Thursday, November 10, 2011

Gorge Color & Salmon Spawning

I arrived at Multnomah Falls in the Columbia River Gorge, Oregon USA - this afternoon and was pleased to see the Autumn colors were very nice, finally!  It was chilly today but clear weather.  This time of year there is hardly any sunlight directly below the falls and in the plaza of the lodge - the sun is lower in the sky during the winter and so it is behind the cliff.
More to the right... see the bridge and the lower falls?
The lodge and the beautiful orange leaves of the trees in front.  See the lovely lady in the purple jacket?  That's my younger sister, Denise!  She is carrying her new crochet hook of rosewood and new yarn - I taught her how to crochet a Queen Anne's Lace scarf today! 
We also checked the spawning salmon as we walked over the bridge from where we parked our car.  See them?  Their tales are white due to them digging holes in the sand to lay their eggs.  After laying the eggs and the males fertilizing them, they cover them back up with sand and rocks and then die.  Video on the life cycle of the salmon
Do you see the 3 salmon below?  These are about 2.5 feet long.
We had a nice afternoon visiting with people from around the world.  It's fun to find out what they'd like to see or do and help them plan their travels.  When my sister and I were walking to our cars to come home we were thrilled to see a huge golden moon rising.  I tried to get some photos but my iPhone is not up to that challenge.  I pulled off at my viewpoint and enjoyed the big moon sparkling off the river.. but again, the photos did not turn out.  Oh well!
When I got home I noticed two of my white Christmas Cactus flowers were just HUGE so I snapped this photo.  That's my finger below so you can see how big they are.  

And now hubby and I are cozy in our chairs enjoying some evening television.  I hope you're having a cozy time in your home.  

((hugs)), Teresa :-) 

16 comments:

  1. Great shots as always Teresa! The color on those trees is gorgeous! I could never tire of seeing that waterfall!!
    And yes, I am cozy in my home, drinking some hot mint tea, and then I am going to check my words with friends. And some telly!!!
    Nite, nite!

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  2. More beautiful photos - what a glorious place !! I hope you sister enjoys her QA scarf - its a lovely pattern isn't it - and so different. Have a good weekend.

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  3. Stunning shots Teresa..such a beautiful place that you live in
    WOW it is a biggy isn't it?...and such a pretty pink too
    Hugs x

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  4. Every time you share these beautiful photos I am blown away by so much natural beauty. X

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  5. Beautiful scenery, Teresa. It's turned cold here too.
    Hen x

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  6. There is no way to not be awed by those scenaries!!! I love your pictures!!!!
    keep warm Teresa!
    xx Shanti

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  7. Wonderful colors! mmmm salmon. ;-)

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  8. Wonderful pictures of your stunning scenery, Teresa! I loved to see those beautiful trees in their autumn colours. And how lovely your Christmas cactus is, with its huge blooms, you must be treating it just right! Have a happy weekend.
    Helen x

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  9. The trees are looking beautiful Teresa and it's so interesting to see the salmon..they are huge.All I keep thinking is yum...smoked salmon!!Keep cosy and have a lovely weekend.

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  10. Hi Teresa beautiful photos, stunning scenery and colours. Huge salmon - love salmon. Anne x

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  11. Ahh...this time of year just can't be beat for beauty. Passing on the hooky-love to your sister. How cool!

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  12. Mrs. Teresa I love seeing your photos of the falls! Must be wonderful to live so close to such beauty. I just HAVE to get me a Christmas Cactus!!!! I want one with the nice bright pink flowers.

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  13. I love photos of the falls. They are always so stunning.

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  14. Teresa, loving your cactus, mine is in bloom also! You still have such beautiful color. Hope you have a nice weekend. It's cold here, xoRobin❤

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  15. So beautiful. Do you ever go Salmon fishing? Butterscotch loves a good salmon dinner.

    How chilly is it getting there in November? My company has a location in Oregon. Haven't decided if or where I'm moving next. Just keeping my options open and researching.

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