January 31: Powerful Pops of White

Heading east this morning it seemed counterintuitive to ride towards the mountains when the coast would have been so much warmer. But the captivating dramatic peaks of the cascade volcanoes, covered in fresh snow and creating powerful pops of white against the deep blue winter sky, were calling my name.

Snaking my way along Clackamas River Drive in a thick blanket of wet fog, the silvery blue river waters were largely obscured in the dense mist, leaving me to breathe in the fresh air, lean into the curves, and take in the impressive green Douglas Firs and gnarly grey and brown Cottonwoods lining the banks.

With the fog lifting as I turned north at Carver, I caught a delightful glimpse of a perfectly mirrored strand of trees in the sparkling water before continuing past fields and farmlands through Boring and Damascus, breathing in the smoky scent of multiple burn piles along my way.

Rising in elevation on highway 26 near Government Camp, my breath caught in my throat when the massive snow covered top of Mountain Hood rose up into the sky before me, its icy white rugged peak framed by the cascading hillside of dark green evergreens in the foreground and baby blue sky beyond.

Continuing north on highway 35 through thick banks of snow, I focused on riding between the red tracks of crushed volcanic cinder on both sides of my lane laid down by ODOT to improve traction in winter riding conditions. Coming around a bend in the road, the majestic peak of Mount Adams reached up into the heavens, providing a postcard worthy picture of a winter wonderland.

Descending into Hood River through orchards of pear, and cherry trees, generous wisps of white mist floated over the vineyards and fields and rolling green foothills, creating an ethereal feel to the chilly winter day.

As I made my way home on I-84 west, sharp, stunning white layers of fog over the river brought the bright blue waters of the Columbia into sharp focus against the backdrop of dark grey and blue hills in the distance. What an amazing day on the bike!