Beacon Rock!

Last Sunday we decided to go into the Gorge for our hike to a beautiful little spot called "Beacon Rock State Park" on the Washington side of the Columbia River, about 45 miles east of Portland. Of course we had to stop by and see Herman the Sturgeon. He is the largest sturgeon in the world... something like 14ft long.

The hike was awesome! The climb was short but steep. The view was not wonderful but nice. Afterward we went to a second hike in the same park and saw some amazing waterfalls. We got very close to one called the "pool of the winds" where if you put your head near it, you get the sensation not unlike very wet air conditioning. It felt amazing after the mildly warm hike.

Of course, after a hard-day's hiking, we have to hit the wineries. We found some really terrible ones, and some really amazing ones, too. We joined our third wine club, based on the taste (and price) of one very, very good Pinot Noir.

Lastly we ate dinner at the Full Sail Brewery in Hood River. What a day!

Enjoy the pictures.

Beacon Rock