Read Ranch & Coast Virtually Anywhere
Issue link: http://ranchandcoast.uberflip.com/i/1518069
I'm used to seeing windsurfers in San Diego, but this was my first exposure to kiteboarders. Apparently, the sport was discovered in 1989 when daredevil Cory Roeseler strapped his feet to stock water skis. With three rectangular colorful kites, he took off across the Columbia River and into a crowd of surprised windsurfers. Today, kiteboarding is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. Hood River is also chock-full of scenic hiking and mountain biking trails and at Mount Hood, less than an hour to the south, the ski and snow boarding season is the longest in North America — November through May. In addition to outdoor sports, the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum in e Dalles is ideal for families (especially anyone studying Lewis and Clark), and my husband would never forgive me if I didn't mention WAAAM, the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum in Hood River. He continues to rave about the hundreds of still-driving antique automobiles and motorcycles and still- flying antique planes he saw. Now he wants to return to WAAAM for "Second Saturday," when volunteers fly and drive these wonderful old vehicles, which takes place (as one could guess) on the second Saturday of every month. He's crazy about cars — and I can only go so long without pizza. So, on our second night in Hood River, we ate at Solstice Wood Fire Café. is casual spot had a warm vibe and, like everywhere else we ate on this trip, the hospitality was remarkable. One gets the feeling in this part of Oregon that locals are as enthusiastic about their dining as they are about their myriad outdoor sports. Dining is more than just eating. It's about hospitality and community and appreciating local seasonal harvests. I enjoyed my wood-fired pizza and a conversation with our server about Columbia Gorge and all its many assets. It was definitely another "Oh wow" moment. detour destinations << ranchandcoast.com 88 APRIL 2024 RANCH & COAST MAGAZINE The Columbia Gorge Hotel dates from 1921 and its authenticity has been well preserved The Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum is home to hundreds of antique vehicles Mount Hood has the longest ski and snowboarding season in North America PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF ADAMS / HANSEN PHOTOGRAPHY