Larch Mountain

Today was another fantastic day of my trip. After breakfast I headed out to visit Larch Mountain. This mountain is important because it is the water source for all of the Waterfalls located in the Columbia River Gorge.
It was an excellent experience to say the least. The drive was excellent. You drive for 15 miles on Larch Mountain Road to get to the top of the mountain. Larch Mountain Road is located off of historic road 30 prior to getting to "Crown Point".
Being at the top of any mountain is an idea place to get away from it all. Larch Mountain is no exception. The mountain offers excellent views of the Cascade Range, and also excellent views of the Magnificent Mount Hood.
After enjoying the incredible view. I cooked lunch using my alcohol burning hiking stove. Lunch consisted of a Thai noodle meal, desert consisted of a cheddar cheese cracker, and a instance cappuccino as my beverage. Enjoy the photos.

My Dose Number 3!!!!

My afternoon today was a monumental moment. I did make it back to visit the Green Zone of Oregon. Which is my name for the "Columbia River Gorge". My third year in row that I have been standing on "Crown Point". Admiring the view overlooking the majestic Columbia River. Traveling has been a huge bonus and created a lot of enjoyment in my life. Making back here again is a very special feeling indeed. Enjoy the photos.

Going For A Walk, In Portland!

Today after enjoying my breakfast at the hostel. I took the #14 bus to downtown Portland. It was an easy trip as the bus heads west on Hawthorn Boulevard to the downtown part of the city. After you have crossed over the Willamette River via the Hawthorne Bridge. You have arrived, downtown!
I set out out to do some tax free shopping. Yes you are reading correct. There is no sales tax on purchases in the State of Oregon. I went to visit "Powell's Bookstore". This major book store chain main location located in downtown Portland. Is one of the biggest retail book stores in the world.
After making a small purchase of two books at Powell's. I set out to find a great place to eat lunch. I got a good tip for a friendly local lady who recommended a eatery named "The Blue Plate" located at 308 SW Washington Street. The food did not disappoint. I enjoyed consuming two small cheeseburgers, topped with Tillamook (Oregon) cheddar cheese. They also served mashed potatoes with it. After lunch I found a great used book store named Cameron's. I found a rare book on the history of vending machines. Then I completed my lunch by having desert at "Voodoo Donuts" which is part of the culture here in Portland. "Voodoo Donuts is famous for there high quality Vegan Donuts and there weird and outlandish flavors. I enjoyed a chocolate coconut. I did not go for one of there weird flavors. I also did enjoy a nice hot cup of coffee at "City Coffee". They only charge $1.40 per cup, which is bottomless.
Then it was back on the #14 bus back over the historic 101 year old "Hawthorne Bridge", back to the hostel. I plan to visit the Columbia River Gorge in the afternoon.

Welcome to Waterfalls Heaven!

Leading up to my latest trip to Oregon. I received an e-mail from the "Travel Oregon" website. Recommending a trip to the "Silver Falls State Park". Which is located about 43 miles south of Portland. Hiking through this pristine wilderness. You pass by 10 waterfalls of exquisite beauty. I just had to go and visit this place. Just one of the many reasons for enjoying living life in the Cascades!!!! Enjoy the pictures!
The incredible scenery of this place. Combined with breathing in all of the clean air. That being among all the of trees provide. Creates an euphoric natural feeling!
The distance of the hike today was 8.2 miles.

Gone to Oregon!

I'm here I made it to the beautiful state of Oregon for my 3rd dose of this terrific place.
My Delta MD90 touched down at Portland Airport around 10:30 local time. I was pretty exhausted from a restless night sleep. The night before leaving. Combined with all the stress that standing in line to pass through American and Airport security. It all went O.K.
I used my reliable GPS to bring me back to the Hawthorne District and the excellent HI Travel Hostel that is located here. This relaxed and comfortable place. Will be my Portland home for the next 8 days.
So sit back and relax and get ready to see what adventures I make happen!

Visiting The Cascades

On this coming Saturday, October 1st. I'm off again on vacation for 1 week. With all the stress that is now. The normal part of our normal lives. It makes the importance of these getaways even more relevant then ever! Traveling to a wondrous and beautiful place. "Is the medicine, a Doctor cannot prescribe".
On this vacation I am heading back to the Pacific Northwest, and the Cascades Mountain range. I will be based in the "City of Roses" Portland, Oregon.
Thankfully it will be my third dose of visiting the Cascades, in the past 3 years.
For this trip. I want to explore the city of Roses and really have a chance to enjoy what makes the city of Portland so special. For Portland is the greenest city in North America. Also Portland is located so close. To the Magnificent Mt. Hood, and the Willamette and Columbia Rivers. This is what makes this city so special to me.
Also during the duration of this trip. I plan to spend some quality time visiting the Columbia River Gorge. One of the most scenic green areas. Not only located in North America, but on our entire planet.

I have posted a picture I took last summer during my Oregon Experience. As "The magnificent Mt. Hood. Welcomed me back to Oregon!!! Also I have included the city flag for the city of Portland. The flag was designed by Portland resident and graphic designer Douglas Lynch in 1969.
The Green represents "The forests and green which is a major part of the city, the blue repersents the Columbia and Willamette Rivers, and the yellow for the importance of agriculture and commerce.

I do enjoy to sail away. This is the way I survive!!!!

Right In My Own Backyard

With the summer of 2011 rapidly coming to an end. I enjoyed a wonderful day biking the "Caledon Trail Way. The trail is what exists of what use to be an old railway route that was retired in the 1980's. The Caledon Trail Way runs for 35 KM between Terra Cotta and highway 9 north of Palgrave. This trail opened in 1995 and was the first designated part of the "Trans Canada Trail"

I only live about 18 KM from the trail. I drove with my Raleigh Mountain bike. Placed on my bike rack, mounted on my car. Drove north on Dixie until I reached the trail. There was ample parking to park my car. Also to organize my gear for the ride ahead.

My bike ride was from the parking lot for the Caledon Trail located on Dixie. Just north of Old Base Line Road. I peddled all the way to the village of Terra Cotta. The total distance of the ride was about 18 miles or 30 KM.

The beautiful scenery enjoyed along the trail was varied. I enjoyed; farm country, wooded areas, and marshlands. I did cross a few bridges on the section of trail I rode. Including one that crossed highway 10. This scenic Ontario trail was easy to ride. As it is flat, and only runs east or west.

The highlight of the day was a short swim in the Credit River when I reached the village of Terra Cotta. There is a small park located in Terra Cotta on the Credit River. It was a great idea to be wearing my swim suit for this ride. Just like I knew it was going to happen. Thanks to good friend Harold for recommending this great biking trail! It was my first swim ever in The Credit River. It was a small, but very special pleasure. I will not soon forget!

http://www.town.caledon.on.ca/residential/maps/town-hall.asp?folder=caledon_trail_map&mapName=Trails%20Map