The Fruit Loop, Hood River, Oregon

A family visit to The Dalles, Oregon in late August turned into a drive through the "Fruit Loop" in Hood River.  If you haven't visited Hood River at the peak of harvest, mark your calendar and take a few leisurely days to tour the lush orchards and vineyards along the Columbia River Gorge  It's a 35 mile drive, and an incredible area that offers the complete experience of growing, producing and enjoying the fruits and wines.    The mountain sides that sloped down to the Columbia River make for ideal fruit growing conditions.  One of my favorite places to visit. 

 Harvey, Gretchen our Hostess, and me

 Jessica and Stan

 Mount Hood Oregon

 At the start of our Fruit Loop drive.

 

Bees and flowers.  

 Sunflowers were everywhere. 

 

Fun colors on fun chairs

 Rasmussen's Orchards

Draper Girls Country Farms

Anastasia and I at one of the fruit stands

 A relic gas pump in a field of flowers

Trees heavy with fresh cherries

The Columbia River busy with paddle boarders

 

The old flour mill, over 130 years old, is now the Sunshine Mill, Artisan Plaza and Winery.

Copa de Vino.  Bottled right in the glass!  No corkscrew required!

 

Their new wine "in" the glass

 

Flowers in the Sunshine Mill catching a little sunshine

   

 Our trip has ended but not before one last picture through the sunny window panes of the winery.