Along the Columbia River Gorge there are many beautiful vistas. The Columbia River itself empties into Pacific Ocean in Astoria, OR but provides countless photo opportunities on its way there. I like to ride my motorcycle/scooter along old Highway 14 on the Washington side of the gorge. Its bluffs, overlooking the river, show some of the more dramatic changes in climate in just the 100 mile stretch from the ocean to the high desert of Hood River, OR. Mt Hood stands prominently above everything and is clearly visible from Highway 14.
Breathtakingly Gorgeous! Makes me want to live down in that little valley. But then again … I want to live in the Smokies. Of course, I’d also love to live on the coast of Maine. Golly … life is fraught with indecision!
I never made to to the Blue Ridge Parkway in all my 500,000 miles on a motorcycle. I know it’s beautiful there as well as here. Since I originally was born & raised in the St. Louis area I believe the diversity of climate, topography and photographic opportunities are more plentiful here. (0% of the population of Oregon lives on just 10% of its land. The rest is true wilderness.
I’m from the St. Louis area too, but during most of my life, my family moved to places or traveled to places that were east, northeast, and southeast. I guess I loved them so much, I just kept going back. I’ve never really traveled further west than Western Missouri and Arkansas, but then I have spent time in Oklahoma and Texas, so I guess that counts as Southwest. But I have always loved pictures from Montana, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon. Glad I discovered your blog.
My birth town is Belleville, Illinois.
Beautiful!
Bob, these are breathtaking. Some day I so want to get “out west” and see your part of the country. Until then, please don’t mind if I live vicariously through your photos! Exquisite!
That’s why this blog exists.