We'll always have Paris...

Forgive me for using Bogie's line, but it was the first thing that came to me when I heard the news.  There are three cities in the world that I consider to be MY city:  San Francisco is one, because I was born and raised there.  Even though I've never been to the other two, I still consider them to be MY cities-- New York, where it's always Autumn and Christmas.  And Paris, where it's always Spring, and love and beauty are always in the air.  To all Parisians and to all those who love Paris; especially to Marty, Arnaud, and Babzy, Je suis tellement desole.

Hiding in the oaks and pines--

Uh.... Why are those people looking at us?

Just two weeks to Thanksgiving...

It's a long way...

... to anyplace at all

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Can't see me.....

Together a long, long time...

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What's going on in Maryhill?

... Vineyards, Orchards, and the occasional BNSF train.  

A bit farther up the river..

About three hours later, the barges from yesterday's post are farther upriver--- passing the towns of Maryhill, Washington (near side), and Biggs Junction, Oregon (far side).  In just a few minutes the push boat and barges will go through the locks at the John Day Dam.

Barging in...

It's fascinating to watch as an eastbound Tidewater Barge boat pushes not just one, but two barges into the locks at The Dalles Dam on the Columbia River.

Beautiful colors in the Klickitat River valley...

Not going anywhere, but...

...this 1950 Studebaker flatbed still shows how handsome he used to be.

Strong against the wind...

This replica of Stonehenge was started in 1918, and finished in 1927-- a memorial to those who died in World War I.  It's on the Washington side of the Columbia River and is owned and maintained by the Maryhill Art Museum.

Just the sound of a magpie...

In the warm sunlight...

...not scary at all.

Come on, just a few more steps....

What could possibly be so scary out there on a dark and dreary All Hallows Eve...

Surprise!

On each side of the Columbia River, mighty railroads run mile long unit trains back and forth throughout each day.  But then this one shows up...   One locomotive, four tank cars, and a caboose!  I haven't seen a caboose on a train in years.  Where ya goin' little guy?

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So much to see...

What I like best...

What do I like best about the dry side of the Cascade Mountains--  The sweeping vistas?  The beautiful skies?  The History?  Yes!

Donkey Power...

The little donkey on the hill doesn't seem a bit impressed by this 70 mile per hour giant rumbling by...

No School Today...

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Someone left the barn in the road...

In the wind...

Roll on...

Long, very long....

There was no way to get all of this west bound train just entering the Columbia River Gorge....

Can't let go...

Hello...

Places to go...

Beyond...

Views I've never seen before...

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Big...

Two locomotives in front, 100 cars, one locomotive pushing-- Mile-long trains are amazing to see speeding by.

Yes, a perfect day...

We spent our 34th anniversary doing what we like to do best--traveling back roads (sometimes unpaved), and find wonderful new places.  

Westbound...

A mile-long BNSF freight train on the far side passes through three of many tunnels through the basalt cliffs.  A Union Pacific container train is also visible on the near side at the bottom of the picture.  And a barge carrying grain is also westbound in the unusually calm waters of the Columbia River.

An oasis of color...

Wheat fields, orchards, and rainbows...

High plains lonely...

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There's always another bend to explore...

More, please. Fall should last longer...

Last glow at sunset...

Warm with a chill...

Disappear with me...

Southbound at sunset...

Glorious Glow...

I don't think I've ever enjoyed an afternoon walk so much as our visit to what we call Abernathy Hollow.  The light was perfect, the salmon were splashing in the creek-- We had a wonderful time.  ♥

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Home at last...

Three large salmon, coming home to end their cycle of life, splashing and even fighting a bit amid the rocks and fallen leaves in the crystal clear waters of the creek.  It was a magical visit to this place Laura and I have named Abernathy Hollow.

Evening hush...

Just passing through...

More to see....