Sunday July 6th
We have hiked through many slot canyons over the years. Since we were passing through the high desert of Oregon we thought we had better check out the Crack in the Ground.
It was a bit slotty and canyony but pretty mild overall.
Dean was doing his best to keep the rock from falling down.
Yikes! We woke up to snow on the ground. Time to leave.
It was blizzard conditions until we dropped in elevation.
We are camping in Hood River and really enjoying the area. It’s cherry picking season and we have already picked and eaten our weight in the delicious goodness. $2.50 a pound for both Bing and Rainiers.
We thought Brutey would be able to handle a bit of snow but he got stuck and it took a looong time to dig him out. The 4 wheel drive (transfer case) had conked out. He has been at the Ford dealer for over a month waiting for parts that are on back order.
Since we had no car, it was time to work on the Beast. We gave him a wash and Dean painted the roof with some marine stuff to smooth out the finish.
A coat of wax and we have a lovely clean home.
Dax has loaned us his car until Brutey is fixed. Now we can get to the hiking trails.
Mount Hood still has plenty of snow but the lower meadows are greening up.
I think this hiking shelter needs a little TLC.
The woods were full of Bear Grass.
The cushiony pompoms are made up of masses of tiny flower heads.
Shooting Stars and Buttercups were busting out in the meadows.
Deans sister, Minita came up for a visit.
Mount Hood made a nice backdrop to our three fluffy heads.
The lads said it was time for a raft trip. Jay has become quite the expert at captaining the raft. Maya loves being at the front even through the rapids. I don’t know how she manages to hang on.
Dax and Paula kayaked the river.
One section is too gnarly to raft so we had to walk around it. Jay portaged the boats. I am always amazed at how nimble he is with flip flops over dodgy terrain.
Getting ready for the next stretch of river.
We hit a hidden underwater rock and it sliced a big hole in one side of the pontoons. Thank goodness we were nearly at the end as it was tough paddling. Hopefully Jay can manage to fix it.
It was still a pretty awesome day out though. Thanks lads.
THE BUS STOPS HERE 
always fun to see you with your family, the boys are still as crazy as ever. Kind of liked your mom and dad.
We love a bit of excitement and our lads are always up for the challenge.
Thankyou for the hike and that exiting trip down the river. I sure hated to hear about the Ford. I hope you’re covered under the warranty. the boys look great showing a little of that Kirkwood greying effect caused by our overworked brains.Show us some pictures of the houses you’ve been looking at when you get a chance. Keep your adventures coming our way. M&M
We are keeping our fingers crossed on the warranty but of course they are disputing it. Haven’t seen any houses in our price range that aren’t complete fixer uppers. We are too old to dig into a makeover. If we see something will send pics.
I thoroughly enjoy seeing your adventures! The boys look great and so do you two! Did I read you’re looking to settle down in a house?
All is good here. I’m traveling quite a bit….seems I’m home for two weeks, then gone for a week or two. Going to AZ next week to see Jon’s family and Amy & her kids will join us.
Take care!
After 20 years on the road we are slowing down a bit. Just in the looking mode for houses at present. It feels daunting to think of buying a house and having to furnish from scratch.
So glad to hear you are out and about. I bet the kids love having you around. We are looking at spending the winter in the Tucson area. If you visit Phoenix over the winter may be we could meet up halfway for lunch.
HI, Hope you haven’t left Oregon yet. Wayne passed away in Nov, Hope to see you guys.
Take care, Norma
Hi Norma
Have sent you an email.
What awesome pictures!!Everyone looks soo good! Makes me miss everyone ! I seen these pictures briefly on my phone -not the same as seeing them on the desk top!! I’m trying to figure out how I can make copies of some of them. I’m looking forward to May – you are coming to the sibling reunion aren’t you?? Are you settled in your house yet? I need an address. It will be nice to actually mail you something now an then. Love you two!!!!