This past weekend was Andy's birthday! Several weeks ago, we got our hopes up and planned to have a little picnic in the woods. Then it began to rain for two weeks straight, and the forecast said more rain on Saturday. So we took the old highway (Portlanders, just get on Stark St. and start going east, and it turns into the old CRH) out to our special-day (forty-five-minutes-away) go-to place, Multnomah Falls and the Columbia River Gorge.
There were a lot of people who had the same idea. It's better here when it's rainy, I think.
We had lunch at the lodge, then headed off for a little wander-around.
In the woods, everything was shining.
Everything was really really green.
Birds sang. We walked.
I love the big beauties and the small. I had to keep looking down to make sure I wasn't about to squash gorgeous hairy, orange-and-black caterpillars.
Or other things.
This is in Guy W. Talbot State Park.
You follow the trail toward Latourell Falls.
It's very loud here. The water is rushing right below you.
If this picture doesn't make you want to run right home and stitch up a family of calico mice to live in the wood cave, then . . . I can't help you.
Because such things make my heart melt into a puddle of golden cloudberry jam.
As do beautiful smiles like that. Happy birthday, Captain Awesome. I love you.
Oregon. You can get a double-Americano in the middle of the woods.
Wow.
Screen savers are born here.
We headed back down the trail.
I don't know why, exactly, but I absolutely love this picture.
We walked back to the picnic area and the road just past it.
We wondered who lived here.
Or used to.
Or will again?
Who will again, at the corner of Latourell and Fall?
This will be their view. I'd take it.
Heading home, we always stop at Crown Point.
It makes me want this, which I have been eyeing for some time, and may have to splurge on.
It would be a way to have the day and the place with us all year 'round.
Absolutely gorgeous way to spend a birthday. Happy Birthday to your dear Andy!! We almost made it to Multnomah Falls two weeks ago on our way down to Cannon Beach. We are so inspired even more to bring our family to Multnomah Falls after viewing these awesome pictures :)
Posted by: Christine | June 01, 2010 at 11:36 AM
It looks like you had a wonderful day, thank you for sharing such lovely photos!
On a completely different note - I saw this today, and it made me think of you: http://acardaday.wordpress.com/2010/06/01/tick-tock/
Hope you enjoy it!
Posted by: mathea | June 01, 2010 at 11:36 AM
Wow !! Amazing photos and happiest birthday to Mr. Checked Shirt with Pearl Snaps + LOVE that snail and spiky berry bloom.
Posted by: susan | June 01, 2010 at 11:42 AM
Wow! I love the screen saver comment, sums up Portland quite well, I suppose - I have never actually been, but it's on my list. Happy Birthday to Mr. Posie Gets Cozy!!!
Posted by: Maureencracknellhandmade.blogspot.com | June 01, 2010 at 11:47 AM
Happy birthday!!!
(Please excuse me while I pack my bags for Portland.)
Posted by: Rose | June 01, 2010 at 12:06 PM
It is almost painfully beautiful. Congratulations to Andy and to you for your good man.
Posted by: Marley | June 01, 2010 at 12:11 PM
Oh my gosh that looks like heaven on earth. Gorgeous pictures!
Posted by: kate | June 01, 2010 at 12:13 PM
Ohh I want to go soon.. when the summer weather hits (which is going to be soon..? I hope?). Pictures of the bridge at the falls are always my favorite. It is such a wonderful place! I have never eaten at the lodge, but will have to next time (and get a double americano for the hike while I'm at it)! Thanks for sharing this with us!
Posted by: Elizabeth (Toile) | June 01, 2010 at 12:13 PM
Oh, you have my heart yearning to be right there again.
Posted by: Kat | June 01, 2010 at 12:15 PM
I will be arriving in Portland tomorrow so thanks for the great pictures.I have never been to Oregon. Heading to Bend for a week.
Have a good one....
Posted by: Susan | June 01, 2010 at 12:19 PM
You have the most amazing little trips and places to visit! You make me want to load all the little ones up into the truck and go! Unfortunately, I have no idea WHERE to go around here. LOL I may have to do some researching!
Thanks for the inspiration.
Posted by: Lori | June 01, 2010 at 12:23 PM
what gorgeous photos. we just moved to the area and multnomah falls has been at the top of my to-do list for weeks. hopefully soon.
happy birthday to your mister. :)
Posted by: tammie | June 01, 2010 at 12:25 PM
just in time
my friend from germany will visit me this week and i told her there are so many places she could go without me and this will be one of the places!
i would love to go myself...my wheels not so much...lol
love your blog!!!
happy birthday from me!!
Posted by: sandra | June 01, 2010 at 12:40 PM
that looks like a good time.
Posted by: Googlover | June 01, 2010 at 12:46 PM
It is beautiful...I made a trip there last year at this time. It took my breath away! Happy Birthday
Posted by: Rene | June 01, 2010 at 12:50 PM
Happy Birthday to Andy!! Your photos are stunning, what a beautiful place to wander around!! Imagine what you could do with a house like that...... I'm sure someone one day will restore it to its full potential.
xxx
Posted by: Laura | June 01, 2010 at 12:53 PM
What an amazing place and your pictures are just breathtaking. Your guy sure is handsome - Happy Birthday to him!
Thanks for sharing - I am always amazed at the beauty that can be found in our little corner of the world.
Posted by: Cari | June 01, 2010 at 12:53 PM
What a dreamy way to spend the day. Thank you so much for sharing!
Posted by: Sara | June 01, 2010 at 12:55 PM
Lovely!
As i sit at my desk and look to my right, I have a couple of snapshots quite similar to that first shot tacked up in my cubicle...
Posted by: Adrienne | June 01, 2010 at 12:55 PM
Every single one of your photos....gorgeous! What a wonderful way to spend a birthday!!!
Posted by: shabby girl | June 01, 2010 at 12:55 PM
Happy Birthday to Andy. You celebrated at some of my favorite places. I took it for granted when I was growing up in the NW that every place was like this, but after living somewhere else for many years, I realize how blessed we are to live here.
Posted by: Angela | June 01, 2010 at 12:58 PM
happy birthday, andy! such a gorgeous trip!
Posted by: cindy | June 01, 2010 at 01:12 PM
If you keep this up we are all going to move to Oregon. Then what will you do? It will look like the place is being taken over by an army -- every little soldier with a sewing basket in tow.
Posted by: The Muse of The Day | June 01, 2010 at 01:14 PM
Happy Birthday! Enjoyed your beautiful pics and the wonderful memories they brought back. Although, I have now lived in Oregon for the past three years, I have not been to Multnomah Falls and the Columbia River Gorge since 1965! I wrote about it in my blog, My Southern Heart at http://mysouthernheart.blogspot.com/2008/12/summer-in-seattleconclusion.html
Posted by: Dianne | June 01, 2010 at 01:16 PM
what gorgeous photos. i can't wait to visit portland again--this seems like an awesome place to go to! happy bday to the hubbs!
Posted by: katilady | June 01, 2010 at 01:22 PM