Outside With Coco

Brian has announced that ski/snowboard season is now over, so that frees him up to go on hikes with me! Today we hit the road at 7 a.m. and headed out to the Columbia Gorge for a 5-mile hike at Eagle Creek to Punchbowl Falls. It was pretty chilly this morning and overcast, but it was perfect weather for this hike.

We met our friends Laura, Joel, and their pup Oscar at the trailhead and headed out! Eagle Creek was alive with clear, fast-moving water over smooth grey and brown rocks. The rock wall to the left of the trail was covered in soft, bright green moss and ferns with their fronds outstretched, reaching for us as we walked by.

I am scared of heights. I wish I weren’t, but I am. There are two hairy spots on this trail where, on one side, there is a steep drop waaaaay down to the river below. Thank goodness there is a wire railing on the other side drilled into the side of the mountain rock for me to hold on to. The first time I hiked this trail, I was terrified on this part. My palms got sweaty, I was tingly everywhere, my heart was pounding in my chest, and my ears felt like they were stuffed with cotton. But I made it through. This was my second time on this trail, and I was ready for it. I told myself I was safe and to just put one foot in front of the other with one hand on the wire. And then it was done, and sketchville was behind me. Onward.

Then we made it to Lower Punchbowl Falls and hiked down to get a closer look. At the bottom, the rushing water was a rich teal blue in some spots and clear over mossy green rocks in others. The walls around the side of the falls were rounded in, showing where water may have passed many years ago. I stared in awe at the rock walls covered in bright green moss. It was beautiful. After spending time gazing around us and exploring a bit, we hiked up the hill a short distance to the top of the falls. The color of the water was incredible—deep, clear, and a shade of blue that I didn’t expect. My heart was pitter-pattering, and I still can’t believe I live 45 minutes away from this.

After enjoying the beautiful view, we hiked back the way we came and returned to the car. We were all feeling hungry and decided to stop off at Sugarpine Drive-In on our way back. I ordered a shrimp scampi roll, and it did not disappoint. The sandwich had sweet, poached prawns covered in roasted garlic and tobiko aioli, with edible flowers and fresh dill placed on top. Hoooolllyyyy cow. It was delicious and the perfect way to close out our Sunday morning hike.

Although this hike is categorized as a moderate level hike, it felt much easier for me this time around. I’m getting stronger! Not only physically, but mentally as well. The mist of anxiety that usually floats around me has been melting away in recent months, and things are becoming clearer and brighter. I feel confident and I’m having fun! I am living. And I want more.