Driving Thru the Gorge

Around here when you say "the gorge" everyone knows you mean the Columbia River Gorge. I forget how close I am to such a beautiful area.

After visiting the fish hatchery, I crossed the bridge and drove back to Portland on the Washington state side of the river.



I stopped at Hamilton Island and took a few photos. Looking East (above).


Looking North


Looking West


Continuing on, I pulled out at Franz Lake. There isn't access to the refuge, but there is an overlook. There were many Swans and other un-identifiable ducks. You really need a scope to see them and the trees have grown up so much that the viewing is very okay.



I wish I could get to the other side! So pretty!



This was a small park, operated by the US Forest Service and it looked so inviting. Maggie thought so too, but we didn't have a forest pass so we couldn't stay. Too bad, no one else was there. I can't find it on the map to name it.

Further up the road there were a few turn outs with these vistas. I couldn't decide what photos to share, so you get to see them all! These are looking East.















Next I stopped at Steigerwald NWR. I haven't been there in quite a while. It was getting late in the afternoon and there wasn't much bird activity. I saw a Northern Harrier and a few Ring-necked Ducks.













Homeward bound.



For dinner: Gypsy Soup and Cornbread. The perfect ending to a perfect day.
Thank you, Steve and Jennifer for sharing this fabulous recipe. I made my version with a delicata squash instead of the sweet potato.