Windmills and Waterplay

There is never a shortage of things to do and see in the great Columbia River Gorge. Today we set out to see the giant windmills and ended up playing in some water with a few surprises along the way.

We crossed over from I-84 E to the Washington side on Highway 97 North to Maryhill/Goldendale crossing at Biggs Junction.

The Windmills stood over us like giants and looking across the horizon to the Oregon side, hundreds of windmills as far as the eye could see. My 3 year old, Titus was mesmerized by the size and power of these guys. Normally I don’t like when man made industry is in the way of my scenic views but the windmills are fun to watch.

We are typically the family without a plan and today was no exception. We just drive until something catches our eye and we give it a go. We have found some of the most stunning and seemingly secret spots this way.

We wanted to get our 2 pups out for a little water play and spotted a lake from the road. We turned into Horsethief Lake. It was a glorious warm day with sunshine to spare. The dogs jumped right in and began digging for rocks and swimming for sticks.

With Titus napping nearby in the car, and the dogs happily swimming, James and I took in the piece, quiet and sunshine for a few minutes when I spotted some butterflies. For those that don’t know me personally, butterflies are kinda my thing… I have great memories of my Grandma and I chasing butterflies in Arizona when I was a little girl. I got excited and starting snapping some pics. The hubby got into it too and was even able to pick one up.

Jealous, I set the camera down and what do you know, as long as we got out hands wet first and were very slow and gentle, the yellow one would walk right on our fingers.

After getting my butterfly fix in I decided it was too damn nice of a day to stay dry. With the only onlookers clear on the far side of the lake, I stripped down to a tank and undies and jumped in.

There is nothing like just going for it. Shockingly cold at first but within a few playful swimming strokes with the pups and I was warmed up and taking it all in… until… Titus woke up. What was relaxing water time, became a full fledge silly splash time. After putting on a life vest, Titus didn’t hesitate to jump right in with mama. We swam and played and even watched a train zoom by directly across the river from us.

   

Another great day playing on the Columbia River Gorge. Where is your favorite place to just jump in?