The Columbia River Gorge is a mere forty-five minute drive from Portland and it is particularly beautiful in autumn. We took a short excursion, travelling east on the Oregon side of the river, and then crossing to come back on the Washington side. It was wonderful to smell the fragrance of cedar and fir on the forested hillsides; beautiful to see the vibrant fall foliage against the deep green of the conifers and grey basalt rock. We passed through a series of double tunnels in rock outcroppings on our way back; narrow tunnels for the trains, and slightly wider ones for the cars. It was rather exhilarating to encounter a train speeding along in the opposite direction, so high above the river, and so close to us as we zoomed around the cliffs.
Time to transition to the week ahead. Chilly nights are in the forecast, which means the autumn leaf color will become even more intense and the "big drop" will begin in earnest . . .
Cheers!
