Renee July 3: Yesterday the Beach, Today the Snow

Against our better judgment, we planned for another long driving day in order to catch the Columbia River Gorge and a trip to Mt. Hood. We headed out in the opposite direction as yesterday’s coastal trip, and instead went inland to travel the Mt. Hood Loop. We went straight to the summit road and ended up at the Ski Lodge.



There were skiers and snowboarders galore! Many summer camps run busses to Mt. Hood for a day skiing or snowboarding. We walked a short distance up the timberline trail to get some breathtaking views of other snow-capped peaks and also to let the kids play in the snow.
It is not often that kids playing on the beach one day get to play in the snow the very next day. So Leah and Matt engaged in some snow volleys, Bryce spent his time unwillingly slipping and sliding and subsequently falling down little inclines. He wasn’t buying the argument that today’s snow is tomorrow’s ocean water which he loved playing in just the day before. We were just glad we were able to talk him out of wearing his sandals today! As it was he had more than his fill of snow down into his socks and shoes and also down his backside. As the kids were just getting in the snow thing, Matt narrowly escaped being run over by a snowboarder. It seemed that I had unknowingly sent the kids to play in a patch of snow that just happened to be the final run of a long snowboard trail. Some mom!

After the narrow escape from danger we hung around and watch several come down the trail and even perform a few tricks for us. Or they were just showing off, but it was fun to watch, just the same!

After wandering the pretty lodge for a bit and taking in gorgeous views from the veranda, hunger began to get the best of all of us so we set out in search of picnic tables on which to have our picnic lunch, when we spied the Alpine Slide Park, just a mile down the road.
The Alpine Slide is basically a way for many Ski Resorts to make a few bucks on their off-season. The slide is a track, much like a waterslide cut into the mountain in an undulating pattern. The more curves and turn the more exciting for the sledders. The riders ride the ski lift up to the top and select a sled. The sled has rollers and brake pads built in on the underside, and the control (or lack thereof) comes in the form of a one handle lever in the center of the sled. When you push it forward the rollers are more exposed than the brake pads and the sled builds speed. When you pull back on the lever the wheels retract so the brake pads are more exposed and you slow down. Simple right?

We munched on sandwiches as we debated just who was daring enough to give it a try. Leah of course was angling for an all day pass, Matt was game but had his doubts as to his bravado level. I was game but Bryce and the Grandparents were having none of it. Roxy initially refused but eventually was coaxed into being adventurous; afterall, it was her birthday. Finally she gave in and but desperately wanted instruction on how to operate the sleds, and most importantly how to get on and off the ski lift as this was her first time ever!

So Roxy, Leah, Matt and I all headed to the ski lift, managed to mount the lift chairs without too much incident and dismount without injury, though it was touch and go with Roxy on the dismount. But all four of us had good rides and without incident, and even Roxy said she could have gone faster.


We collected our things and headed out and around the mountain to the Columbia River Gorge by way of the town of Hood River. It is a beautiful little city right on the bank of the Columbia River.
We followed along the river back towards Portland, with pretty views overlooking the gorge the whole way. We took a brief wayside stop at Multnomah Falls, one the most, if not the most photographed Waterfall in the state of Oregon. It was indeed a beauty, descending 2 separate ridges. Because it is so convenient to the road and has easy access, many people stop and make the 0.2mile trek to midway bridge for some breathtaking photos.

We stopped just long enough for some photos, some waterfall ogling, and a little romp through the creek for the kids, before we traveled the last 20 miles home. We were sure ready to be done traveling!
We returned to the RV and settled the kids into bed with a movie. Leah agreed to be official babysitter while we adults met and the Red Apple Bar and Grill, my cousin David's new establishment. Great French Dip, by the way. The Gresham side of our family met with us for an evening of reminiscing and hilarious rehashes of family antics, led by ultimate storyteller, Cousin Steve. We have not laughed so hard, in a long time! The last time I had visited out here in Oregon was 35 years ago and we figured we better live it up because another 35 years down the road many of us agreed we may not be around!

Leah July 3: Alpine Slide

Today we did a lot of things. We played in the snow and went down the Alpine Slide.

At Mt. Hood we played in the snow. The grown-ups didn’t. We played right in the middle of the path for skiers and snowboarders. Some were coming down and Matt was sitting right in the middle of the path. He got out of the way just in time. So we moved over to the part that wasn’t in the path and played there for a while. Then we hiked up a little higher and took pics.


When we got to the car we drove to the Alpine Slide. The Alpine Slide is a track that you ride tobagans down. I beat Matt and Roxy. The person behind me bumped into me because he wasn’t watching the track.

Then we drove to the Multnomah Falls and looked at them. We walked up to a bridge to get a better view. On the way back to the car we stopped by a river and played in it.

When we got to the car we drove to June’s house. When we got there june had dinner ready so we ate quickly after we got there. After dinner we watched some of the gameshow stuff. She doesn't have satellite TV. After we had dessert we drove back to the RV. Then we went to bed.

Matt July 3: MT. HOOD

Today we went to Mt. Hood. At the Mountain we played in the snow. Our first spot was in the middle of a snowboarding track, but we didn’t know that. When a snowboarder came through without a warning we almost got ran over! Then we hiked up to where the snowboarders couldn’t run over us. Soon we hiked back down.

Then we drove over to the Alpine Slide. At the slide we had lunch. After lunch we went on the slide. My mom, Leah, Roxy and I went on the slide. To get to the slide we had to go on a ski lift to get to the top of the slide. My mom and I went first. The Leah and Roxy went. Leah and Mom beat me down, but I beat Roxy. When we got down it was time to go.