Mt Hood - "White like Mary's lamb and Glue"

We started the morning early and cold. We were all awake by 6:30 and had breakfast and coffee by 7. So much for sleeping in. But despite the cold, the morning was clear and bright. After some consultation with the camp manager, we headed out on foot to explore Wildwood Park. Our campsite actually neighbors this beautifully maintained park. The boys were excited to go on an official hike and Colby was our fearless leader.

After about 1 mile of unpaved but wide and well maintained path throught the dense timber, we could hear the Salmon River. We reached Wildwood park, which is actually a day camp park designed for families and groups to gather. There are dozens of picnic areas, beautifully carved benches with custom plaques in memory of people and several educational markers along the way. We were the only people around but it was a beautiful morning and the river was quite a site. The boys liked talking about how the Salmon River is by papa Cole's idaho property.

The best part of the park was an underwater viewing area - a lot like what you see at the aquariums. But this was "real" - a part of the wild river itself. The tiny fish we saw struggling to make their way upstream won't get the benefit of food pellets. This is the real thing and the boys loved it.

The hike eventually reached a bridge over the Salmon River, where we turned around after enjoying the view for a bit. The hike in all was about 3.5 - 4 miles and the boys didn't complain once. Even though it was cold and our fingers were all frozen, it was sunny and bright and dry. Can't really ask for much more than that! It rained here recently but we arrived after the rain and have enjoyed the sunshine all day.

We arrived back at camp hungry and tired so we loaded up in the truck and set out to see Mt. Hood. I heard that there is a great Farmer's Market Brunch at Timberline so we thought we would go up to the top of the mountain, see the lodge and enjoy breakfast.

We had not seen Mt. Hood on this trip until nearly at the base, when we rounded a corner and saw this enormous blinding white mt. Grady, in all his 5 year old wisdom, said, "That is white - like Mary's lamb and glue." To which we had a really good laugh...

Quick lesson: when it snows recently, is a sunny beautiful day and a Saturday, you will not find a parking spot to be had at the top of Mt. Hood. The drive and scenery was spectacular but we drove around the parking lot and lodge trying to find a spot 3 times. Every lot was full, every possible square inch packed with skiers, boarders and brunchers. Assuming that the brunch line would be equally as busy, we opted to continue down the hill to Government Camp to eat. I am really disappointed that we couldn't see the lodge as I have heard how beautiful it was inside. But unfortunately we didn't really have a choice.

Breakfast at the Huckleberry Inn at Government Camp was just what we needed and hit the spot. Huckleberry pancakes for Grady, French toast for Colby, veggie omelet for me and gigantic Mt. hood with everything in it omelet for dad. Oh yeah, and a huckleberry shake for the road, shared by all. Yum!

This afternoon we spent swimming in the heated pool, bike riding and playing at the park. The only down side to the day was when i gave Colby too zealous of a push on the playground contraption that slides a bar across (because I don''t know the name of it, let's call it the shoulder yanker). He did not anticipate the stop and when it jerked his body back, he let go to fall smack on his back. And screamed bloody murder for 15 minute. His dad assures me he is fine and needs to toughen up anyway, but I feel really bad. And his constant complaints that "my back hurts mommy - can you rub it" are not helping the guilt factor at all.

Colby's favorite park of the day was the hike; Grady's can't decide; Steve's favorite was the hike and I have to agree. Just the fact the kids can go 3-4 miles feels like we have entered a whole new world.

Tomorrow we head to Bend / Sunriver.