The Columbia River Gorge

Yesterday we spent our day off at the Columbia River Gorge! It totally blew away anything we have seen so far. The Columbia River separates Oregon and Washington state and is a historical land mark as part of the Lewis and Clark Trail. It was simply breath taking. We took the historical road, just off the highway and this is the first waterfall we came to. It is called Wakeena Falls. We hiked the 1.6 miles to the top and then back down with the waterfall cascading beside us almost the entire time.

This is the bottom of Wakeena Falls that eventually flows into the Columbia River.

Can you believe these pics? This waterfall just kept going and going and going. During the hike, we couldn't help but break out singing praise songs so we had our own worship session while hiking. At one point, I looked around, and I just felt like everything around me - plants, trees, the water, was praising God too! It all screamed of His Glory. I understood completely the verse that talks about how "even the rocks cry out." How can people see things like this and not believe in a Holy God - He created all of this just because He loves us. Just because He could. I can't even begin to imagine what heaven will be like. We will be blown away!

This was taken near the top

I wish I could put all the photos on here - I took so many!

This is Multnoma Falls. It is the 2nd largest water fall in the United States. The top tier is over 500 ft and the bottom (under the bridge) is around 70 ft. This can be seen from the highway. There is a lodge and restaurant at the bottom. The only two falls in the world that are higher are Angel Falls in Venezuela and Yosemite Falls in Yellowstone. It was simply amazing.

Part of Multnoma Falls - it was difficult to get it all in the picture.

We drove on up the Gorge to a town called Hood River. Believe it or not, this is the Wind Surfing Capital of the World. Because of the mountain range on both sides of the Gorge, the wind tunnels through at a steady 30-40 mph. It never lets up - so people come from all over the world to Wind Surf. There were dozens of them out there! So cool!

This is a view from on top of the Oregon side. Across the river is Washington state. We crossed over by a Dam and drove back on the Washington side going in and out of several tunnels. The kids loved that. Of course, Russ honked the horn. You always have to do that when you go through a tunnel! Hee Hee! We crossed back over to Oregon via "The Bridge of the Gods" Also amazing! Again - I have dozens of more pictures - I just can't put everyone on here......

This is Mount Hood. We plan on venturing here on one of our days of exploration. When we flew into Portland, we flew right past it. It was awesome! You can pretty much see this from anywhere in the Portland area - it's July and still has snow on top. While traveling yesterday, we kept seeing another mountain like this sticking up by itself on the Washington side. I didn't know until I asked around today that it was Mount St. Helens! I'm bummed that I didn't take a photo of it.


I took this video of Multnoma Falls to help give you a better perspective of its size. Hope this helps.

Another group came in today. 215 total campers and adults. Biggest session yet. Ginger, our cook, brought her 10 year old son, Aaron to camp for a few weeks. Jarod has a new friend to hang out with and is so excited. I think it's a good change for him.

Russ and I are dealing with the fact that our kids are around teenagers, many of whom are not Christians. As much as we try to protect them from negative influences, we can't prevent them from hearing and seeing some things they shouldn't. Pray that God will protect their innocence while we are here. We know God has placed us here as a family and we are making a difference - we just have to trust God with our kids.

Another staff member and several campers asked Russ for Bibles today. The Staffer's name is Alicia. She too, has a rough home life. Russ is having another devotional tomorrow night after staff meeting. Pray that it goes well and is well attended.

Until next time.......