MT. HOOD...OREGON

MT. HOOD...Oregon

Did you know that Mt. Hood is considered one of the 7 Wonder of Oregon.  You didn't?! Then I guess you will just have to go visit this majestic Mountain.  The Peak is always...snowy.  Could it be that the elevation is over 11,000 feet or perhaps the eleven glaciers that crown it.  Any way you look at it Mt. Hood is majestic.

Skiers love this place with six ski areas.  Historic Timberline Lodge hosts some of the only

year round skiing anywhere on Earth!

          

There are beautiful Alpine Lakes. 

Forests and valleys that are simply gorgeous during spring and summer with wildflowers and more.  Apples and Pears....yes apples right off the trees and pears so sweet it will make your mouth water. 





Into hiking...there is plenty of trails and you will want to plan out your days on the trails based on your level of expertise and comfort. 

Portland, Oregon

Portland....Oregon

Portland is also the largest city in Oregon.  I spent many hours in Portland.  Enjoying the restaurants and hotels.   The Willamette River flows north through downtown and makes a natural boundary dividing East and West in Portland. 

It is an easy city to get around with public transportation and signs.  

There are five quadrants of Portland.  Now that being said that means that each area has a distinction all its own.  For example, The Pearl District in Northwest Portland was occupied by warehouses and light industry.  Now you have art galleries, restaurants and retail stores and is one of the wealthiest neighborhoods. 

You also have Old Town Chinatown.  It is adjacent to the Pearl District.  Here you will see skyscrapers and public landmarks.

With all this diversity there is something for everyone. 

Now Portland is located about 70 miles east of the Pacific Ocean.  Most of Portland is relatively flat.  However you can see the beautiful mountains that abound. 


Wondering what the weather is like, well I will tell you.  Summers in Portland are warm to hot dry and sunny.  Now Spring and Fall can bring unpredictable weather warm fronts and cold snaps and the chance of thunderstorms that roll off the Cascade Mountain Range.
In the Winter, Portland can be chilly, overcast and damp.  Snowfall varies and the accumulation is usually small about 4.3 inches but there has been the occasional ice storm.


Portland is a great city and worth the trip.  Take time to explore the different quadrants and enjoy the views.

OREGON

OREGON


I actually lived in Oregon for a while.  I, a city girl, actually went fishing and hiking and enjoyed the different variety of landscapes and climates in Oregon.    I lived in a small town called John Day.   Population about 2000.  Quite a bit of difference coming from the city.  I even owned some horses and chickens while I was there.  Me a city kid! Can you imagine that.  Let me tell you, I learned real fast how to deal with the quite country life and you know something, it wasn't bad.  Just different.  The people in my town were wonderful. 

Oregon is in the Pacific Northwest and the Lewis and Clark Expedition actually traveled through Oregon.  If you are unfamiliar with where it sits, well its south of Washington State,

north of California. 

Most people think Portland, Oregon.  Yes Portland is a major city sits near the water and we will talk about that city a little later on.   You also have the high desert, evergreens  prairies and mountains...such as Mount Hood...a glacier mountain.  See, the landscapes are diverse....the climate is diverse....the State is Amazing.

                        

  

               

A funny thing happened to me while I was driving through Oregon on my way to Idaho.  Traveling through prairie...I had seen an Antelope!  I was amazed.  I only seen antelopes in the zoos and here it was just loping past my car.  I never did see another wild Antelope after that. 

One of the things I never knew about Oregon is that its named was actually spelt Ouragon...but in 1778 it was formally changed to the current spelling.   

Oregon...a hidden gem...worth the trip....many different places/cities/towns to see.  Hiking, Hunting, Fishing, Camping, boating, skiing, the list goes on and on.

Want to hear more about Oregon and Re-Discovering America check out my podcast on
www.stitcher.com Zee Michaelson Travel


If you visit Oregon...let me know...would love to see pictures and post them to my blog.


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DEATH VALLEY, CALIFORNIA

Death Valley


Not many people realize that Death Valley is a National Park and is open year round.   It is one of the hottest places in the United States.  The temperatures can soar to well over 100 and the desert can get a little chilly in the winter...particularly at night.









Most people think deserts are just sand.  Well yes the desert is loaded with sand...but the desert flowers are amazing.  Bring a camera...you won't want to miss a single shot. But only bring your camera to shoot.  Guns are not allowed in the park.

                           

Make sure you are prepared when you enter into this beautiful desert complete with campgrounds, museum, lodging, unbelievable canyons and more.  Take plenty of water, extra fuel in you are going off roading. 


       



If you are a first time visitor to this desert I would recommend a Ranger guided program that are conducted from the fall to early spring.  The Death Valley Visitor Guide is a good source for information.


There are two things that I find very interesting....the first amazing thing the Mystery of the Sailing Stones.  Yes Sailing Stones....they move across the desert ground...the stones can weigh as much as 1000 pounds.  There are many theories surrounding the mystery.  You will just have to see it yourself. 



Now who would have thought that in the middle of nowhere there would be a castle....yes a castle.  Scotty's Castle.  It is now owned by the National Park Service and yes you can tour this Spanish Style castle and even pick up a souvenir or two.

The desert is an amazing place.  However remember, it can be harsh.  Treat it with respect and you will have a wonderful, enlightening time.
        







If you like this story and want to hear more...check out my podcast at
www.stitcher.com  just look for ZeeMichaelsonTravel


I look forward to hearing from you with your pictures of your trip to Death Valley.