It’s always a joy to hike with my favorite model.

The Weldon Wagon Road built in 1911 is the very definition of a good early winter hiking destination. The well-maintained trail travels through an open Savannah Oak Tree environment.

Views extend to Mt. Hood in the south and below to the small town of Husum nestled along the White Salmon River.

In another several months golden balsamroot and purple lupine will be splashing the hillsides with vibrant color.

For now, the warm sunshine is a welcome treat.

Whence mighty Oak Trees begin

Not a time to be climbing on Mt. Hood in the Cooper Spur area

Your humble scribe

My favorite model at the upper end of the trail

A colorful cemetery near the trailhead

An old piece of farm equipment on the upper trail

Oak trees on the hillside

My favorite model hiking down the old wagon road

Lenticular cloud on Mt. Hood