hello nature.

The other day I decided to make the 20 minute drive out to Laurance Lake. It's a man made lake pretty much in the middle of nowhere, but makes for some pretty views and good hiking!

"If future generations are to remember us with gratitude rather than contempt, we must leave them more than the miracles of technology. We must leave them a glimpse of the world as it was in the beginning, not just after we got through with it."

--President Lyndon B. Johnson

#21 Beacon Rock.

For my first official hike I decided to climb Beacon Rock. Depending on who you talk to, Beacon Rock is considered the second tallest freestanding monolith in the world. It's 848 feet tall and the trail takes you straight to the top....and by straight I mean 52 switchbacks climbing 650 feet. Luckily, the trail is extremely well maintained, so it was a pretty easy hike!

Trailhead.

Starting to get steeper.

Never-ending switchbacks going up the trail.

Two words. Sun burnt.

There were tons of chipmunks scrounging for food at the top of the trail.

#47 Cook-Underwood Viewpoint.

So I guess I was a little lazy for my second trek out of 'Curious Gorge' as it involved no hiking, unless you count from my car to the cliff edge (about 10 steps). But I definitely found a new top spot to see the entire valley, including the Columbia.

For a total of 75 cents I trekked over to Washington, drove up many curvy roads, and found myself at this lovely pullout. And the best part? I had it all to myself!

#39 Panorama Point.

Last time I went to Powells (a HUGE bookstore in where I spend an exorbitant amount of money) I decided to buy a book called 'Curious Gorge' by Scott Cook. It lists a ton of good hiking spots around the Gorge with details and interesting facts on each trail.

I'M OBSESSED WITH THIS BOOK!!

It's witty, simple and gives you all the really important details, including average hike time, difficulty, distance, and if you should be on the look out for poison oak! Seriously, if anyone plans on spending anytime in the Hood River area, BUY THIS BOOK!

Anyways...over the long weekend I decided to bust out the book and try a few of the trails. The first one wasn't really a trail, but more a viewpoint. Panorama Point shows all of Hood River Valley with the gorgeous Mt. Hood in the background. My camera was quite pleased to get put to good use!

Panorama. [If you click on it, it will get bigger!]

summer lovin.

Hey Everyone! I decided to finally start updating this more regularly!

This summer I'm working as an intern at the Hood River County Environmental Health Department. My days are spent following my supervisors around as we mostly look at restaurants and septic tanks. I know, be jealous!! :) It's almost the end of my fifth week here, and so far I have really enjoyed it. I get to be outside a lot and meet the locals, so it's been fun!

Besides working I've found myself returning to the theatre. I'm helping out with the lighting and tech for the summer community show, Jesus Christ Superstar. I just can't help getting involved in things wherever I go!

The rest of my time is spent hanging out at the house, staring at the gorgeous Mt. Hood, hiking (more on that soon), and eating my way through homemade meals. Rough life right?

Here's just a few pictures from my summer so far:

Pineapple Rhubarb Pie.

Old Man, 1 of 6 of my grandma's cats.

Rainbow.

Howler, another one of the cats.

I literally have hundreds of pictures of this mountain, but I can't stop taking them!