Strategy for Oregon Waterfalls with a Wet Blanket?
Jun 12th, 2015, 03:21 PM
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Strategy for Oregon Waterfalls with a Wet Blanket?
My daughter and her SO moved to Portland recently. My husband and I will be visiting them for the first time in early August. Our 30 year old son will be traveling with us too. I know all three of the "kids" like outdoor activities and hiking. My son particularly loves waterfalls. My husband is pretty fit and might like a moderate amount of hiking too.
The problem is me. I am overweight. I have a bad knee, and lately my hip isn't so great either. On top of that, I have balance issues. But I don't want to spoil the fun or keep the rest of our group from doing something they would truly enjoy. And, dang it, I'd like to see some waterfalls too.
Any suggestions for waterfalls that even I can make it to, but then the rest of the group could go on from there while I read a book or tour something on flat land? Also, I'd like to treat them to a decent meal while we're out there. I'm assuming, since it's Oregon, that vegetarian options are available almost everywhere (for SO)? Oh, and they really like craft beers.
Help a fat girl out?
The problem is me. I am overweight. I have a bad knee, and lately my hip isn't so great either. On top of that, I have balance issues. But I don't want to spoil the fun or keep the rest of our group from doing something they would truly enjoy. And, dang it, I'd like to see some waterfalls too.
Any suggestions for waterfalls that even I can make it to, but then the rest of the group could go on from there while I read a book or tour something on flat land? Also, I'd like to treat them to a decent meal while we're out there. I'm assuming, since it's Oregon, that vegetarian options are available almost everywhere (for SO)? Oh, and they really like craft beers.
Help a fat girl out?
Jun 12th, 2015, 04:45 PM
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At Multnomah Falls there are several places you can hang out while they explore more- you can do as much or as little as you want and still enjoy the falls. I think there is a restaurant there and a gift shop.
The trekking poles are great- I use mine a lot but you can enjoy several of the falls without walking very far.
The trekking poles are great- I use mine a lot but you can enjoy several of the falls without walking very far.
Jun 12th, 2015, 04:45 PM
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elberko, Trekking poles, huh? Hmmm. After reading your comment I googled them and found an article talking about how useful they are. I especially like the idea that they reduce impact going DOWN hills. For some reason that always hurts more. I think I'll pick up a pair and try them out on a trail around here. How do you pack them for your flight?
HTtY, Nice to know I can see a few within a short walk. Are there any that the rest of my crew can then go on to explore further while I lag behind?
HTtY, Nice to know I can see a few within a short walk. Are there any that the rest of my crew can then go on to explore further while I lag behind?
Jun 12th, 2015, 05:43 PM
#8
I agree that the hiking poles make a BIG difference. I did a 5 mile hike in (to an inn) and hike out and borrowed one of my partner's pair and what a difference it made. I've been meaning to buy some of my own.
I think your willingness to wait and read will keep you from being a wet blanket. Maybe take a camera too and take pictures from lower/flatter areas? Take a deck of cards and find a picnic table and play solitaire. If they know you are settled in and happy somewhere, they can hike happily without worrying about you. That's a huge gift you will give them.
Maybe start each day with a mostly flat stroll kind of hike and then do your thing while they go off for a while?
Can't wait for this trip report!
I think your willingness to wait and read will keep you from being a wet blanket. Maybe take a camera too and take pictures from lower/flatter areas? Take a deck of cards and find a picnic table and play solitaire. If they know you are settled in and happy somewhere, they can hike happily without worrying about you. That's a huge gift you will give them.
Maybe start each day with a mostly flat stroll kind of hike and then do your thing while they go off for a while?
Can't wait for this trip report!
Jun 12th, 2015, 06:46 PM
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You can check with the REI store in Portland and see if they rent hiking poles rather than buy them yourself. I think it would be cheaper to rent a few days than buy if you're not someone that normally goes hiking.
http://www.rei.com/stores/portland.html
http://www.rei.com/stores/portland.html
Jun 13th, 2015, 01:54 AM
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starrs, Without Mama or Gladys with me, the trip report isn't likely to be as lively It's a six day trip with two of those spent mostly traveling. I'll leave the kids to plan the city portion. All I require is a trip to Powell's Book Store. I wouldn't mind having a restaurant or two in mind -- something they wouldn't normally do because of cost. It's fun to treat them to something special. I want to get a plan in place for hiking though, just in case they all thought 'guess we can't do that since Mom's around'. Thanks for your input on the poles.
wherearewe, I appreciate the tip about renting the poles. I'll ask my daughter about it. Although ... maybe these things will make the difference and I'll be able to hike/walk more often?
sunburn, Thank you for the Costco tip. Do you use them even when walking in town? We live on a peninsula in the middle of a lake. I see my elderly neighbor walking with what I thought was a ski pole all the time (summer/winter). There's another neighbor (not quite as elderly) who has some sort of pole with him too. I wonder if these are trekking poles (or their version of them)?
Also -- restaurant/brewery advice?
It's a six day trip with two of those spent mostly traveling. I'll leave the kids to plan the city portion. All I require is a trip to Powell's Book Store. I wouldn't mind having a restaurant or two in mind -- something they wouldn't normally do because of cost. It's fun to treat them to something special. I want to get a plan in place for hiking though, just in case they all thought 'guess we can't do that since Mom's around'. Thanks for your input on the poles.wherearewe, I appreciate the tip about renting the poles. I'll ask my daughter about it. Although ... maybe these things will make the difference and I'll be able to hike/walk more often?
sunburn, Thank you for the Costco tip. Do you use them even when walking in town? We live on a peninsula in the middle of a lake. I see my elderly neighbor walking with what I thought was a ski pole all the time (summer/winter). There's another neighbor (not quite as elderly) who has some sort of pole with him too. I wonder if these are trekking poles (or their version of them)?
Also -- restaurant/brewery advice?
Jun 13th, 2015, 02:42 AM
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Jun 13th, 2015, 06:09 AM
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What the heck, you are being a great sport!
Get a lightweight folding umbrella chairs (but one you can get out of), make your way to the waterfall with hiking poles, set up with your book, a camera, a drink. What's not to like? They can pick you up on the way back. Better keep the car keys!
More seriously, I gave up summer hiking many years ago for hiking on snow because it cushioned my knees on the downhills.
Get a lightweight folding umbrella chairs (but one you can get out of), make your way to the waterfall with hiking poles, set up with your book, a camera, a drink. What's not to like? They can pick you up on the way back. Better keep the car keys!
More seriously, I gave up summer hiking many years ago for hiking on snow because it cushioned my knees on the downhills.
Jun 13th, 2015, 07:31 AM
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I use my poles in town if it's going to be a long walk or if there will be a hill. Sometimes I just use one but if you use two you get an upper body work out too.
Have not had dinner in Portland in a long while so not really up on restaurants. I have always liked thr Newport Bay its on the waterfront, you can see all the boats cruising the river and the menu has many fish dishes. It's a floating restaurant not top of the line but pleasant
Have not had dinner in Portland in a long while so not really up on restaurants. I have always liked thr Newport Bay its on the waterfront, you can see all the boats cruising the river and the menu has many fish dishes. It's a floating restaurant not top of the line but pleasant
Jun 13th, 2015, 08:56 AM
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COSTCO had great deal on trekking poles last week, 2/$29.00.
Bring the collapsible stool, and maybe a fancy camera to do artsy closeups, etc., and your ereader.
It's nice that you want to participate as much as you can!
Bring the collapsible stool, and maybe a fancy camera to do artsy closeups, etc., and your ereader.
It's nice that you want to participate as much as you can!
Jun 13th, 2015, 09:10 AM
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I heartily endorse trekking poles, although I would add that if you're a klutz like me, you should practice with them. Also, to state the obvious, your hands won't be free. I'd say they will help your balance issues a LOT, and your joint pain a little, so yes, I think they'll help you hike/walk more for sure. I see them a lot all over the place, on paved walking paths, beach trails, mountain trails, you name it.
Friends of ours are crazy about Andina (a restaurant in Portland). I'm sorry I can't recommend it personally (having never been), but they have good taste and honestly, they can't stop talking about it, so, fwiw...
Breweries, now you're talking! We loved Deschuttes, and it's a stone's throw (as I recall, maybe a block?) from Powells. It's a restaurant, great for lunch, and the beers are terrific. We have always meant to stop at rogue and never have, but it's on our list, again, fwiw...
Friends of ours are crazy about Andina (a restaurant in Portland). I'm sorry I can't recommend it personally (having never been), but they have good taste and honestly, they can't stop talking about it, so, fwiw...
Breweries, now you're talking! We loved Deschuttes, and it's a stone's throw (as I recall, maybe a block?) from Powells. It's a restaurant, great for lunch, and the beers are terrific. We have always meant to stop at rogue and never have, but it's on our list, again, fwiw...
Jun 13th, 2015, 09:28 AM
#18
Just to note that a couple of the waterfalls, notably Multnomah and Latourell, have very easily accessed viewing platforms (handicapped ramps etc.) and places to wait while others climb further up. For example, at Multnomah Falls you can wait at the lower viewing level while others climb up to the bridge, or even to the top of the falls; neither of you will leave disappointed.
You don't say how long you're visiting, but I'd try to include a drive around the Fruit Loop - http://hoodriverfruitloop.com/ - for a combination of gorgeous scenery, fruit and crafts stands, wineries, etc. Hood River is a real beer/wine/food destination, and it can make for a great outing from Portland.
For food, craft beer, and a seriously cool place, maybe visit McMenamin's Edgefield after the waterfalls. On-site brewery, winery, distillery, numerous cool little bars and places to eat, movie theater, gardens, golf, funky art everywhere... a real destination. I'm sure the Black Rabbit cafe at Edgefield has vegetarian options. http://www.mcmenamins.com/Edgefield
You don't say how long you're visiting, but I'd try to include a drive around the Fruit Loop - http://hoodriverfruitloop.com/ - for a combination of gorgeous scenery, fruit and crafts stands, wineries, etc. Hood River is a real beer/wine/food destination, and it can make for a great outing from Portland.
For food, craft beer, and a seriously cool place, maybe visit McMenamin's Edgefield after the waterfalls. On-site brewery, winery, distillery, numerous cool little bars and places to eat, movie theater, gardens, golf, funky art everywhere... a real destination. I'm sure the Black Rabbit cafe at Edgefield has vegetarian options. http://www.mcmenamins.com/Edgefield
Jun 13th, 2015, 09:37 AM
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We have Lekis, which I believe are Czech made. They have an industrial quality spring that eases the impact. We have been using them for years and my wife took hers on the 500 mile Camino. We also saw many elderly Swiss using them for support and an occasional senior here in the US. I use mine on occasion when the weather is bad because the rubber tip comes off to reveal a steel tip.
Jun 13th, 2015, 11:40 AM
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I also advocate the trekking poles. We got them for a trip to the Big Island last year. We used to be avid hikers and loved walking on the lava around the coast, but I blew my knee out last year and was worried I wouldn't be able to keep up. The poles (and a knee brace from my ortho doc) helped me hike and keep my balance on the lava and on hills.
NewBe is right- practice before you go. Get outside and walk with them on different terrains, not just around your house. It can be a little hard to feel at ease with them at first. You want to get the motion correct so that you aren't just carrying a couple of poles along with you put actually using them to aid your walking.
Do a search online to find videos and explanations of how to use the trekking poles. Having the proper grip is essential because otherwise you put too much strain on your hands. We watched some videos, read some information, and then practiced on a flat trail near our house and in our neighborhood a few times before our trip. You want to be sure you set the height correctly for you too.
Once you get used to them, the motion is very natural and actually makes you have better posture and gives you a light core, back, and arm workout. It also gently increases your cardio workout because you are using your whole body. From what I read online, it's a popular health workout in England.
When my MIL was alive, we had a folding chair that was attached to backpack straps that we took on hikes with her- she would go a little way and find a nice spot, set up her chair, get out her book and binoculars for birdwatching and relax while the rest of the family continued on.
NewBe is right- practice before you go. Get outside and walk with them on different terrains, not just around your house. It can be a little hard to feel at ease with them at first. You want to get the motion correct so that you aren't just carrying a couple of poles along with you put actually using them to aid your walking.
Do a search online to find videos and explanations of how to use the trekking poles. Having the proper grip is essential because otherwise you put too much strain on your hands. We watched some videos, read some information, and then practiced on a flat trail near our house and in our neighborhood a few times before our trip. You want to be sure you set the height correctly for you too.
Once you get used to them, the motion is very natural and actually makes you have better posture and gives you a light core, back, and arm workout. It also gently increases your cardio workout because you are using your whole body. From what I read online, it's a popular health workout in England.
When my MIL was alive, we had a folding chair that was attached to backpack straps that we took on hikes with her- she would go a little way and find a nice spot, set up her chair, get out her book and binoculars for birdwatching and relax while the rest of the family continued on.
