Larch Mountain and more...Columbia River Gorge

A beautiful late summer day and we took a trip to the Columbia River Gorge.
First stop was at Larch Mountain, an extinct volcano outside of Portland, with great views from the top of Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams, Mt. St. Helens, and more.  Unfortunately, the day was hazy for us and the views of the mountains were not so good.

It is a $5 fee for this park. But it is nice that you drive all the way up but the last 3-tenths of a mile, which you then hike to the summit.

The view of Mt. Hood, only 22 miles away.

There is also a very nice picnic area at Larch Mountain, as well as a drinking fountain and vault toilets.








Next stop was Vista House, overlooking the Columbia River Gorge.  Very windy day...and still the haze.  We couldn't remember the last time either of us had been to Vista House, so it was a fun visit.

Another view of Vista House. The person out front was in what looked like a Teddy Roosevelt costume.  I believe he answered questions and gave information, but we didn't see him in action.

View of the gorge from Vista House.

The beautiful ceiling inside Vista House.

Clock, Indian Face, and colored windows inside.

Close up of the ceiling.












Next stop, on our way home, was an overlook called Portland Women's Forum.

View of the sign from the car.  There wasn't much here, not even a bathroom if I recall.  But there were some nice views of the gorge.

Plaque regarding the viewpoint.





The final pictures are showing the view of Vista House and the gorge from this park.  A lovely late summer day out in the sunshine!

C'est Fini!

Brigittine Monastery in Amity, Oregon

Took a visit to the Brigittine Monastery in Amity, Oregon today.

Here is the church outside:

Here is the inside:

The floors and ceiling were beautifully done wood.

The altar:

Wonderful shaft of sunlight coming in.

These are the stained glass windows on the sides of the sanctuary:

The wonderful stained glass section is at the back of the church, near the entrance:

This is the statue to St. Bridget (I think she is called St. Brigitta of Sweden), whom the church is named for.  Currently there are just seven monks living here.  This is the only Brigittine Monastery in the United States.  They make very good fudge and truffles here..!

Behind the monastery are two large ponds.  One nicely covered in lily pads.  We saw about 15 different species of birds today.  We hope to come back in the fall, when hopefully many birds have come to the waters.

Love those lily pads!  A nice visit on a nice summer day.