Barefeet, beaches, boats and my babes :)

Yesterday was so warm in town, we thought we would try to cool off by heading up the gorge to play in the river. The temp was still high nineties, but the water of the Columbia River was very refreshing. We set up our gear on one of the beaches in Hood River, had our picnic of sub sandwiches and then spent the rest of the time in the water. Lauren took longer to get the courage to wade in, even though you can see the bottom, so she spent more time digging in the sand. Alyssa and Harry played aerobe in the shallow water and also caught the attention of one of the many dogs who wanted to play also. After the winter storms we had in the winter of 2007, the beach area was enlarged due to all the sand and debris that washed down into the Columbia River. Now, when the water is lower, you can practically walk halfway across the river without it passing your thighs. Click here to check out more info on the marina park waterfront.

After enough of the sun and beach, we headed up through Hood River Valley, stopping at a local farmstand for ice cream cones and then up to Trillium Lake, where the girls and Harry cooled off again. Harry and Alyssa went all the way in the cold mountain lake and Lauren had fun running in and out. We saw some newts, which the girls were afraid of touching, and also some trout that a fisherman had caught. Trillium Lake is a year-round destination-kayaking and fishing in the summer, cross-country skiing in the winter, more info here. After a little exploring down a lake path, we headed home, wonderfully tired.

Pathway that winds around the East side of Trillium Lake. Leads to a boat ramp, camp ground and viewpoints.

Refreshed, but so, so tired!

The owner of this boat had a string of trout he caught. Trillium lake is for non-motorized boats only. Harry and I hope to get our kayaks up here this summer--a gorgeous spot! Those two little figures in the water are Harry and Alyssa, brrrr!

These two little guys were playing on the beach near us in Hood River. They look like they are having a pretty deep converstation here. I thought they were so cute! The spot we had was great for discretely taking pictures of other people on the beach and in the water. Of course, sometimes you are surprised with what you capture in a back ground--such as some bathing beauties--oops!

This woman kayaked out into the river and repeatedly threw out a tennis ball for her dog to chase--he had a grand time!

Seemed like a sweet picture opportunity!

The two little guys again, getting completely soaked in the water.

Having some challenges with their swimming trunks--both kept sliding down :)

This dog LOVED the water. He was the dog chasing the aerobe, but anything moving fast caught his attention. He came bounding up and knocked over the little boy in blue, scaring him so badly that he curled up in a little ball on the sand and played dead. Poor little guy--he was okay though.

Some aerobe action from Alyssa. Here are some figures in the background I did not intend to capture.

Laurens attire choice of the day--a dress. I can't imagine that being very comfortable when it is completely wet, but you aren't a "princess" if you are not in a dress.

Finally getting more brave! Lauren was intrigued with some of the rocks we found in the shallow water.....

.... as well as the wet sand dripping from her fingers.

What a fun day! We are looking forward to doing this again!