SNOW, SNOW, GO AWAY

We're frothing a bit with the itch of spring and the sight of snow flakes freezing-out our normal late March hikes. Impatience grows daily as early morning temperatures hover in the lower 30's and highs for the day tower into the late 40's. Apparently, this late snow is equalled only by that in 1951. Going forward, however, by the middle of next week temperatures are expected to warm into the late 50's - I believe there is one day forecast at 60 - and we'll be back on the trails again. Freaky year!

CATHERINE CREEK - Columbia River Gorge

Sunday, the 16th, marked the first early-spring trip to Catherine Creek along the shores of a bright, sun-lit Columbia River. Mist coated our windshield leaving Portland, but Hood River stood up to its reputation as the sunshine mecca. Bright blue skies and a dazzling view of Mt. Hood created the ambiance we had hoped for - a brief respite from the monotoned grays of the city.

Mazaman Richard Getgen led this hike through the eastern part of the meadows followed by fourteen enthusiasts. We've been hiking with Richard for the last 15 plus years and always look forward to his informative leadership.

This trip, the vast meadows and canyons were tinted the vibrant purple shade of "grass widows", complemented by early growth of spendidly yellow "desert parsley", and a few samplings of the endemic "Columbia desert parsley" with its plum colored blooms.
At a higher elevation, numerous "hounds tongues" plants were waiting to burst into regal blue.
A few sprinklings of "toothwort" were also found. At lower levels, the "grass widows" were a bit over prime, but at higher levels they were still quite fresh.

Such a treat to enjoy these delightful earthy gifts in the midst of a blissfully enchanting landscape.

*Consult "archives" for full narrative on Catherine Creek.