I woke up really early this morning and drove to the Columbia Gorge for sunrise. My destination was Tom McCall Preserve, a plateau that is protected by the Nature Conservancy. At this time of year it’s covered with native wildflowers…primarily balsamroot and lupine. The weather was cloudy when I arrived, but I set off up the trail anyways. Luckily the sun broke through as I was climbing the ridge, and I was treated to one of the most beautiful natural displays I’ve ever seen.