Just a quick photo...

(Michael blogging...) This is a quick snapshot of the Hawthorne Bridge as I waited for the bridge to lower after a tub boat went underneath a few mornings ago. Picture taken from my cell phone - so, sorry about the low-res image.

Backpacking trip in the Gorge

(Michael blogging) Finally got around to a promise that I had made to Harry and Ethan: an overnight backpacking trip. This was the first one for Ethan since the one we took several years ago where my truck was broken into and robbed during our trip. For Harry - this was his first trip altogether.

We started at the base of Multnomah Falls and walked up the crowded path to the bridge and all the way to the observation deck at the top. One of the cool features they have at the falls trail now are wooden posts at each turn in the trail to tell you how many switchbacks are left (1 of 11, 2 of 11, etc.). It was a great way for the boys to set goals and track their progress.

After peeking over the edge of the waterfalls for a few moments - we hiked back into the woods until we came upon a nice spot to camp and set up our tents. We got the tents up, made dinner, filtered more water, made a campfire, and had s'mores. Life was great!

We decided to all sleep in one tent and use the other tent for gear storage. Good thing too because we had a brief rain shower in the morning which got the gear tent a little soggy.

We slept in to our hearts content and then had our breakfast. The boys played while I packed up and then we made our way back out. On the hike down - we saw a giant great blue heron flying up the gorge. It was spectacular!

Next up for Ethan and me will be a multi-day trip and for Harry, too, after he gets his leg strength up. Hopefully, Emma and Carter will come on a trip next year!