A Swingin Summer at Apple Valley   I like this photo because it is so nostalgic, bringing to mind summers when I was growing up. It reminds me of a Country Time lemonade commercial. I'm sure Rockwell painted a similar picture. It makes me think of my grandparents and summers on the farm. I took this photo at Apple Valley, just south of Hood River. The Apple Valley store is one of my favorites and it features, homemade jams and preserves, ice creams, baked goods, novelties etc. Apple Valley is located at 2363 Tucker Road, Hood River. While you're there, try the barbeque!   08/25/2011

  Wordless Wednesday - Cloud Gazing, Pt. 2   I took this from Hood River Middle School on Monday and his may be the single most interesting cloud I've EVER seen. I can't imagine what caused the unique shape. What do you see?     I guess I see either a tornado or a Dairy Queen soft ice cream cone. Below, this is the same cloud, half an hour later, taken from the High School, about 8 miles west of the first photo.It also show's Ben's football practice and Mt. Adams.   08/24/2011

  Wordless Wednesday - Cloud Gazing   Our whole family loves cloud gazing and deciding what shapes we're seeing in the sky. We saw this one Saturday. What do you see?     Our boys thought it was a hummingbird, while I thought it was a goose taking off. A friend referred to such interesting clouds as God's brushstrokes. I think I agree.       08/24/2011

  Spanning The Columbia River... The Hood River Bridge   It's one of the most recognized images in Hood River and is vital to our regional economy. First built in 1924, the bridge is the second oldest bridge crossing the Columbia and connects the towns of Hood River Oregon and White Salmon Washington. The Port of Hood River aquired the bridge in 1950 and still operates it today. The toll is $.75 per axle. The bridge is steel truss construction and is a functioning draw bridge with a clearance of 246 feet. It's really quite beautiful and affords stunning views down the Columbia. It's also really, really narrow with each lane measuring just 9 feet, 10 3/4 inches wide. Large trucks and RVs are advised to cross the river at Cascade Locks or The Dalles.       08/24/2011

  Speechless Sunday - Barging Down The Columbia River Living near Hood River, a lot of us have come to think of the Columbia River as a recreation spot. The truth is the Columbia is a "working" river, a lifeline spanning states. The amount of commerce that uses the river to transport goods of all types, would crumble without the river. They aren't beautiful, but they are vital to the economy of the northwest. I took this photo on Friday from Highway 84, just outside Hood River. The train track runs alongside the river, too.   08/21/2011

Columbia River Gorge, An Outdoor Paradise:  Hood River Skatepark The Hood River Skatepark is yet another option for outdoor enthusiasts in the Columbia River Gorge. It includes a bmx track, climbing wall, restrooms, picnic tables, playground, disc golf course, and all the skatepark elements you could want. Located at 20th and Wasco, the skatepark is over 20,000+ square feet and includes bowls, a covered skate area, jumps, grinds and more. Ride a skateboard, scooter, bike or Ripstick. Try it out earlier in the day for fewer crowds, before local teenagers are out and about. Dude... this place is so sik!   08/09/2011

  Last Chance to Register For Hood River Valley Youth Tackle Football!     You know fall is on the way when football starts! Last night Youth Football Camp started at Hood River Valley High School for youth 3rd through 8th grade. The camp is focusing on conditioning and reviewing the basics and is non-contact. Our 5th and 7th grade sons, Ben and Sam, are both participating.   Very limited spaces are left on the team and will be filled soon. Team practices will begin Monday, August 15th, 5:30 p.m. at the High School.   Register at www.hrcommunityed.org    Grades 3rd through 8th. Register your student as 3rd & 4th, 5th & 6th, 7th or 8th grade.  Please register ASAP.  Youth numbers are limited to 110 players and the 7th and 8th to 30 players each!!  These are done on a first come first reg... 08/09/2011

Silent Saturday - Playing In The Sand of The Columbia River We were at the beach on the Columbia River yesterday, basking in the sun, our boys playing in the water. This little girl played in the sand the entire time, completely absorbed in her fun. Remember when sand was enough of a toy and the beach a magical place?   08/06/2011

A Taste of Thai Right In The Heart Of Hood River One summer when my mother was visiting, she insisted we check out the new Thai restaurant, Thai House. I didn't know if I even liked Thai food or not. I was very pleasantly surprised. I definately do like Thai food, as do both of my sons. Thai house has a huge variety of authentic Thai dishes made to order and according to your own tolerance for spicyness. My boys and I are wimps so we get mild and we are addicted to the house noodles, which come in shrimp, chicken or pork. If you are a fan of curry, this is the place for you. Interesting dishes include classic Pad Thai, red and green curries and fried rice, as well as, specialty meats. I never imagined cooking in coconut milk. The interior is gorgeous and set in a historic Craftsman home... 08/06/2011

Hood River's Passport Pub & Cafe, A Truly Refreshing Menu One of the more popular cafes, in a plethora of great dining spots in Hood River, is the Passport Pub & Cafe. Located right on the main drag, outside or inside dining is available for lunch or dinner. The cafe is full of character, from the unique decor to the views of main street. Crepes are the cafe's specialty, from sweet to savory, they really are not to be missed. More typical meals are available, too, like burgers and sandwiches. My favorite is the fish and chips, which are not the typical offering at other places. It was truly divine, the beer batter light and crisp. There is also a full bar, including micro-brews and specialty drinks. Passport Pub & Cafe, 403 Oak St Hood River, OR 97031-2031, (541) 386-2099 08/02/2011

Super Fun For The Kids & Kids At Heart... Pietro's Pizza Pietro's Pizza is Hood River's version of Chuck E. Cheese, but the pizza is so much better and adults will enjoy it too. Pietro's is part pizza parlor, part arcade game room and part sport's bar. It's very popular with locals for parties, like birthday parties, anniversaries and team celebrations. Stop by to cool off and relax after a hot summer day of hiking or playing at the river. For more information, visit Pietro's website or call (541) 386-1606, located at 107 2nd St, Hood River.         07/31/2011

Delcarpine Automotive Repair Occasionally, we like to highlight a local business that we feel is a real asset to our community and a tribute to family businesses everywhere. We were first referred to Delcarpine by friends when we moved here and needed work on a car. Delcarpine is owned by Melissa and Anthony Delcarpine and they both work there full time, watching over every customer and repair. Delcarpine specializes in foreign, European, domestic and trailer repairs. They are full-service and do it all, from simple oil changes to total engine rebuilds and everything in between. Right away we were impressed with their professionalism, skill and ability to explain the problem to us in a way we understand. We've been so pleased with all the work they've done for us and would recommend the... 07/29/2011

Speechless Sunday - Finally River Weather Hood River finally, FINALLY broke the 90 degree mark today! The Pacific Northwest has been experiencing one of the coolest summers in years. Believe me, we are not complaining, especially knowing how hot most of the rest of the country has been. And knowing that tomorrow the expected high will only be about 75. So we'll enjoy it while we can... perfect day to hit the river! 07/24/2011

Celebrate Amelia Earhart's Birthday At The WAAAM Museum In Hood River If you haven't visited the Western Antique Automobiles and Airplanes Museum in Hood River, Sunday would be a good day to go. July 24th is Amelia Earhart's birthday and the month of July is "Women In Aviation" month. Women pilots get in FREE Sunday, when they show their pilot license. The museum features one of the nation's largest collection of cars and airplanes that have been meticulously restored and even more importantly, each plane and car still runs and the planes still fly! These pieces vary in age from 1899 to the 1960s. Just be sure to schedule enough time to see everything. Car, plane and history buffs alike are going to be in their element. Also keep in mind that on the second saturday of each month, the WA... 07/22/2011

Red Cross Blood Drive, Hood River, Oregon Donating blood is a great way to give back to your community in a deeply personal way. Join the Red Cross, Tuesday, July 19 at the Best Western Hood River Inn, 1108 E. Marina Way, 1-6 p.m. To make a donation appointment visit www.redcrossblood.org/make-donation or call 800-RED-CROSS. 07/17/2011

Hood River's Movies In The Park This is one of our favorite, free summer events in Hood River. Each Saturday at dusk, join us at Jackson Park, on the corner of May Street and 13th, where a movie will be shown on the massive outdoor screen. July 23: "How To Train Your Dragon" July 30:  No movie, Hood River County Fair August 6:  "Second Chances" August 13:  "Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs" August 20:  "Night At The Museum" August 27:  "The Love Bug" Co Sponsored by Hood River School District Community Education and Hood River Valley Parks and Recreation. 07/17/2011

Speechless Sunday - Tarzan Lives In The Body of Our Son Sam This is our 12 year old son, Sam, swinging on the rope swing at the Hood River Aquatic Center. We spend a lot of our summer in their three pools under one big retractible roof: one tepid and huge pool, a warm therapy pool and a wading pool for the little ones. The boys also love the slide and zip line. 07/10/2011

Hood River's Own "Stonehenge", Fine Dining One of our favorite restaurants in a town of incredible restaurants is Stonehenge. Located on the outskirts of town, the setting is a wonderland of woods and terraces, peaceful and serene. The inside is lovely and elegant, a historic home, built in 1889 and with all the charm of years gone by. The food is pretty darned good, too. The menu varies from filet mignon to shrimp linguini, wild salmon, ravioli and lots more. There is also a nice variety of fine wines to taste and compliment your dinner. Stonehenge is a popular spot for a wedding and they cater. Located at 3405 Cascade Ave., Hood River. For reservations call: 541-360-3940 07/10/2011

Kicking It, Hood River Style, Kiteboarding Capital of the Continental US Hood River, Oregon is considered by many to be the windsurfing and kiteboarding capital of the continental United States. I snapped this photo today as our kids swam at Hood River Waterfront Park. One day we just may muster up the courage to try kiteboarding ourselves. 07/10/2011

Speechless Sunday - Big Dog Beach Day, Waterfront Park, Hood River We came across this big guy at the beach the other day just hanging out with his family, taking in the sun and enjoying the Columbia River. Waterfront Park has a great bay for the kids to swim and a long paved walk to explore the area. 07/10/2011