Time Out!

We took time out for a fun day last week! We headed up the Gorge to Hood River where there's a beach we'd discovered several years back. 

There was no wind and overcast skies but in the 80's which made for a great time with no sunburns!

It's got great sand and the river is like a giant kiddy pool for a long ways out with no current.

Heading for the sand bar. 

Leroy in a "deep" spot.

Jewels out on the sand bar (that seems like it's in the middle of the river) observing a freight train cruising by on the  far shore.

Out past the sand bar with Washington in sight.

Beetlebug enjoyed himself in the Moby

Phi "drove" his truck most the way out.

 There were the cutest little fresh water clam shells to be found.

Plenty of sand to dig in too.

Got two smiles. :)

There's the train.

 Jewel's "swimming".

 A barge that happened by and crossed under the bridge.

 He looks just like his Daddy the following picture proves it. ;)

 :)

 The sunshine peeked out once or twice.

Beetlebug took a short rest in this convenient "bed"....

and then tried out the feel of sand between his toes.

 That's better. ;)

"Look what I can do Mom"
(this is the first time he sat up on his own! :) 

We stayed till dinner time and then headed toward home on the WA. side with this beautiful view of Mt Hood to look back on.

And tunnels...

 Lots of tunnels.
 It's great to take little getaways now and again. Ours tend to involve a bit of a drive as the kids are relatively good travelers. That means we get some down time to talk or listen to things without to much interruption... so long as it doesn't go over 2 hours :) There are so many great places nearby in the Northwest!  ~ SJo