Multnomah Falls

The weather still wasn't cooperating for Simon and Lucia's trip to Portland.  It was still dreary and gray (yes - Portland is rainy and gray a lot but September is supposed to be beautiful - this was just a freak storm).  Luckily it wasn't pouring though, so we decided to go to Multnomah Falls (a recommendation from a guy at Fulton Pub).

As I was getting us all ready to go (rain coats, shoes, etc), I heard "Teach Me How to Dougie" downstairs.  I walked in to find Maddie, Lucia and Simon being so silly and dancing.  They will kill me for posting this photo, but it was just too funny not to post. 

After a bit of shopping downtown, we got on the road to Multnomah Falls.  It only took about 30 minutes and we were there.  We were in the Columbia River Gorge and it was SO beautiful.  Although the trees are different, we all agreed that it looks A LOT like New Zealand.  Each new view was more and more amazing.  I took this photo because I wanted a good shot of the two of them with the waterfall behind them.  Little did I know there were even more amazing views to come!

That is us on the bridge!

The trees looked like they were wearing moss sweaters!  It was really funny.

On the bridge

We decided to take the walk up to the very top ... yes ... the VERY top.  I should have assumed that it was going to be quite a climb.  Maybe I overestimated my own fitness level these days and underestimated Evelyn's weight in a backpack.

It was a mile uphill the whole way ... I would say it was at least an 88 - 90 degree slope ... at least. :) Simon was so cute and carried Maddie most of the way.  Lucky Maddie!

The Columbia River Gorge is so beautiful (I would pause and take pictures when I needed a break - it was kind of my cover ... but it really was pretty!).

Getting closer!!!

Another oxygen break ... I mean beautiful photo.

We finally made it to the top!  Guess what happened to the path - it started to go down hill towards the drop off ... so yes ... it ended up being up hill both ways!  Ahhhhhh!

Up and over the edge

Sweet Maddie

We made it to the top!  We managed to hold it together for a photo.  It was quite a climb.  

It felt good though. All that fresh air.

 

 

 

On our way down the girls found a funny little cave

Apparently Maddie reached her photo limit.  Dear Nick - thank you for giving me a cute little girl version of you.  She makes me laugh every day ... mostly because she is you.

Simon and Lucia on the bridge

Simon and Lucia headed back to San Francisco early the next morning.  We were so lucky that they took the time to come and visit us.  We can't wait to see them again in a few months in New Zealand!