Springtime is magical here in the Columbia River Gorge. Later this season, in summer, people travel here from all over the world to standup paddleboard, windsurf or kite the Columbia River, hike our trails, kayak, camp or enjoy a million other amazing adventures in our own National Scenic Area. I mean, geesh, just take a look:
Yes, that is the REAL deal - Mount Hood, over our backyard fence. And in our front yard - the historic Columbia River, land of Indians, Lewis and Clark, wolves and salmon. And an occasional doxie doodle like me.
After a winter of snow and ice, you are ready to GET OUT!!! And springtime is our own "locals-only" secret season, where you can do just that.
I don't know where you live - but you know that feeling when, after snow and ice and wind and cold, the world warms up and the trees and flowers bust out into a symphony of colors, right before your eyes? I mean OMG. Doxie paradise.
Before we lived here, we lived in another state (that Oregonians aren't fond of) that had endless sunshine. You know the one. It included an awesome year 'round surfing lifestyle. But there is nothing more awesome in the whole world than 4 actual seasons. Small town spirit. And nature on your front doorstep. That's why we moved here and why we love Hood River, Oregon, with every hair on our bods.
BEFORE (winter) out the front window...
And AFTER...
That amazing view is here for anyone living in the Gorge, every day. We pinch ourselves that we get to live here. That Coyote Wall syncline (what the heck is a syncline, anyway? Google it) is just one of the amazing rock formations towering above the Columbia River. This our own private Grand Canyon and that amazing rock is why they call it the Gorge. Towering peaks, sliced in half by the Columbia River, carving out a river gorge. Who knew?
So after a long winter inside, as you hang 20 toes near the fireplace and focus on catching up on the latest dog news online, an amazing thing happens. You come alive again in spring.
Here's a doxie-eye-view of our morning hike of the Coyote Wall trail, aka the Syncline, just across the river from Hood, River, Oregon.
Yes, that is a REAL bald eagle nesting on top of the telephone pole there in the lower right. At 14 pounds, I am eagle bait, so I, for one, am glad that nest is in the distance. The important thing is that our own national bird lends cred to our Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area.
WHEW! Well, we made it back in one piece. And I for one, will never be the same. Nature does that to you.
Now, get on outside and have an amazing weekend! - Doxie Doodle, Surf Dog Diaries reporter