Mt Hood, OR

I was very reluctant leaving my special lily pond in the woods. There was nobody around, and it was peaceful, as I strongly really considered whether to spend another day and night. Should I? But alas, I started hearing some gun shots, and before I knew it, it sounded more like target practice. As I headed out, I could see, from the distance, what looked like a target. Too bad. This is a very remote spot. Where are all the undisturbed spots?

I headed towards the town of Hood River, right along the Columbia River. There were sailing surfboards, and hang gliding surfers all throughout this area. The wind was ferocious, and it felt like a wind tunnel between the mountains. There were dozens, and dozens of these athletes out there cruising the top of the waves.

From this vantage point, I saw a fairly clear Image of Mount Hood. I am officially in Oregon. I stopped into one of the many farm stands, along the way, to pick up some blackberries, and peaches. After coming off the mountains this morning, and back down towards sea level, I am headed, yet again, up into the mountains. It's definitely giving me some headachy, and ear popping issues. 

I found my way to Barlow Pass viewpoint, then on to Trillium Lake. It's been suggested that its one of the top views of Mt. Hood from the lake, and it was definitely stunning, and sunshine clear. I only wish the dirt road around the lake was in decent shape, as it was filled with serious, deep potholes that I did so not enjoy.

I really wanted to find a pull out dispersed camping spot, in this forest, however they were either all taken, or very far and few inbetween. By the time I got to the lake, and the beach area, it was a complete mob scene! It's the height of summer vacation. But the view was picture postcard perfect.

I didn't want to travel any further, as I already put on plenty of miles today. So I basically took one of the few last remaining campsite spots at Frog Lake. I did see tadpoles.

It's starting to cool down now, this afternoon, but a little while ago it was filled with plenty of children screeching and screaming and having a blast, rowing, boarding, and swimming. Now it's much quieter, and calmer, and the breeze has picked up. After dinner I headed back to the quieting lake, and took an obstacle course trail. It was worth the challenge, as I got another brilliant view of Mt. Hood. 


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