Let's go!

Amidst towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls, a curious trio sets out on an adventure like no other – Little Fox and his two trusty companions, the adventurous mice, Navy and Cocoa.

Their destination? A not-so hidden trail renowned for its breathtaking vistas and vibrant wildflowers. Onward Navy commands.

First up, some early spring flowers part of the carrot family none-the-less. Plus a waterfall to boot.

The California Poppies are coming out in full force.

So much sunshine and the flowers are starting there show.

Time to hand off the blog to Cocoa to see what they found.

Hiya Navy, here I found Balsamroot.  It's going nuts over here.

Another type of yellow flower - smaller than Balsamroot but just as amazing.

It's always good to get off the main trail and see some of the woods. You never know what you might find.  

This is so cool! A nice little grotto, just the right size for a mouse. 

Our little hiking buddy wanted to get a picture in the blog before it's time to sign off.

Where is Little Fox, everyone? He's nowhere to be found. Maybe he's lost in the woods....

A waterfall adventure

 Hiya Gang,
Little Fox, Navy and Cocoa Beanie here at one of my states most visited areas.  Any ideas? 

Did you guess Multnomah Falls?  If so, you get an "A" for the day.  If this guy moved out of the way we would have a perfect picture of the falls.  Sigh....humans are so dense.

Multnomah Falls is a 627 foot waterfall with two drops in the Columbia River Gorge and it's packed all the time.  Pro tip, visit in the morning or the evening. 

The forest is so pretty in the Spring.

Cocoa and Sequoia trying their best at a group picture.

 As one continues on the hike you come across more waterfalls and surprises. 

A few wildflowers and Cocoa is going to take it from here.

Cocoa here:  I'm the wildflower expert today.  Our first flower is native to the area and is the  Trillium recurvatum.  If the latin name doesn't do it for you we also call it the Trillium. 

Next up is the Ribes sanguineum also known as the Red Flowering Currant.  Native to the PNW, next time I'm up north inBC I might have to see if Sandy and I can find some.

A closer look (and a better picture for sure).

Finaly, a common sight in the area.  Polystichum munitum aka the Western Sword Fern found throughout the northwest and other areas such as the Black Hills of South Dakota, Baja California and beyond. 

On the way down we came across a few more waterfalls.  Fairy Falls, a hidden gem. 

Wait, is that Fairy Falls?  

Yep, according to this old sign that was a tad overgrown I'm at Fairy Falls for sure.

A trip up north.

 Hiya Gang,

Little Fox here and this week I'm taking my pals Cocoa and Navy Beanie up to a little community on the Puget Sound (Edmonds, WA).  Navy really liked this otter, he seemed like he would fit in w/ us stuffy crew. 

I certainly ordered some nice weather for my friends vacation. 

The Puget Sound is so pretty.  On a clear day you can also see the Olympic Mountains in the background.

A popular transportation mode is the private boat.  Of course, I'm a land loving fox so no private boat for us.

This is the second best option to travel around the sound.  Washington State Ferries.  The ferries take you everywhere around the sound and up into Canada as well. 

Spring flowers are the best. 

Tulips, Cocoa Beanie and flamingos.  How can you go wrong. 

Storm is coming in....time to get back. 

Along the way we came across the old Edmonds High School. The original high school was from 1909, this addition happened as a public works project during the depression.  

Looks a little Art Deco but it's actually Art Moderne.  It's similar to Art Deco but the difference is that Art Moderne accentuates vertical lines, sleek surfaces, and flat roofs.  Art Deco is more horizontal lines and geometric designs. Art Deco has it's roots in France and Art Moderne has it's roots in the United States.

Of course, now I have to find some more Art Moderne buildings. In fact, one of the good examples is in my hometown.  This is the interior staircase of the Canada Dry Bottling Plant in Portland. I have to admit it's a darn cool staircase.

Outside of bottling plant.

Where should I take my visitors next? 

Cherry blossoms and a parade of animals

 Hiya Gang,

Happy Easter everyone!

I can't believe it, but the cherry blossom trees are blooming.  Most years I make it down to the capital to see the cherry blossoms and most years I'm either too early or too late.  But not this year, I think Navy must be my good luck charm.

The capital park is one of the best parks to see cherry blossoms in the valley.   On top of the capital is the "Oregon Pioneer" aka the "Gold Man". He has been here since 1938 when the new capital was built (the old one burned down). 

The cherry blossoms are my secret hobby and Navy is posing nicely with some cherry blossoms in the background and some cool lanterns they hang all around the park.  Of course, I haven't been here at night to experience it yet (note to roommate put that on my bucket list).

Not only cherry blossom trees but many flowering trees this spring. 

You can kind of  see the state capital in the background.  Such a cool building, but no tours yet since they are still 

More cherry blossoms but it's time to show Navy more of the campus. 

Blog world, meet the capital beaver family.  These cool beavers have been hanging around the campus for many years (since 1985).  

Of course I can't have guests come to the capital grounds and not see the worlds best statue,  A parade of animals (1991). 

This is one of this fox's favorite public art work.

The crocodile are my favorite, as you might see my hiking companion is itching to get hiking.  Let's go, so much more to explore. 

Off to Riverfront Park. 

This bridge was build around 2015 and connects Riverfront park to Minto Island park (with it's own history....for another day) but a cool walk along the banks of the Willamette. 

It's been raining for a while and the river is a tad high.  Minto Island park is super close to the river but no flooding today.

Near the turn around point, it's a good spot for a snack before we head back and have a proper lunch.  Navy gets to choose lunch today and he's hinting for something local (perhaps salmon, or some artisinal cheese, or farm to table chicken dinner).  

Sequoia approves of all of those choices as well. 

A spring hike!

 Hiya Gang.

Cocoa here doing the solo blog (LF and Navy are "resting" after a long night of partying) so it was the roommate, Sequoia and I.  We decided to head out to the gorge and waht a good idea itw as.

A few early wildflowers were out.  Desert parsley.

Just a little balsamroot....more to come for sure.

And this one.  Anyone know what type of flower it is? 

If you guessed grasswidow I think your right.   

The rock formations in this area are pretty cool.

Lot's of Oregon White Oak.  A beary important tree for animals and birds as a.  Interestingly there is a ton of it here (in Washington).   

The Oregon White Oak is super important habitat for the Western Gray Squirrel (endangered in Washington) and sensitive in Oregon.

According to Sequoia, Wild Turkeys used to roam this are (haven't seen any today) but the White Oak is important for the turkeys habitat as well.  Time to head back down the hill (before the rain picks up).

Clouds are coming in, Jerry and Ben do you see the train in the background?