Spring weather has kick started the wild flowers and the no-longer-so-fuzzy Canada Geese goslings are already forming flight feathers. This can be the most pleasant and rewarding time of year to take to the trail, walking or cycling.

THE DALLES — For fiber artist Sylvianne Johnson, working with natural materials is “like jumping down rabbit holes to learn ways to manifest what I want to create.”

After decades of being on-call 24-7 for commercial refrigeration emergencies, I welcomed retirement a few springs back and for a while the idea of sleeping in was quite appealing. Though I still occasionally sleep in, the appeal didn’t last long. I look forward to daybreak this time of year and walking on the Riverfront Trail where the sky is expansive and the river often enhances the daylight.

I grew up hearing the adage, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Today we might hear “10,000 steps a day helps keep disease away.” However, a new study out of the University of Cambridge in the U.K. combining results from over 90 studies (representing over 30 million participants!), found that the number of steps in a whole day’s activities is not as significant as the actual number of minutes spent in a brisk walking session.

THE DALLES — "The Dalles is a treasure house of history. From the landing of Lewis and Clark in 1805 to the present day this home town of ours has had a prominent part in the development of Oregon, and parts of Washington, Idaho and Montana, for it was the gateway for transportation to all these regions."

For Travis Tastove and Katy Williams, their yard is a family affair. With help from Katy’s mom Marla Williams and the support of daughter Tallulah and dog Maple, they’re able to create something beautiful, brighten up the community and enjoy each other’s company while they do it.

HOOD RIVER — Nothing slows down Maddie Woo — not even open-heart surgery.

When Woo was diagnosed with Williams Syndrome before her first birthday, her mom, Karen “Woody” Woodbury, wasn’t sure what the future held. But never did she think that her daughter would be representing her country on a global scale. Woo was one of two para-equestrian riders who represented the United States at the 2023 Virtus Global Games in Vichy, France. The sixth annual games are the world’s largest sporting event for elite athletes with intellectual disabilities.