Windy Group Ride to The Dalles

Another ride from Hood River at the Hatfield Trailhead to The Dalles Discovery Center, this one with a group but at a leisurely, fun pace. The climbing was a lot easier this (third, fourth?) time around, though the wind was blowing us almost off the bikes. We followed up with a late lunch at Double Mountain brewery in downtown Hood River, and planned future rides and talked about how lucky we all are to live in the Pacific Northwest. Life is good.

The Lower Deschutes River Railbed Trail

Beautiful 23-mile flat mountain bike ride and picnic on a very hot Mother's Day.

Annual Mini Tour de Blast

Oh God, why did I do a leg-buster hike the day before our second annual Mount St Helens ride? I pretty much left my dignity on the road today. 50 miles and 4,500+ feet of climbing, and a lot less preparation than when we did this ride last year in June prior to STP. My skin is burned to a crisp and my butt is noticeably swollen but it was well worth it. Now, bring on the midterms!

Table Mountain Hike

Table Mountain caught me by surprise. I knew it was rated as difficult, but I didn't believe it. Heartbreak Ridge was tough, but honestly it was worse going down, even taking the more "user-friendly" west ridge down. Does this mean I'm getting old? Anyway, great day in the Gorge. I got a tad off track at the Aldrich Butte junction and added a couple miles to my hike by coming out under the powerlines and then backtracking to the resort, but overall the largely-unmarked trail is fairly intuitive. I would not do this one in bad weather at all, due to the slippery descent and steep cliffs. Still, a fun day, and a better hike than the less scenic Mount Defiance. And this should give me some preparation for Ruckel Ridge later this summer... eek!

10.5 miles, 3,561ft.