I have realized that I have started a tradition when it comes to x-mas. For the last two years I have been hiking on x-mas day. Two years ago I was hiking in the cloud forest in Costa Rica. Last year I was hiking with Linda in Texas. So I decided that it was my moral imperative to continue the tradition this year.
This year I went hiking on half of the 4-T Trail. The 4 Ts stand for Train, Trail, Tram and Trolley. The tram was closed due to the holiday so I just took the train out to the zoo and took the trail up to Council Crest. It was a pretty easy hike that took me down the on ramp of a freeway, through the hills and walking through a neighborhood.
Went I got to Council Crest I quickly realized that it was a dog park for their were a few dogs running around and chasing balls. Alright, not really what I expected, but that’s cool. I was walking up a hill and noticed that people were taking pictures of something behind me, so I turned around and found out what they were looking at. Being that it was a rare clear day I was looking directly at Mt. Hood. Cool. Time for me to take some photos.
I kept walking up the hill and at the top was a circular brick wall that pointed out where each mountain was, how tall it was and how far away it was. Again, since it was a clear day I was able to see Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams and Mt. St. Helens. Time for more pictures.
Unfortunately, even though it was clear out, the wind was blowing cold wind so I decided to find cover on the other side of the hill behind a nice tall thick tree. I sat on the ground and enjoyed the warmth the sun was giving off. I read for awhile and then headed home.
That night I went with another VISTA member to see It’s a Wonderful Life. Yes, it was at a movie theater. It has been a long since I saw it and it is still good.
Here are some photos (or view the photos here):