For Now, Some Zoe Photos

Nothing too exciting, so here's some Zoe photos to tie you over. 

Portland Pug Pushes Pink Parasol Pram

I found this video today and I couldn't resist.

Source [BuzzFeed]

Thanks, Lila!

Lila sent an early birthday gift. Thank you for the beautiful key chain. It's already being put to use!

Wind Mountain, Washington

We undertook our first Washington State hike on Sunday. Perfect hiking weather starts with a brisk, overcast morning and ends with a sunny afternoon. Wind Mountain was our destination and it included a 1,100 foot elevation climb. 

We couldn't help but stop and capture a shot of the Columbia Gorge. In the distance, you can see the sun trying to break through.

Zoe insisted on a photo.

Wind Mountain

The hike up to Wind Mountain was peaceful and included lots of switchbacks and some huffing and puffing, but the views were worth the effort.

By the time we reached the top, the sun came out. 

They don't call it Wind Mountain for nothing. 

If you look carefully, you too can see that the wind blowing through Matt's hair.

Demonstrating a way to combat the acrophobia.

Or not.

We encountered many petite wild flowers along the trail. 

Afterwards we headed to Hood River, on the other side of the Columbia Gorge, to feed our Cherry and Raspberry addictions.

McMenamins Edgefield

Trying to get the most of the summer and daylight hours, we roamed McMenamins' Edgefield grounds in Troutdale, Oregon. Edgefield is quick getaway for city folks and its grounds consists of a soaking tub, golf course, vineyard, tasting room, glass and pottery galleries and an artfully restored hotel. 

Matt enjoyed the gardens. 

Really enjoyed the gardens.

McMenamins Edgefield

2126 SW Halsey St.

Troutdale, OR 97060

St. John's Bridge

Since our move last year, we're still exploring Portland. One trip took us to North Portland, under St. John's Bridge. Arguably the bridge to get the most lookers, St. John's Bridge is a steel suspension bridge finished in 1931 and painted pale green to blend with Bridgecity's tree laden landscape.

St. John's Bridge spans over the Willamette River.

Showing visible signs of wear and tear.

A massive architectural beauty. See subjects at lower left for scale.

Ready...

Set...

Attack!

Zoe's victim.

Mini Oregon Coast Vacation

Our generous and thoughtful friends, Alana and Tom, invited us to spend a weekend with them near Winema Beach, Oregon. While the city was hot and sunny when we left, the coast was chilly and foggy.

A view from the deck.

The beach was eerily peaceful.

It wasn't until later that Zoe discovered sand didn't taste all that good.

The fog did not hinder our kite activities.

Look carefully. Do you spot someone in the distance?

After a closer investigation...

You'll spot Brad practicing his kite routine.

Our coastal vacation included a stop in Pacific City, Oregon. Known for Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area and its sand dunes, surfers and fishers, we spent a couple hours there before heading back into the city.

Zoe sampling Pacific City's sand.

Zoe running around Emily.

Zoe exhausted to keep going.

View of Cape Kiwanda.

Inhabitants of Cape Kiwanda.