Fall Colors

We love the fact that there is an actual Fall that lasts longer than a couple of weeks here in Oregon. Although I do miss looking off the old patio in Fresno and watching that one tree change colors (you know the one, Chris) while spectacular sunsets blazed in the pre-night sky, that one tree pales in comparison with the oodles of colorful trees in the area. With all of the mixtures of colors, you can't go through the day without saying to yourself, "Man, this is beautiful!" Here are some pictures from our apartment complex that will give you an idea of how colorful the great state of Oregon really is. Enjoy!

The Harvest Fest in Hood River

Last Saturday, Ben and I decided it was time to get out and see the fall colors. We decided to check out the Harvest Fest in Hood River. Hood River is a small town about an hour and a half east of us on the Columbia River - also known for some of the best windsurfing in the world. We started our day at the actual Harvest Fest on the waterfront complete with an assortment huge apples, caramel corn, roasted almonds, crafts, and music. We then headed south on the 35-mile Hood River Fruit Loop to visit a few of the local farms. The farms offered a variety of activities - baked goods, flowers, fresh cider (and anything else you can think of made from apples), wine tasting (which I could not participate in and Ben decided not to make me watch him taste the yummy wine), tons of fresh produce (apples, pears, pumpkins, gourds), activities for kids (including a corn maze which was to be the highlight of my day, and turned out to be a corn-path and Ben and I were the tallest people inside), lots of yummy food, more crafts, and...alpacas. The alpacas were so cute and for just a few quarters, we got to hand-feed them treats. There was even a mama with her baby who nearly bit our hands off she was so hungry - feeding a baby must be hard work! We ended the day by wandering through Hood River and barely making the last tour of the day at Full Sail Brewery. It was a fabulous tour and we each got a Full Sail pint glass. After sharing some fish and chips in the restaurant overlooking the river and a brownie (actually, Ben had the beer sampler and I ate the brownie - only seems fair), we headed on home.

Columbia River

That's a huge apple!

Gourds!

Mt. Hood

Mt. Adams seen through the corn not-a-maze

Alli scratching the alpaca's pomp