Our first no school weekend was great. Friday night, we prepared for a night hike near Mt. Hood. We left at 0200 on Saturday morning to hike Tom Dick Harry Trail (7.2 miles roundtrip, thank you Google Tracker). The trail ends on top of Tom Dick Harry Mountain presenting you with a face to face of Mt Hood, up close and personal. The top of the mountain is very rocky. Some of the rocks are set up as perfect chairs allowing for kickback lounging until the sun begins to rise. Of course, one has to be prepared for the cold weather and colder rocks. Mountain tops are not known for warmth, especially in the dark.
Sadly, cell phone photos don't do these scenes justice.
Saturday was birthday party extravaganza. It was one party right after the other. Seeing as how we were up at 0100 on Saturday morning for our hike, I was utterly exhausted by the last party at 2100. It certainly did not help that I fell on our way down the mountain and banged up my knee and low back. They were throbbing the entire day. I was able to treat my knee with success before going to the last party, but I was not able to do the same for my low back as it is much harder to reach. At least the pain is gone.
Sunday, we went out for Dim Sum. I love Dim Sum in so many ways, I can't even begin to tell you. It's our special little outing where Carl and I can explore and enjoy one another just like any good Sunday brunch should allow. Good food, relaxed atmosphere, great company. Sunday mornings are fantastic.
We had the opportunity to plan our next hike- Lower Salmon River at the base of Mt. Hood. The guide describes it as a 5.2 mile round-trip easy (100 ft elevation gain) hike. We shall see if this holds true. The guide books were wrong regarding the mileage of Tom Dick Harry. Thank you again, Google tracker. The hike follows the Salmon River to a swimming hole and is littered with nurse tress and wildlife (probably just squirrels). But we thought it was the perfect hike to take our 11 year old nephew on and great for a bum knee. I am really excited to go. There is no place where I feel more at home than in the mountains.
Sunday afternoon, we had the opportunity to see the Portland Opera preform at Director Park in the middle of downtown. It was perfect weather and a great turnout. Violetta just opened and the smell of the foods and refreshing drinks wafted through the air. We folded Origami while we listened to the two hour event. So relaxing.
Just across the street from the park is a movie theater. We couldn't resist. We ended Sunday with a movie, "Get Low." Not My cup of tea, really.
There is something so beautiful about the end of summer as it transitions to fall. The air becomes cooler and crisps ever so slightly. There is an energy force pulling the pieces of you from expansion to an inward time of reflection. I noticed this throughout the day as I observed the downtown crowd. The pieces of me that were strewn out amongst other people's energies returned to my awareness. I felt an immense joy about my life. I am the luckiest lady alive. I've been so privileged to know the people I know, to have the opportunities that I do, and to be lucky enough to see them for what they are.
At the end of the evening, I turned to look at Carl. His eyes are bright and loving. His face smooth and full of warmth. His soul has a softness that wraps it's arms around you every time you get a look at him. Of all the inward reflection I have known, I know more deeply how much I appreciate and love Carl to the core of his being. He is such a magnificent person and I feel beyond lucky to have him.
This is why Fall makes my heart sing.
