Baxter controlled blog

 Hiya Gang.  Baxter here, I'm in control of the blog today while my pal Little Fox is on his trip to Canada.  Update: LF has passed customs (not sure which city) but he's the Canada Postal Systems ward now.

My hike starts off along the Barlow Road along the Oregon Trail. If you took 5th grade history in Oregon you probably know about the Oregon trail and Sam Barlow (edit: that is if your human likes history like this author).

My destination is Upper Twin Lake and then to Palmateer point (my lunch spot).

Almost there!

The lake looks good.  I think it's a snowmelt lake so it's kind of dry but the snowy season on Mt. Hood should start up in a few months. 

I had the lake to myself.  What a treat.  Speaking of treats time to work my way up the trail to lunch.  Mt. Hood decided to show up today at Palmateer point.  Note, that hill to the right of Mt. Hood is Barlow Butte.   

This picture is nice, but I think this one (with me in it) is much better.

 I heard there was a rumor that we might celebrate this hike with some ice cream.  Paws crossed.

 

I've been sent away!!!!!

 Hiya World.
LF here.  My humans have sent me away (to visit Sandy in Canada) that is....

All the humans gave me was a package of cashews......I am going to have to tell the humans to send me on a nicer airline than what they have chosen.  I hope I arrive up North soon..

A quick visit to Astoria, one of the oldest settlements west of the Rockies

 Hiya Gang.
Little Fox here on a quick day-trip to Astoria.  Yep, it's a pretty old city for the Western Coast of the United States, founded in 1811 by John Astor (named the city, never visited) as s fur trading outpost.

Now, it's a nice little town with a unique history of marine transportation, canning, and tourism (none of which will be discussed today :)

The Mouth of the Columbia, also known as the Graveyard of the Pacific is one heck of an entry from the Pacific Ocean to the Columbia River.  The Coast Guard has been helping vessels navigate this challenging piece of river (or ocean) for years.  

The lighthship, Columbia, operated as a light house on a ship from about 1951 to about 1979.  It was replaced by a buoy that guided ships but during it's heyday it hosted a crew of 18 sailors and it was a very boring and monotonous posting. Two to four weeks on the ship at a time and most of the time in the winter rough weather made it challenging to deliver fresh supplies on board.    Yep, you guessed it the Columbia was the last lightship operated by the coastguard.

The Coast Guard has a strong history in Astoria (and up and down the Pacific Coastline).  The boats stationed here are to support boats, people lost at sea, stuck in bad weather and law enforcement (oh yeah in 2021 they seized about 67 million dollars worth of Cocaine and saved a sea turtle from a gill net).

Finally, to round out my blog today Astoria has a history of being a place to film movies in Oregon.  The Goonies, Short Circuit, and Kindergarten Cop.  

Behind me is the school used as the school from Kindergarten Cop (Schwarzenegger at the height of his movie career). 

Teddy bear test ride - Adventureland in Iowa

How does one get a ticket to ride with these bears? 

Wildflower Hunting on Mt. Hebo

 Time for a hike on Mt. Hebo near the Oregon Coast.  It's an old Native American trail and also one used by the pioneers.  Rediscovered by the forest service in 1975 and an official trail in 1984. 

My goal is to look for a specific wildflower, the Coast Range Fawn Lily, that grows on the Northern Oregon Coast and is abundant at Mt. Hebo. Hope to see it. 

Nope, not it.  It's Indian Paintbrush instead. 

Perhaps an avalanche lily?  Maybe the Pacific Trillium?

A happy dog.

Columbine.

I think this might be it. My Inaturalist app says it Davidson's Penstemon, not the Coast Range Fawn Lily.

Here's a better view of the flowers.

Mt Hebo used to have an Air Force Radar station up here during WW2 but they have taken down any evidence of that many years ago.  

Finally, a hike and a post!!!!!

 Hiya World.

Little Fox here. My buddy Sequoia and I decided to take a little hike today. 

Our location today is Eagle Creek.  Home to a large fire in 2017 and last year they reopened some of the trails. 

The bridge is in good shape.  Lower Punchbowl Falls was my destination but I want to go further. 

The Eagle Creek Canyon is so pleasant. 

A few wildflowers are out, is this columbine?

Mail from Droopy!

 Hi Blog World,
Little Fox here.  Got an awesome card from my pal Droopy today.  He's vacationing in Hawaii and having a blast.

Droopy is one smart dog.  This morning woke up to a light snow on the ground.  Very rare for my city (and this time of the year). 
Enjoy your trip Droopy and Co.  Safe Travels.

LF