Along the Pacific Northwest coast, weather patterns predominately flow in the direction of west to east. Moisture-laden clouds are wrung nearly dry as they smack into the Cascade Mountain Range, work their way up, over and through the Columbia River Gorge, and emerge as wisps of their former waterlogged selves.
As we approached Bonneville lock and dam this morning, the clouds associated with the latest weather patterns were sporadically letting go their cargo of moisture as they scudded their way eastward. The temperate rain forest along the western slopes of the Cascades thrive on this abundance of rain, hence we were given the opportunity to observe the moisture appreciative trees of western red cedar, Sitka spruce, and red alder. The mists emanating from the waters of Multnomah Falls added to the ambiance as it facilitated the growth of thick moss cloaks forming around the trunks of the nearest trees.
We continued our navigation westward, and found ourselves amongst clearing and sunny skies, the perfect conditions for visiting a local farm in the Hood River Valley. Surrounded by brilliant orange pumpkins, droopy headed sunflowers, and an inviting corn maze, we romped amongst the fruits of fall and tasted samples of locally grown apples and pears as well as freshly prepared jams, jellies, and preserves. Our view of the Hood River Valley was bookended with Mount Adams in view on the Washington side and Mount Hood backlit on the Oregon side of the river.
In the late afternoon we had the choice of enjoying the fruits of the valley in a liquid form, as some of us continued to Cathedral Winery for a wine taste testing. Others of us chose to mosey amongst the shops of the small town of Hood River. With either choice there was ample opportunity to drink in the warmth, ambiance, and colorful fall finery of the Columbia River Gorge.
