Hood River Valley & Mt. Hood

Yesterday we were up at the crack of dawn for the Friends of Multnomah Falls Bus Tour.  Each year we do something different, this year we went to Hood River and explored the "Fruit Loop".  We were thrilled to have Fruit Loop founders, Lynn & Dollie Rasmussen board the bus when we entered Hood River and tell us all about what we were seeing as we went along.  We were blessed to have spectacular weather the whole day!  This is a shot of Mt. Hood and the Hood River Valley... from a different vantage point than I've show you before, this is the North side of the mountain.  This is from Panorama Point south of Hood River off of Hwy 35.

But I've gotten ahead of myself.  When we picked up our interpreters, we then drove through downtown Hood River, first passing by several blocks of amazing historic houses built in the city's heyday.  Then on to the Mark O. Hatfield visitors center on the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail.  These gorgeous flowers were all in bloom in front of the center.  When I remember what they are, I'll let you know. :-D

The volunteers that staff the center came out and told us some interesting facts about the area.  Dollie and Lynn Rasmussen had tables set up with a bag of goodies for each of us, coffee and freshly made apple juice!  How wonderful are they!  Each bag had a fresh pear inside a re-usable pear carrier, cookies, fruit bar, brochures, etc. 

We boarded the bus and headed to our next stop, Panorama Point.  If you want a good photo of Mt. Hood, this is the place.  The first shot I took was up above, with the valley showing.  Then I zoomed and got this one...

Zoooooom... 

Our next destination was the Gorge White House. It's a beautiful vintage home with unique architecture.  They have wines from many gorge wineries for sale, a tasting room, snack bar, flower gardens, outdoor seating... wonderful.

The side entrance. 

The interior is awesome with quartersawn oak beams and woodwork.

The gardens all around the house are lush and full of flowers. 

The outdoor patio in the garden behind the house.  Lovely!

After getting a tour and talk in the house we walked to the tasting room, they had a bouquet of flowers that took my breath away.. peonies big as a salad plate!

This is the view behind the house of the hills and gardens and orchards.

Back on the bus and heading to Lynn and Dollie's acreage, Rasmussen Farms. We entered the sales shed, we found jam sampling, pears, flowers, etc.

We will be going back to get some of these wonderful pears  and some flowers for our farm. 

Dayle got a jar of huckleberry jam...

 ...and surprised me with 2 unique begonia plants! 

Dollie is proud of her collection of vintage metal chairs, each painted a pretty color. 

One of their greenhouses filled with flowers for sale. 

A brilliant red-orange begonia caught my eye. 

Next stop was Parkdale for our lunch provided by Apple Valley BBQ - they had a buffet all set up and read for us in a picnic shelter - pulled pork and chicken sandwiches, pear cole slaw and baked beans.  There were wooden picnic benches in the sunshine for our group. We were right behind the Parkdale Museum.

This was our view of Mt. Hood from our picnic area!!  After lunch we were shown more areas of interest and our last stop was the Apple Valley Store.  Then off we headed back to the beginning and each of us got in our cars and headed home.  Friends, I am rather tired. :-)  But it was a great day.

Once home we opened all the doors and windows and let the breezes blow through.. I got lots of whiffs of the Lily-of-the-Valley in the bouquet I picked on Friday.    

Have you smelled this amazing flower?

Today.. we rest.  It's another spectacular day here.  And life is good.  What are you doing this weekend?  ((hugs)), Teresa :-)