A beautiful spring-like morning beckoned me to the sights of Portland Heights. The Heights rise from near sea level on the Willamette River to 1,071-foot Council Crest, the highest point in the Tualatin Mountains.

I threw on the daypack, grabbed the camera and took off from home.

Besides city streets, I followed the Wildwood Trail, Marquam Trail and SW Urban Trail no. 6 for portions of the eight-mile outing.

For the middle of winter, there was an amazing amount of flowers in bloom, from crocuses to azaleas. And, to my delight, there were wildflowers in bloom – – – the blossoms of Indian Plums.

What a nice way to enjoy a few hours of sunshine.