We decided to kick off this marvelous day with a visit to Mt. View Orchards. During the months of October and November, there's never a lack of beauty in these orange and yellow valleys of Hood River County.
It was Swiss Eidelweiss Day at Mt. View Orchards. The Swiss Bavarian-style cookout featured the best sausages and "Erd und Himmel" (Heaven on Earth) apple potatoes. Also on the menu was homemade Strudel and Bratzele-also heaven on earth, plus fresh cider and coffee served near warming torches near the picnic area.
The smell of sauerkraut was in the air along with the autumn spice of gathered apples in the various bins around the orchard. Though a bit chilly outside, the day was bright and crisp, and as beautiful as any day in the latter part of October could be. Of course, we had to stock up on apples and pears. It just isn't possible to go and visit without leaving with an armload.
The remainder of the day found us in Parkdale for ice cream and moments of absolute beauty as we gazed out at the pear orchards that starkly frame Mt. Hood. Everything was orange and yellow contrasted by a deep blue of sky. Along a back road that we as of yet hadn't travelled, the colors were even more alive. We climbed up hills until we were overlooking the valley. The view of course, was breathtaking.
We found a couple of pioneer cemeterys. The Pine Grove Cemetery was the most beautiful with many interesting old stones. 
It was both sad and amazing how many children died at such young ages. Still, back in the day, it must have been a tremendous sight to be able to look out at the mountain and have it so close. It's hard to imagine fields with swaying grass in summer, and falling leaves in autumn blanketing the countryside where highway 35 now cuts through. The entire land would have had such a sense of grandeur. 
In short, the day was filled with yellow and orange; pears and apples once again seemed more important than anything else, for it was their land, their place, and we were just passing through. Autumn light has such an inspiring feel. It's bright, yet there is an odd darkness with gives off a sense of peach color and light orange behind the sunlit blue. It's special, and anything that passes in front of the sun leaves a blackened silouhette for your eyes to feast upon.
It was a fine day in October.
