Monte Cristo Trail Hike.

If it is early July in Trout Lake, then it is time to get to the Monte Cristo Trail. The trailhead is very hard

to find, which explains why we never see people on the trial, which explains why nature is taking back some of the trail (as pictured here).

Monte Cristo Trail, Gifford Pinchot Forest, Washington State

This time of year, one can see at least 2 or 3 dozen different species of flowers in bloom, two or three mountains, and "Sound of Music" views.  

We enjoyed clear, blue skies overhead as we saw a weather front of clouds to the West, over Camas and Vancouver.  Strong, blustery winds buffeting us on exposed ridges. .

Mt. Hood from Monte Cristo Trail

Monte Cristo Trail view of Mt. Adams

Great exercise walking up and down hills for over three hours, which made our dinner of homemade, grilled pizza taste even better.  

Day One for Trout Lake StayCation

We started our long stretch in Trout Lake with a creative meal entirely on sticks / skewers, thanks to Rob.  Get this. 

Caprese Salad on a stick (not grilled):  alternating tomato, mozzarella and basil leaf, then drizzle good balsamic vinegar.  Why don’t vendors hawk that at baseball games?  “Cold Beer!  Cold Beer! Caprese Salad!”

Next course:  Sectioned corn on the cob with red bell pepper in between, seasoned with olive oil, salt and pepper and grilled.

Next: Grilled Brussels sprouts on a skewer.

Main course on a stick:  Grilled chicken, onion, and pepper.

Dessert on a stick (not grilled): soft fudge brownie, with raspberries with a drizzle of a raspberry, sugar and Grand Marnier reduction sauce on top. 

That provided plenty of energy for a fast walk along Trout Lake Creek before stargazing later.

A Hike in Indian Heaven

A muddy trail did not dampen our spirits on this cool, Autumn day in Heaven. Indian Heaven, that is. A wilderness area within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, near Trout Lake, Washington. For my first time, we took the East Crater trail up. It's a gentle climb, without the steepness (or great vista) of the Cultus Creek approach to Junction Lake, our destination.

Dogs Molly and Henry joined Dale, Randi and me. The dogs thoroughly enjoyed the hike, too. The colors are coming in, and a few huckleberries clung on for whoever wanted them. A bit of scat on the trail indicates that the bears are loving the berries.

Here are a few photos.

10/8/2011

Trout Lake Day in Three Parts.

Morning

First shadows roll out.

Firs and pines stretch to blue sky.

Scrub jays holler & feast.



Yakama Nation

Tribe welcomes neighbors.

Its meadows’ beauty beckons.

Bugs say, Not so fast.

Night

Kitchen back in place.

Games stored and champs crowned.

Stars fill hot tub sky.


7/30/2011

Market, Fair & Dinner in Trout Lake

A pleasant weekend in Trout Lake.

Saturday, we walked to the Saturday Market and bought strawberries grown at the neighborhood Buddhist Abby and some Huckleberry jam made in White Salmon. A Mexican restaurant used the Grange kitchen, a nice change from just offering pastries.

Later, it was off to the annual arts fair, which was very well attended. Although, most people seemed more interested in the food and music than the art. It is a juried fair with a good variety of items. Watercolors, ceramics, unique jewelry, hand made furniture. We ran into our neighbors, Dale and Randi, and invited them to dinner along with Dale's sister.

Dinner turned our great. Another couple of recipies out of the food magazines. We always enjoy getting together with Dale and Randi.

Dinners at Trout Lake

We welcomed Kim & John to Trout Lake this weekend. We crammed a lot into fewer than 48 hours. Perhaps the favorite activity is just preparing and eating delicious dinners over bottles of wine. It's great to catch up on the latest in their lives and to hang out.

Saturday was another perfect July day on the Monte Cristo trail. Clear skies, perfect temperature, and abundant wildflowers. The trail never quite looks the same. This time, the orange Indian Paintbrush flowers were in full display, while the showy yellow flowers look like they will hit their stride next week.

I posted more photos of the hike here.

This morning after breakfast, Allyson and I bicycled around the valley while Kim and John jogged to the so-called "lake." Another gorgeous day with two-mountain views and blue skies. Now, I can say that my Summer has begun in the Pacific Northwest

Review: One Man's Cash and Juke Joint Gamblers

Performers: One Man's Cash and Juke Joint Gamblers

Genres: Johnny Cash Tribute and Roots / Rockabilly

Date: July 9, 2011

Venue: The Trout Lake Country Inn

In 6 words or fewer: Good Energy and Great Fun!

Video links: One Man's Cash Video

Juke Joint Gamblers at the Inn.

Performance Review: Saturday night at the Trout Lake Country Inn was a lot of fun. One Man's Cash dressed and looked the part of a classic roots rock band. Being at the historic venue is a time-warp even without a band that looks and sounds like something from the 1950s. The four members played well together. The joy of playing (and maybe play acting) was contagious as they rocked the old place.

Juke Joint Gamblers followed up with faster-tempo rock and rockabilly. They got people out on the dance floor, even Kim, John, Allyson and I.

Venue Review: The town of Trout Lake, Washington is about 25 miles north of Hood River, Oregon, adjacent to a national forest and in the shadow of snow-covered Mt. Adams. The Country Inn is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. You walk into the old bar, where they serve up beer & wine. The main room is about the size of an elementary school gym, with a stage on the far end. The floors, walls and ceiling are all wood. The few tables and chairs get taken by those who arrive early to eat dinner. With all the saws, posters and other memorabilia on the walls, the place looks like it's been in use for 100+ years, which it has.

I happen to have a place within walking distance, so I love the venue. It’s a great place to relax around good people.

(This venue is not good if you are in a wheelchair.)

Another day of beauty

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

The 11-mile loop around Trout Lake is flat and easy for bicyclers but a challenge for photographers. What to shoot? A bucolic working farm? One of six dozen great views of two striking mountains, Hood and Adams? One river racing over rocks between tree-lined banks or the other flowing through mini-canyons? Maybe a llama or a kestrel? How about an historic house or barn?