Winter Wonderland

A Bright Snowy Day

On the trail in Brush Prairie. 

Calm, 31 degrees, and 2" of snow. 

Perfect for an early morning walk in the woods.

Familiar Places

Back to a familiar spot on the WSU trails...quiet, shady little Mill Creek. There's a little foot bridge behind me, and it's just a few steps down the bank before you can dip your toes in the water.  I used to stop here with Clover, especially on hot days so she could get a drink. This was my first trip here without her, which felt really strange. I'm realizing that I spend a lot less time outdoors and also a lot less time photographing since she passed away. It's starting to feel like it's time for a new puppy at our house.

Eight Mile Creek

Ok, no creek visible in this photo, but Eight Mile Creek cuts through the Dalles Mountain Ranch, and it's pretty easy to follow its route. Just look for the line of White Oaks and other trees supported by the creek as it meanders through the otherwise treeless terrain. 

A Mossy Wood

I see this stretch of moss and evergreens every time I'm driving east on I-84 to Hood River, and always want to stop for a photo.  Not long ago I noticed that the historic US Highway 30 Trail extends along the edge of this forest, so this week I made time to pull off and walk the stretch of trail just west of Starvation Creek.  These trees extend back maybe 100 ft. until they reach a cliff wall, thus the dark background, and perfect mossy growing conditions.  I have to say, it's a nice little trail, especially for people looking to avoid the steeper elevations.  Only downside is that you walk awfully close to I-84 so lots of highway noise.

Canopy

The view above the Falls Creek Falls Trail.

Layer Cake Bluffs

Finally a break in the weather!  We had some sunshine over the weekend, and actually had already planned a trip to Goldendale just to get on the sunny side of the gorge.  On our way back, we stopped for a hike at the old Lyle Cherry Orchard trail.  No orchard visible here, although I read there are some old cherry trees at the top of the trail.  We only made it part way up because we didn't allow enough time to do the entire trail.  We got through the steepest climb, and the part way up the remainder of the climb along the plateau, which my guide book called the "Layer-Cake Bluffs".  Pretty view, with the grass greening up a bit, and the powdered sugar clouds covering the sky.

Woodland Trail in Winter

Hiking with Clover at the Sandy River Delta last week.  It was a bright overcast day, and the dark tree trunks made me think this might work as a black and white.