and pain reliever coursing through my body, I made a second attempt at photographing the flower show.  But the wind was downright miserable.  I followed the trail, climbing through its treeless summit meadows, admiring the prolific blooms.  But the cold nasty gusts forced me to keep moving.  A short distance from the summit proper I came upon a junction for the Augspurger Trail.  Deciding this was not a good day to visit the very top, I opted to cut my visit short, and duck down this path.

One final Gorge view

The Augspurger Trail wound gently downhill, providing one last beautiful glimpse of the Gorge panorama and a classic view of Wind Mountain.  After a mile, it ducked back into the windbreak of thick woods - a welcome relief.

My return trip was uneventful, save for meeting many groups of hikers slowly trudging uphill.  It seemed the world had woke up, and by the time I reached my car, the parking lot was plumb full.  The early morning start meant I was back to my car by noon, just in time for a trip to the nearby town of Stevenson to enjoy a well-earned burger and fries.

Dog Mountain, it was great to see you again, my friend.  Until next year...


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