Sunday, February 28, 2010

Elevator Shaft


Now, how could you not like a hike called the Elevator Shaft? True, it does not have near the elevation gain as Mailbox Peak near Snoqualmie Pass, but this unmaintained trail in the Columbia River Gorge is sporty. The trail, if you would call it that, makes it way up a talus field, often disappearing.

Along the way my trusty companions and I stopped by the Trails Club of Oregon's lodge. As we passed by the door opened and we were welcomed inside and give a short tour.


It has been four years since I've hiked here. Since I plan on leading this hike in April, I wanted to scout it out, as the maze of trails up above can be confusing. Thankfully we were able to navigate past the Christmas Tree Ornaments (I kid you not) and find out way back to the main trail, which passes by Multnomah Falls. It was good to see the crowds out to see this popular Oregon attraction on such a brilliant day.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Disc Golf

This weekend I dusted off my discs and headed to North Portland's Pier Park for a round of disc golf. It has been months since I last tossed my drivers and putters about as disc golf usually gets second fiddle to my other hobbies. Since I was looking for a mellow outdoor activity this sunny weekend, disc golf seemed like the logical choice.


I am fortunate to have an 18 hole course just over a mile from my front door. Even better was that my friend Len came over to join me for the afternoon. Thankfully my extended absence did not impact the quality of my play most of the time. And once again I was reminded how much I enjoy watching the disc gracefully arc through the air. It is even better when it avoids tree trunks and branches. The only drawback was that most of the course was shaded by the trees, so we did not get as much sun time as I would have liked.