Archives for 2011

and it’s hey to the starboard, heave ho!*

I was lucky enough to be taken out for a little jaunt on a sailboat last week. My sister’s boyfriend is an accomplished sailor and she’s learned a bit as well. It was a great day to be out on the river even if it took awhile for the wind to pick up.

I don’t think I’ll get tired of seeing Mount Hood. Ever.

Here’s where I whipped Jana and Willy at rummy. [fib]

A nice sunset finished off our afternoon on the water.

Thanks, Willy!

xo, jill

*Fathoms Below

Delicious.

This past Saturday my mom and I set out for some adventure and sweet treats. Our first stop (the adventure) was riding the Alpine Slides on Mount Hood. I’d love to say that I whizzed down the mountain and left my mom in the dust… but that wouldn’t be the truth. The truth is that the “scenic track” is not a misnomer. I barely made it to the bottom of the slide where my mom was waiting for me. It was a slow ride. Our second run was a bit faster but not outrageously fast like one would hope.

Our second stop (the sweet treats) was cherry picking on the Fruit Loop. The Fruit Loop is a 35 mile scenic drive in Hood River County through orchards, farmlands, and wineries. You could spend all day on the loop, but we just made one stop off the main path, Draper Girls Country Farm.

We picked rainiers and bings and picked up some beans and peaches too. There really is something about gathering your own food. It just tastes better.

We stopped in Hood River for lunch before heading back home. And that little cookie is destined to be my next baking triumph.

xo, jill

Cannon Beach.

Last week my sister and I spent the afternoon at the beach. Despite being a beautiful day on land, low lying clouds kept the water out of sight. Luckily, about an hour after we arrived the clouds lifted and the waves came into view.

Despite the chilly water temperature, people were still out playing and swimming. Oh, youth.

I wish I could say that these following pictures were as easy as 1, 2, 3… but… there might have been an extremely painful butt muscle injury in the process. Don’t worry. I walked it off… no big deal.

We drove a bit south for more amazing views of Haystack Rock.

And Miss Molly, I brought out the dress. Just for you.

xo, jill

“Let’s wing it!”

Every summer my friend Taune and I make it a point to hike together. This year was our fourth annual “Jill and Taune Hike!”

We were a little worried when we got up that morning that this year’s hike would resemble Year 2. That year we hiked through a pretty amazing electrical storm (thunder, lightning, and rain just as we came off the mountain.) Lucky for us, this year the nasty weather didn’t make its way up the gorge.

Taune expertly picked us an easy hike with a mighty finish. Once you come around the last corner the hushed sounds of water increase to a roar. A beautiful waterfall is finally visible between the damp trees.

We took a few photos, relaxed, and had a snack before hiking back out. The return leg was the only time we met other hikers.

I would definitely recommend the Lower Falls Creek Trail (in Southwest Washington) to anyone who wants maximum beauty for minimal effort. And no, you do not need a forest pass.

xo, jill

Last weekend I saw a third pretty mountain top when we took the boat out on Yale Lake.

Mt. St. Helens, famous for blowing her top in 1980

A very nice and sunny afternoon.

xo, jill

We’ve been robbed!

Last Saturday it was finally time to cash in the Father’s Day gift I gave my dad. We headed up to Hood River bright and early. To our surprise and delight, the weather was amazing even at 7:00 in the morning. I’ve never seen the water on the river so calm and glassy. First stop was the historic Hood River Hotel for breakfast.

Hood River is such a cute town.

Next up, we boarded the Mount Hood Railroad on our way to Parkdale (population 266).

The view from the train was incredible. Thanks to the clear weather we were able to look over the orchards and see not only Mount Hood but Mount Adams as well. Pretty special.

Mt. Hood

Mt. Adams

We had nearly reached our destination when news spread that one of the local gangs had evaded law enforcement. We were advised to keep our valuables and loved ones close.

photo by my dad

Sure enough, out of the woods came a group of bandits!

They demanded our attention and our money!

Upon reaching the station in Parkdale we were told we’d have an hour to eat lunch and to keep quiet. Under no circumstances was the sheriff to be notified of the gang’s activity. We set out to explore the station and to eat gigantic ice cream cones.

photo by my dad

Unfortunately for the bandits, someone squealed. After a quick shoot out the sheriff had them securely placed in jail.

We boarded the train and headed back to Hood River without further incident. Thank goodness for law enforcement!

Happy Father’s Day, Dad! Hope you didn’t mind waiting an extra 5 weeks for your gift!

xo, jill

[The Mount Hood Railroad offers a variety of other excursions that may or may not involve make-believe criminal acts. On a beautiful day the ticket price is well worth it.]