We spent the day exploring the scenic Columbia Gorge with my two sisters today. Sister Holly drove over from Newman Lake in Eastern Wasington. Sister Cher joined us from Scappoose. Gary, Judy, Cher and Holly visited several of the spectacular water falls in the gorge and we hiked to the vista points on most of them. I looked as hard as I could, but I never was able to spot the big pumps to get the water back up to the top of the waterfalls. They must be huge, for there is lots of water coming over the falls.

The day was warm and nice. A little overcast until late in the afternoon. We all had our digital cameras and we were just clicking away at everything we saw. I put some of the better shots below.
I think my favorite was Bridal Veil Falls. For some reason we have never hiked into this falls before. You can see it plainly from I-84, but when you take the scenic route the road is above the falls and you are past it and gone before you realize it. We have even bicycled this route a couple times and missed it then also. It is an easy hike of about a third of a mile to the viewing platform. Today the sun had finally emerged from the overcast and the falls were perfectly highlighted when we arrived.

We are staying in the Ainsworth State Park. It is in the western part of the gorge before you get to Bonneville Dam. It is a real nice park and handles our 53 foot rig with no problems. We have full hookups. If you are coming through the Columbia Gorge on a summer weekday and you can get here by early afternoon it is a good chance you will find a good spot to stay. The scenic highway is truly a nationl treasure.

Time to say good bye again. We send our love to all our friends and relations.

Gary and Judy with Cher and Holly.