Two of us hiked up to Indian Point on July 19th. The actual point was dramatic and very scenic, as it overlooks the Columbia Gorge from high above. However, a walk out to the end is quite intimidating. There is a cliff on either side that drops 1,000 feet or more to the forest below. Just one slip on those loose rocks could cause a fatal tumble. It was an uncomfortable thought as I walked along the side of the embankment. But once there, you can see markings of a steep and sketchy-looking climbing route to the very top. The actual point hardly looked like there was room to stand or sit, as visible in the picture. I can’t imagine people risking their life to climb up there, but I know people have done it.

The person I hiked with leaned over the cliff’s edge and took this picture. Those rocks didn’t seem all that stable.

After this little trip off the trail, we continued the hike to Deadwood camp- an area that lives up to its name, with fallen trees everywhere. Although at the camp itself, there were very large old growth trees that made a pleasant surrounding to the campsite.

The next day we hiked up to Nick Eaton ridge and followed it all the way back to the Herman Creek parking area. Along the way, there were some nice views down into the Herman Creek canyon and a couple views of Mount Hood.

On July 12, 2008, I rode the motorcycle to St. Helens for a little hiking and photography near Johnston Ridge Observatory. These photos were taken along the ridge trail.

Mount Adams was in clear view from the Devil’s Elbow part of the Johnston Ridge Trail.

At 11:15pm last night a drunk driver crashed into my car, which was parked out in front of my place. No one was hurt except the drunk driver, who was arrested a few minutes afterwards. He somehow pushed my car about 75-100 feet down the street then kept driving with a missing wheel until he was caught a few blocks from here.

Although the engine and front portion wasn’t affected as much, there was too much structural damage to salvage. My car was considered totaled and hauled away.

I guess I won’t be driving to work today.