Last Hits of Summer....... Highlights

My Uncle Peter (whom I've affectionally nicknamed "Tio P") came to Portland for a visit. We drove up to Mount Hood and did an overnight at Timberline Lodge... Hiked up to the snowy spots and was amazed at all of the colorful plants up there. Indian Paintbrush, Pearly everlasting (and a bunch of other native plants that he knows the names of, but I don't...) Fantastic view of Mt Jefferson to the North. If you haven't been to Timberline.. go! 
It's one of the most beautifully preserved lodges ever, built by the WPA in 1937. Great big stone hearth fireplaces, hand forged ironwork throughout and old growth wood beam construction with hand carved wood rails and original furniture. Pretty amazing. 
We didn't discover the heated swimming pool until we were just about to leave. I did a quick dip, then we were off to Lost Lake...

the drive up... 

View to the North from Mt Hood

So much pretty color on the hike up

Carving on the front door of Timberline

Giant Hearthstone fireplaces and original 1940's furniture.

Timberline Lodge

Indian Paintbrush near a stream

Whaa? Found out they had a heated outdoor pool with a view of Mt Hood at the last minute. I took advantage.

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the peaceful Lost Lake near Mt Hood. I was shocked that the water was actually warm! It was a bitch to find though, fyi.

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Said "So Long" to Tio Pedro then headed to the coast to meet up with some long lost friends at the most excellent Sou'Wester Lodge! It's tucked away on Long Beach Peninsula on the coast. We happened to be there the same weekend as the kite festival which takes place right on the beach every August. They have free bikes for anyone to use at the Sou'Wester, so we peddled around on the Discovery Trail along the beach while the kites flew by. We had a blast... went on hikes and bike rides, cooked a ton of delicious food in in our adorable 40's style cabin,  stayed up late drinking whiskey & wine and played games til the wee hours. SO FUN!   So long summer... See you next year!