A little sunshine peeking through the clouds, highlighting the brilliant white of fresh fallen snow. Throw in a cold, brisk wind out of the west and temperatures around 30 degrees, and you have the prescription for a fine outing.
I parked at a gate and began the hike to Stacker Butte in the wide open spaces of the east end of the Columbia River Gorge.
After ascending the maintenance road for 2 1/2 miles, while dealing with the bone-chilling wind, I reached the 3,300-foot summit of Stacker Butte where an FAA tracking site is located.
The 360° views were mostly covered with clouds, but the Columbia River could be seen stretching far to the east with rimrock canyons to the north.
On the way down the sun finally began warming things up. I headed easterly for awhile above the oak tree strewn canyons. Soon it was time to take a slow hike back to the car.
Amazingly enough, all the snow around my car had melted.
Secret UFO communication facility? (FAA Tracking Site at summit)
Lichen growing on a rock, likely basalt
Early morning clouds over the Columbia River near Mosier
Wooden fence at the summit
Ubiquitous sight these days east of the Columbia River Gorge
Fresh, wind-blown snow
Quick – – Why is it so green underneath the Oak trees in the middle of winter?
A trail heading down toward the Columbia River
Early morning sunlight on Mt. Hood on a previous hike to Stacker Butte
“Ubiquitous” is one of my favorite examples of economics argot. Dispositive is one I’m fond of on the legal side.
“Early Morning Sunlight on Mt. Hood” will be my new desktop background for awhile-On all three monitors.
I enjoy quadrisyllabic words.
On the question, about the green under the Oak, is it because there is a warm spring under the tree?
No. It’s because the trees are alive and generate warmth. It’s the same phenomenon that causes snow to melt around tree trunks in the winter.