Horsetail, Ponytail, & Triple Falls Hike

What an amazing weekend.  On Friday night, two friends flew into Portland from Chicago.  We all met  up with some friends and ate an amazing Ethiopian feast at Bete-Lukas, located on SE 50th, just south of Division.  The restaurant is located in what looks like the upstairs of an apartment building.  Right across the street is a food cart pod.  We ordered a variety of dishes, but the Misser Wot (lentils) was by far my favorite.

On Saturday, an old high school friend, who is currently living in Seattle, came down to visit for the weekend.  She brought her cute little pug, named Malcolm.  After introducing the dogs, a whole group of us grabbed some brunch at Gravy on Mississippi.  The wait was long,  but that's to be expected in this town.  But like most brunches, it was well worth it.  Willis and I split an egg sandwich with  sweet peppers and provolone and a side of hashbrowns.  I always forget how giant the portions are there.  When we sat down, I looked over my shoulder and saw a remainding half of a huge scramble someone had ordered.  I'm glad we decided to split.

After brunch we walked up and down Mississippi  Ave. and I discovered some dapper animal prints by Ryan Berkley that I think I really want for our kitchen.  We then went to Powell's Books and Voodoo Doughnuts.  I am always amazed at the amount of people who are willing to stand outside in the cold waiting for a doughnut.  But, I guess it's all apart of the experience?

Aisling & I with Bandit & Hunter at Horsetail Falls

We spent the rest of the evening at my sister's house, eating doughnuts and pizza, and enjoying each others' company.

Becca Yates left this morning to return to Seattle and the rest of us drove out to the Columbia River Gorge for a nice day hike.  We decided to go to Ponytail Falls after a recommendation from friends and our hiking book claiming that it was "less popular."  Less popular? Maybe.  But definitely still crowded!  I'm sure that had a lot to do with the fact that this was possibly the first nice weekend we've had since like October.  Regardless, it was an awesome hike.

It starts at Horsetail Falls, and winds up some switchbacks until you reach Ponytail Falls.  The trail winds behind the waterfall and beneath a lava flow, which is amazing.  The sound is incredible.  After another climb, the trail starts to descend until you cross Oneota Creek on a metal bridge.  The bridge is not the best for little dog paws, so Hunter had to be carried across and Bandit scrambled trying to get comfortable with the footing.  After the bridge the switch backs continue up until you eventually hit Triple Falls.  We stopped for a small lunch break after crossing over the wooden bridge and then hiked back down.  Overall about a 4 mile hike.

Ponytail Falls

Currently Listening to:
Prince Buster - Enjoy Yourself