Wasco Walk - Part One

On Saturday, April 20th my sister, mom, and I took a road trip.

We drove 190 miles to the north and east to the Tom McCall Preserve near Mosier, Oregon.

This amazing place abuts the southern edge of the Columbia Gorge.

This is looking north across the Columbia River to the north side on Washington State. 

Mountains everywhere...

Mt Adams

But the true reason to go in April is to take in the amazing displays of Arrowleaf  Balsamroot.

My sister did a 3 mile hike (up the bluffs), and my mom and I did a 2.5 mile hike that was not as vertically challenging. 

There were lots and lots of wildflowers.

A wild parsley of some sort.

A new wildflower for me.

Large-Flower Triteia

And always one was aware of the past volcanic activity.

Layers and layers and layers of balsalt.

The Mighty Columbia River

Lupine

More Balsamroot

Mt Hood

Stay tuned for Part Two!

Pops of Color

Design - "Gingham Bunny"

Chart - "The Bunny Collection"

Designer - JBW Designs

Fabric - 28 count Antique White linen

Started - 11 July 2010

Completed - 12 July 2010 

Just a few American Goldfinches so far.

I've not seen more than 4-6 at a time.

I am hoping for larger numbers.

The same with the Black-headed Grosbeaks.

So far no more than two birds.

High in the Sky

Design - "Plaid Bunny"

Chart - "The Bunny Collection"

Designer - JBW Designs

Fabric - 28 count Antique White Cashel

Floss - DMC

Started - 6 August 2010

Completed - 9 August 2010

Saturday morning I spied several large skeins of geese flying overhead.

It was pretty cool to get a glimpse of this large migration.

Closer at hand the Turkey Vultures have taken up residence.

They hang out on cool morning until the air temperatures warm up.

And yes...

I continue to see a couple of crows.

So far they aren't hassling the smaller birds. 

They gray squirrels pay no attention to them, so we shall see.

Sunday's Hummers

I am seeing both Anna's and Rufous Hummingbirds.

This series features a female Anna's.

Grabbing

Getting

Holding

Hovering

Back for more

And heading to the nest.

Saturday's Critters

All sizes today.

Two chipmunks

Solo

Squirrel atop a tree

Another tree top squirrel

I've had as many has nine gray squirrels at one time.

Barry?

Not sure it's Barry,  but this buck is once again growing antlers.

Can you see the big dark buttons?

I like this series.

The squirrel is not going to let the deer have the seed tray food.

Touche!

And yes, one more bear sighting.

The spring time grass grazing amuses me.

Munch

Munch 

Pleasant Surprise #2

 

I stitched this Prairie Schooler piece in 2009...  

I got it framed!

Design - "R is for Rabbit" 

Designer - The Prairie Schooler

Fabric - 32 count Lambswool linen

Fibers - DMC

Started - 19 May 2009

Completed - 9 June 2009

Framed - August 2011

I'm really pleased with the framing job.  It's stretched nice and tight and true.  And the frame - what a great match with the dark green of the cabbages! 

Pleasant Surprise #2

On Tuesday 4/23 I saw the FOS male Black-headed Grosbeak.

Their lovely song is part of my spring / summer morning symphony.

This bird acted as though it had literally finished its migration at my house.

It sat in the same place quietly eating for well over 30 minutes.

No singing then, though later in the afternoon I did hear bird song.