Windy Wild Coyote Wall

In April 2013, Sarah and I set out on a windy gorge hike at Coyote Wall.  Since Amy is so dedicated and refuses to miss church we enjoyed a more exposed, steeper climb.  Analise was 7 months old









Analise didn't mind the wind so much and seemed pretty cozy on this hike.









There were a few late Trillium to enjoy.









We meandered up the road and then hit the trail to enjoy the wildflowers.









The day was windy but a great day for hiking.









The flowers made me smile.









We gave Analise a chance to explore them but she was distracted by the wind and all the sights.









We enjoyed having her with us, especially since she was content.









Though I enjoy so much having my six year old wonder, the adult conversation was nice as well.









This was a pretty exposed hike with the old orchards and great views back down to the river.









There were a few wildflowers still clinging to the side of the hill but they take quite a beating.









The Washington side of the gorge still feels wild to me and is a great place to explore, especially in the spring!









What a refreshing day.









On this windy winter night, it helps to remember the soft breeze of spring. 

Metolious Riverside Camp and Black Butte Challenge

 Mom- The Metolious River has been on my list of places to see for a very long time.  In September, we took a late season trip to camp by this lovely river and experienced all this area has to offer.

Amy-  This current has a lot of rapids.   I like to make homes for the fish.  This national park has had lots of fish have died so they are trying to make the fish live a life there.

Amy-  There was a cool exploration of the park we found some shelter there was a chimney made of rocks.  There was also a fire place on the chimney.  I also got to stand on a couple benches!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Mom-We read that volunteers are trying to help restore fish habitat by creating places for them to hide to increase fish spawning.

Amy-  This is a big pine cone !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Amy-  Analise hiked part of the way.  (  She also drank her water)

Amy-  We unloaded our stuff and pitched the tent.  We also put the rain fly on so the tent does not get wet.   

Mom- We spent some time by the river watching the fish.

Mom- We packed up our camping equipment and stopped at the fish hatchery for a short walk along the river.

Mom-The fish hatchery had lots of new fish to feed and watch.

Mom-  The leaves were turning yellow.

Mom-It was fun to watch the river.  This part of Oregon is really different- much dryer and prone to wildfires.

Mom- After exploring the river, we took a drive through an active fire to the Black Butte trail head.  This hike was a huge challenge!

Mom-This hike is deceptive because it is really quite short but also has some steep elevation gain.  It was really neat to have so much time exposed with a great view!

Amy-  I walked with the hiking stick!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Amy-The tower is so huge!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mom-  The fire tower is still actively used.  We enjoyed the very windy view from the top briefly.

Mom-  We were proud to have made it.  Amy did an excellent job climbing.  Both girls hid behind a rock because of the wind.

Mom-  We hit the trail quickly seeing an ominous dark cloud in the sky above us.

Mom-  Analise got a few minutes of freedom before going back in the backpack for the steep hike down.

Mom-  Amy and I walked quickly to beat the rain.  Sarah kept a slower pace behind us.  Analise went back to sleeping in the backpack.

Mom-The trail was very pretty and exposed most of the way. 

Mom-It was fun to hike in Eastern Oregon and explore a different forest than we normally experience.

Amy-  We walked on a pretty trail.