A Picnic Drive

 Since my "live-in gardener" and I are not traveling much we try to take a weekly adventure. Recently we decided to drive along the Columbia River to Hood River and then around Mt. Hood and home. We took a picnic along which consisted of cold cuts on pretzel rolls, my mother's potato salad, a few chips. fruit, a cookie, and ice water.

We weren't sure where we would stop for lunch, but found this nice park in Hood River. It was the perfect place to sit for awhile and enjoy a cool breeze. I loved the way the sun shone through the trees.

As we began our drive, leaving Hood River, we found many fruit orchards with peaches ripe for the picking and more picnickers enjoying the day.

And there it is, Mt. Hood, in all it's splendor. We once had a friend say she was going for a walk up the mountain. It may look like you could do it, but it is quite a climb. It isn't one I have done, but my "live-in gardener" did it once upon a time. The climbers start at night with spot lights and make it up there by morning. There are certain months that are safer to climb. For me it is just a joy to view it's majesty.

Did you know Mt. Hood is a volcano? We have quite a few volcanoes in the Pacific Northwest.

There were wild flowers along the road and of course I had to stop to take a picture.

I am not sure if the purplish flowers are fireweed or not, but fireweed is an interesting wildflower.

I just learned that after a forest fire it is often the first sign of life and rebuilding of a forest.

I love that it is known for this.

The snow is melting away on the mountain, so the the streams were flowing to the river and then to the sea.

One final look at the mountain before we headed home.

I didn't tell you that one of our goals for this drive was to find a local produce stand. We thought maybe we missed finding one until the very last minute before we hit the freeway headed home. There it was Fuji Farms! We came home with some raspberries and apricots. Finding Fuji Farms brought back sweet memories of taking our little children to pick strawberries on that farm many years ago. I think we came home with more strawberries in our tummies than in the basket. What a treat to pick and nibble along the way. So delicious!

Picture taken at another fruit stand a few weeks earlier, but this definitely is always a treat to stop by a farm/fruit stand and find special fresh delights at this time of year.

It is very hot here going into the weekend.

We are having 100 degree days; so my goal is just to make it through the days until it cools a bit.

Happy Weekend, dear friends!