August 22, 2016 - Columbia River Gorge & Portland, OR

Paul and Peggy went out with us for a day of sightseeing.  We drove along the historic Columbia River Highway.

We visited Vista House at Crown Point in Multnomah County, east of Portland, OR. It was completed in 1918 and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Back then it was an observatory, but after renovations the roof was redone and now is a comforting station for visitors.  The view of the Columbia River Gorge was awesome and breathtaking.

View of Vista House from the highway

Erwin & his brother in law, Paul

Edith & her sister in law, Peggy

There are waterfalls along the historic Columbia River Highway and we wanted to visit few of them. The first waterfall we visited was Latourell Falls. It is visible from the road. It is the third tallest waterfall at 249 feet. To see the upper falls one will have to hike over 2 miles.  

Next stop was at Bridal Veil Falls.  There is a winding trail leading to the base of the waterfall. The view was breathtaking and awesome. 

The lower tier

The upper tier

A model posing for photo shooting

Last stop was to visit Horsetail Falls. An easy access to the falls.  There are trails to go to the top, but we went to the base just to admire for a bit and take pictures.

Fall is almost here!

Paul and Peggy suggested that we go to Francis Xavier's Restaurant in Portland, OR for lunch.  The dining room was not packed, but Paul and Peggy said the foods are very good.Country Fried Steak - Paul, Club sandwich - Peggy, Fish & Chips (Halibut) - Edith and Avocado Breakfast Burrito for Erwin.

 

Paul and Peggy wanted to show us the workplace where they used to work and it was not too far from St. Johns Bridge.  There is a park called Cathedral Park where you can stand under the bridge and see the arches.  The bridge is a steel suspension bridge, 

The Arches

After  Peggy checked with Sharon, her daughter (Erwin's niece) to see if she and her husband, Broos, were going to be home we four of us went over to Sharon's house.  The last time we saw Sharon was back in the summer of 2000 when she came with Peggy and Paul to the Miers family reunion. Sharon excels in doodling and she showed us her artwork. Beautiful drawings!

Sharon's framed artwork on the wall

Broos and Sharon

After dropping Peggy and Paul off at their place we went back to Jantzen Beach RV Park.  After we got on the island we decided to explore around a bit, went to the west and east ends just to see what was out there. Edith was trying to find a spot to get a clear shot of Mt. Hood, but most buildings were fenced off.  She found one where there is a restaurant, but there were masts in front of the mountain.  Better than nothing, she reminded herself.

Plane taking off from Portland Airport
Mt. Hood in the background

We then drove to the west end and discovered lots of trash there. Apparently, the place is being used by drug users.