The drive into Portland was exciting. The views out the windshield absolutely incredible. Giant firs 40+ ft tall standing shoulder to shoulder- packing hills and mountain sides. Mighty gusts of wind pushing van-n-bug crosswise. Stopped to see Indian burial island (Mamaloose?) and scenic falls (Multnomah and horseshoe) along the way. H.B. sleepy and unexcited by the landscape but still an excellent companion. Familiar (and exotic) plants all around: Aspen, Blue spruce, buttercup, Queen Anne’s lace, rhododendron, azalea, weeping fir, golden chains, dogwood, Japanese maple and more. Thought about the origin of the word gorgeous and am convinced that it is a small reflection of the beauty of a gorge.
My brother Scott lives in Bend. He says it is the most beautiful country he has ever seen. That is saying a lot because he has been everywhere.