Hood River

Windsurfing the Columbia: LAPC

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Windsurfing the Columbia River is a popular activity. On one of our visits to Hood River, Oregon, we happened to be there during a national Association of Wind Water Sports Industries (AWSI) event. In September, they host the AWSI Boards Sports Expo for their members.

You can see windsurfers and kiteboarders up close, and from farther away.

Windsurfers

On the Columbia River

Why is windsurfing the Columbia River so popular? The Columbia Gorge is like a natural wind tunnel. It’s often referred to as the windsurfing capital of the world. Click here to see a map showing the numerous water sports launch sites along the Columbia.

windsurfing the Columbia

surfers

When you’re there, you’ll get great views of the mountains surrounding the Columbia Gorge.

Columbia River Gorge

Columbia River Gorge

This photo was taken from the south shore of the Columbia.

On the river

You can see the Hood River bridge in the background.

Mount Hood bridge

If you drive over the bridge, you’ll get more views of windsurfers and kiteboarders. Note Mount Hood in the background.

Hood River bridge

I took this picture from the north shore.

windsurfing the Columbia River

One of the great things about this sport is that everyone can find a place to watch it from. 😀

Do you want to learn how to windsurf or kiteboard? There are several companies in and around Hood River that offer lessons.

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge – Looking Back to #151 – On the Water

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Egg River Cafe mural: Monday Mural

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This colorful mural is at the Egg River Cafe in Hood River, Oregon. The rooster crows proudly from a fence post in front of a happy little farm. Orchards cover rolling foothills and Mount Hood peeks out in the distance. Chicken-themed decorations can be found throughout the restaurant.

Egg River Cafe mural

This is a great place to stop for breakfast or lunch while visiting Hood River.

Monday Mural

Driving into Hood River: SS & CWWC

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Here’s the view as we were driving across the Columbia River into Hood River, Oregon on a recent trip. You can see Mount Hood peeking over the hills on the left side of the picture.

driving into Hood River

We happened to be there when the annual Association of Wind + Watersports Industries event was taking place. Here’s a picture of the Hood River Bridge from the Oregon side. Can you see all the windsurfers out there?

Windsurfers on the Columbia

Sunday Stills (SS) – Bridges to everywhere

Cee’s Which Way Challenge (CWWC) – Any type of bridge

Amazing airplanes in Hood River: LAPC

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If you’d like to see a large collection of amazing airplanes, be sure to visit the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum (WAAAM) in Hood River, Oregon. The indoor hangar space is more than 3.5 acres in size.

All of the aircraft have been restored to working condition. This process takes a long time and the Museum restores an average of two per year. Our family donated a Fly Baby homebuilt plane, but it’s not yet on display.

The planes are generally arranged by type within the buildings.

Biplanes

Amazing airplanes

Biplanes have interesting designs and they’re a great subject for photographs. I featured one of them in a black and white photograph in a previous post.

Mike and Linda Strong, friends of the family, donated the two 1929 WACOs pictured below. Mike worked as an airline pilot for many years and liked to fly smaller planes in his spare time. He gave me a ride in one of the WACOs years ago and it was a memorable experience.

The first WACO is a taper wing. At high speeds, tapered wings decrease drag and increase lift. They also make the plane lighter and more maneuverable.

1929 WACO
1929 WACO CTO
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Terry’s Hanger Shop: Monochrome Monday

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Terrys Hanger Shop

Terry’s Hanger Shop is part of one of the displays at the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum located in Hood River, Oregon. This large museum features airplanes, automobiles, and other artifacts. This shop is one of the many storefronts featured around the perimeter of the building.

Did you notice the sign showing the hours they are open? “Gone Yesterday Today and Tomorrow.” Someone has a good sense of humor. 😉

Monochrome Monday

A fruit-filled Friday: FOTD Challenge

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I’m sharing memories of a fruit-filled Friday in Hood River, Oregon last fall. We took a trip to northern Oregon in search of fall foliage, but stopped to buy some tasty fruit in Hood River. These apples were at Smiley’s Red Barn, one of 26 stops along the Hood River Fruit Loop. Visitors can stop at fruit stands, orchards, wineries, and vineyards along this route. If you’re craving a good beer, check out some of the great breweries and pubs within a half hour from Hood River.

A fruit-filled Friday

Flower of the Day (FOTD) Challenge