Today gave us a dramatic illustration of the differences in climate between the sagebrush steppe of eastern Oregon and the temperate rainforest on the west side of the Cascades. We passed through the Columbia River Gorge and were treated to views of several of the beautiful waterfalls for which the Gorge is famous. In addition to the cascading water on the cliff faces, we finally had some of the rain for which the Pacific Northwest is famous falling on our faces. The clouds draped across the tree tops and the hills fading in to the mist set the mood, and our hotel manager Shannon even brought us cups of steaming hot chocolate. With the waterfalls past and dinner approaching, most guests headed for the warmth of the lounge, while diehard naturalists caught the last few moments of daylight.