In the gorge today

Hi @Pacnorwest Hazel is a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. Fancy name for ding a Ling. and Annabelle is our old yellow laborador retriever. Annie is much more willing to get in and she really enjoys the water. Hazel can be enticed to the water, but hesitant to swim. When she does swim she does the breast stroke. It's quite funny. I never knew dogs would do that.

@Frank I think we live in one of the most beautiful places on earth. I am not proud. I am just very fortunate. I am grateful every single day. I've been to Norway, which we all know is pristine gorgeousness. I can honestly say, I see similar beauty here.

@Sjoerd you're so welcome. I'm glad you enjoy my photos. Yes gorgeous has always described this place very well. Almost does the beauty justice. Enjoying the sun and the water are my best ways to relax so this was a special day. Good to turn off the news in my head and just enjoy.

 

YO... Get the boat in the water and go drown some worms !!!!

 

@Columbiariver Can you see the wildfire in the Columbia River Gorge ? Today on the news the fire has burned over 11,000 acres and over 800 firefights are steadily working to contain the fire. The Burdoin Fire is the largest in the state of Washington history.
My heart goes out to those affected by this catastrophe . Prayers for those firefighters and all those families impacted by the wildfire.
Pic from news release of the wildfire burning in the Columbia River Gorge in Washington state.

 

I know it @Jersey Devil Would be my preference too. The hubs is getting a bit tired. We're working on getting him feeling better so we can do just that. The lakes are much easier on us than this giant river in our little boat. A lake fishing day is in the works. Our rivers are fished by my guys (dh and 2 ds's) regularly in the fall, winter and spring. They would love to take a jersey devil out with them I'm sure!

 

Yes. When we were in hood river it was quite smokey. I read last week that 14 homes were destroyed so far. I don't know what that total is today. It's hard. I have a close friend up there who has so far been spared. The thing about this fire is that it hasn't even been that hot of a summer and we had a long and damp spring. Sad

 

It has been a cooler summer so far and winter had an under average moisture and snow to account for this fire season higher level risks. It doesn’t take much to dry out only 4” of damp soil not the average of 14” damp soil in the wild forests. I’m located in the mountain area 800’ higher than near by Portland . Where I live we have been placed on a new map by the state designating areas now pin pointing fire danger levels on the fire season maps that have designated area for various levels of high risk to low risk fire zones. I am now in a high risk zone. The Sumer temps are mild today and the winds are strong. The fire marshal warns that the fire season has a lot more to go as temps climb higher next week for both Oregon and Washington state. Stay safe .

 

The re-mapping for fire danger put us in a very high risk zone. Insurance costs could drive us away from our home eventually. I don't like to think about leaving but I am not ruling it out. I don't know if I could ever be content anywhere else.