I started grad school 5 weeks ago, and weekends are suddenly incredibly precious.
This takes me back to the two years when Eric was in grad school. Each weekend, he would make a designated “Ally Day,” where we’d do something fun (see a few favorites here, here, here, here, here, and here, if you’d like). This time around, I’m just avoiding doing any sort of homework on the weekends (this plan will go well, yes?), and spending every waking moment outside, if possible.
A few weekends ago, we took a little trip out to Hood River to pick some lavender at Hood River Lavender Farms, see some views at Draper Girls Country Farm, and drink some wine at Mt. Hood Winery.
Then we headed up to Mount Hood for a little hike on Cooper Spur, which was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G.
We passed several groups of wild folks who had hiked up the mountain and skied down. In July.
We were so obsessed with Cooper Spur that we returned the next weekend to camp and watch the sunrise from the side of the mountain. Amazing, amazing, amazing. We could see Mt. Rainier, Mt. St. Helens, and Mt. Adams from our spot. Goodness gracious. What a world.
My brilliant husband thought to bring all the fixings for coffee since we had to wake up around 4 am for the hike to the viewpoint. Life points to you, my dear.
Here’s to the mountains!
-Ally
Debby Kalbfleisch says
Having just been in that neighborhood and still in awe of the memories of the PAC NW, I certainly understand why you want to be outside any time you can. Strikingly beautiful region, mild weather (at least during my visit) and the mountains! Thanks for these amazing pics! Good luck in grad school. i start on the 22nd.
Betsy Ringer says
OH my!!! Ally, these pictures are so so incredible!!! Thank you for sharing them with the “rest” of us! I am soooo very happy that you and Eric enjoy God’s beautiful world so much and are willing to share it with others. Eric, your drone videos – what an incredible perspective! And walking on that ridge – wow!!!
Anderson Gould says
I just discovered your site while checking out information about Tamolitch. My partner, Gwen, and I live in the Gorge and will definitely be getting down there in the coming weeks. In the meantime, I wanted to ask some questions about your experience starting and maintaining a travel blog as we are in the beginning stages of setting course on our own! We will be making a multi-month cross country journey in the spring with our 2 dogs and our 1983 Vanagon, Penny Lane. If we could connect it would be really awesome – and who knows, maybe we can meet you guys for a hike sometime in the Gorge and talk travel and find some cool places! It looks like you guys love snow, and so do I! Have a great day, and I hope we get to hear from you! I’ll be leaving my email!
-Anderson
Tripp says
I think I just started crying from these views. Eric- the drone work is awesome, brother.