The sun came out and I needed to climb something but I could not get anyone to join me on this 8.4 mile adventure so I headed out solo to a trail hood near Hood River.
The trail started through woods, scrub oak, and clear cut. I counted 10 Trillium.
I stopped on the way up to enjoy the views of Mt. Hood and the Hood River valley farmlands.
The climb was a relentless 2.5 miles but not too steap.
It was lovely to enjoy being close to Mt. Hood still covered in snow with just enough sun to enjoy but still cool enough to make the climbing easier.
I took a few breaks on the way up. The farm machinery in the distance was loud but I also heard roosters crowing.
At the top, I found some little snow patches and the trail flattened out for a mile.
I enjoyed the jaunt through the woods on the flat easier trail.
The view opened up again and Mt. Hood had a halo.
I was feeling grounded and strong- in my element.
I came out to some jeep track and power lines and also an excellent view of the mountain.
The farms spread out below looked a little like a patchwork quilt.
The last 3/4 of a mile was up a steep multi-use road.
At the top I found a little more snow.
There was also a nice view of Mt. St. Helens that I don't get to see quite as often.
Later, this meadow will be full of wildflowers, but now I just enjoyed knowing that I had made the climb and spent some time admiring the mountains.
I thought I saw Mt. Rainier peeking out in the distance.
There is not much left at all of the old lookout site that was here but I am sure the flowers put on quite a show.
I spent a little time cooking some lunch for the break and for some sustenance.
I headed back under the power lines and found there huge bases kind of interesting.
The downhill stretch felt nice. I was happy to have been on top of a butte! On the way down I enjoyed some birds in the scrub oaks. It was a lovely day.
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