Chris Carvalho
@gorgepulse.bsky.social
News, photography, analysis, and commentary on the Columbia Gorge and the environment. Rectal cancer survivor. Voice of marginalized Gorge communities.
Wednesday, 2/11, OHA reported 7 new COVID deaths in Oregon with 6 of them in 2026; the total is now 10,951. Hospitalizations are at 0.2 per 100,000 compared to a national average of 0.8. Wastewater levels are noisy but show an increasing trend.
February 14, 2026 at 1:39 AM
Wednesday, 2/11, OHA reported 7 new COVID deaths in Oregon with 6 of them in 2026; the total is now 10,951. Hospitalizations are at 0.2 per 100,000 compared to a national average of 0.8. Wastewater levels are noisy but show an increasing trend.
Another trash pickup of Old Highway 8 completed. The road to Catherine Creek is now clean & ready for spring wildflower viewing. Enjoy the trip!
February 13, 2026 at 12:51 AM
Another trash pickup of Old Highway 8 completed. The road to Catherine Creek is now clean & ready for spring wildflower viewing. Enjoy the trip!
McMinnville, & North Bend have shown recent increases. Flu is where the action is, with a strong uptick in wastewater levels & 30% test positivity. If you've been reluctant to get the flu shot due to reports it's a poor match to the circulating strain, remember that indoor ...
February 9, 2026 at 1:16 AM
McMinnville, & North Bend have shown recent increases. Flu is where the action is, with a strong uptick in wastewater levels & 30% test positivity. If you've been reluctant to get the flu shot due to reports it's a poor match to the circulating strain, remember that indoor ...
On Wed. 2/4, OHA reported zero new COVID deaths in Oregon; the total is 10,944. There have been no deaths in 2026. As of 1/31, hospitalizations (green) are at 0.3 per 100,000, compared to a national average of 0.8. Wastewater levels have been trending down. Eugene, ...
February 9, 2026 at 1:16 AM
On Wed. 2/4, OHA reported zero new COVID deaths in Oregon; the total is 10,944. There have been no deaths in 2026. As of 1/31, hospitalizations (green) are at 0.3 per 100,000, compared to a national average of 0.8. Wastewater levels have been trending down. Eugene, ...
whitlow-grass. It's unusual to see so many species this early. They're scattered right now with no big displays, but if you spend time looking, you'll be rewarded. Concentrate on warmer south-facing slopes.
January 30, 2026 at 2:16 AM
whitlow-grass. It's unusual to see so many species this early. They're scattered right now with no big displays, but if you spend time looking, you'll be rewarded. Concentrate on warmer south-facing slopes.
First stirrings of spring in the Gorge: grass widow, prairie star, wholeleaf saxifrage, salt & pepper desert parsley, & ...
January 30, 2026 at 2:16 AM
First stirrings of spring in the Gorge: grass widow, prairie star, wholeleaf saxifrage, salt & pepper desert parsley, & ...
Oregon will lose a member of Congress while Texas & Florida each gain 4 members, because Oregon blocks housing, while Texas & Florida build housing. @tinakotek.bsky.social
January 28, 2026 at 1:02 AM
Oregon will lose a member of Congress while Texas & Florida each gain 4 members, because Oregon blocks housing, while Texas & Florida build housing. @tinakotek.bsky.social
Wednesday, January 21, OHA reported 2 new COVID deaths in Oregon; the total is now 10,943. As of 1/3, hospitalizations are at 0.7 per 100,000 compared to a national average of 1.9. Wastewater levels are increasing in North Bend & The Dalles.
January 25, 2026 at 11:24 PM
Wednesday, January 21, OHA reported 2 new COVID deaths in Oregon; the total is now 10,943. As of 1/3, hospitalizations are at 0.7 per 100,000 compared to a national average of 1.9. Wastewater levels are increasing in North Bend & The Dalles.
Light snow passing through the Gorge now, with pockets of freezing rain near Corbett.
January 23, 2026 at 1:00 AM
Light snow passing through the Gorge now, with pockets of freezing rain near Corbett.
The Hood River Bridge will have temporary lane closures on Thursday, 1/15. portofhoodriver.com
January 14, 2026 at 2:03 AM
The Hood River Bridge will have temporary lane closures on Thursday, 1/15. portofhoodriver.com
Jaw-dropping sunset on yesterday's hike. This is looking east with the sun setting behind me. Wildflowers are beginning, a very early start to the season. Update soon.
January 13, 2026 at 1:41 AM
Jaw-dropping sunset on yesterday's hike. This is looking east with the sun setting behind me. Wildflowers are beginning, a very early start to the season. Update soon.
The Troutdale Library will be closed through at least the end of January due to roof truss damage. More repairs will be needed later this year. (Oregonian, 1/11/26, p. A2)
January 11, 2026 at 7:50 PM
The Troutdale Library will be closed through at least the end of January due to roof truss damage. More repairs will be needed later this year. (Oregonian, 1/11/26, p. A2)
Wednesday, 1/7, OHA reported 4 new COVID deaths in Oregon; the total is now 10,940. Hospitalizations as of 1/3/26 are at 0.5 per 100,000, compared to a national average of 1.2. No wastewater update.
January 10, 2026 at 2:39 AM
Wednesday, 1/7, OHA reported 4 new COVID deaths in Oregon; the total is now 10,940. Hospitalizations as of 1/3/26 are at 0.5 per 100,000, compared to a national average of 1.2. No wastewater update.
with charming purple flowers growing along the stems, resembling a necklace. Native Americans had seemingly contradictory uses for the plant, with a liquid compound of the root used to treat indigestion, but also used the plant as an emetic, ...
January 7, 2026 at 2:39 AM
with charming purple flowers growing along the stems, resembling a necklace. Native Americans had seemingly contradictory uses for the plant, with a liquid compound of the root used to treat indigestion, but also used the plant as an emetic, ...
The clasping Venus' looking-glass (Triodanis perfoliata) is an annual herb native to the Americas, ranging from Argentina to southern Canada. In the Gorge it's uncommon enough to not appear in Russ Jolley's "Wildflowers of the Columbia Gorge." It's from the bluebell family ...
January 7, 2026 at 2:39 AM
The clasping Venus' looking-glass (Triodanis perfoliata) is an annual herb native to the Americas, ranging from Argentina to southern Canada. In the Gorge it's uncommon enough to not appear in Russ Jolley's "Wildflowers of the Columbia Gorge." It's from the bluebell family ...
On 12/31/25, OHA announced 6 new COVID deaths in Oregon; the total is now 10,936. Hospitalizations are at 0.4 per 100,000 as of 12/31 compared to a national average of 0.8. OHA has not updated wastewater data since 12/4.
January 4, 2026 at 12:19 AM
On 12/31/25, OHA announced 6 new COVID deaths in Oregon; the total is now 10,936. Hospitalizations are at 0.4 per 100,000 as of 12/31 compared to a national average of 0.8. OHA has not updated wastewater data since 12/4.
Free parking days in 2026 for Portland Metro regional parks:
January 3, 2026 at 2:30 AM
Free parking days in 2026 for Portland Metro regional parks:
Wishing you all a fruitful & happy 2026 from the Gorge! (US Government photo from the now defunct Gorge air quality monitoring site) We've had a warm winter so far, and a few wildflowers are already blooming in some sheltered spots. Photos soon.
January 2, 2026 at 12:28 AM
Wishing you all a fruitful & happy 2026 from the Gorge! (US Government photo from the now defunct Gorge air quality monitoring site) We've had a warm winter so far, and a few wildflowers are already blooming in some sheltered spots. Photos soon.
Yesterday we finished balsamroot planting for the season and were rewarded with a stunning sunset with Mt. Hood on the center-right horizon. I brought hot chocolate to celebrate, and with the chilly temperature it was just what I needed.
December 30, 2025 at 12:26 AM
Yesterday we finished balsamroot planting for the season and were rewarded with a stunning sunset with Mt. Hood on the center-right horizon. I brought hot chocolate to celebrate, and with the chilly temperature it was just what I needed.
Bald eagles have returned to the Gorge. 2 good places to see them are The Dalles Dam & the Balfour-Klickitat wayside park in Lyle, WA.
December 28, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Bald eagles have returned to the Gorge. 2 good places to see them are The Dalles Dam & the Balfour-Klickitat wayside park in Lyle, WA.
Merry Christmas from the Gorge! Whether or not you celebrate, the values of peace, gift giving, & good will to all are worthy of practicing & upholding in the region. Speak up when you see those values being violated. The Gorge will reward you in infinite measure.
December 25, 2025 at 11:05 PM
Merry Christmas from the Gorge! Whether or not you celebrate, the values of peace, gift giving, & good will to all are worthy of practicing & upholding in the region. Speak up when you see those values being violated. The Gorge will reward you in infinite measure.
I got a new printer–I mean, a new box for Mario.
December 23, 2025 at 1:02 AM
I got a new printer–I mean, a new box for Mario.
A winter sunset can light up the dark gray basalt cliffs in the east Gorge, making them look like they've been set on fire.
December 20, 2025 at 6:40 PM
A winter sunset can light up the dark gray basalt cliffs in the east Gorge, making them look like they've been set on fire.
The Historic Columbia River Highway is closed between Larch Mtn. Rd & Vista House due to a landslide. tripcheck.com
December 20, 2025 at 6:18 PM
The Historic Columbia River Highway is closed between Larch Mtn. Rd & Vista House due to a landslide. tripcheck.com
On Wednesday, December 17, OHA reported 8 new COVID deaths; the total is now 10,930. 5 were reported the prior week. Hospitalizations are at 0.3 per 100,000 as of 11/29. Wastewater data shows a increased viral levels in Bend, Tryon Creek, Lincoln City, & Corvallis.
December 20, 2025 at 12:38 AM
On Wednesday, December 17, OHA reported 8 new COVID deaths; the total is now 10,930. 5 were reported the prior week. Hospitalizations are at 0.3 per 100,000 as of 11/29. Wastewater data shows a increased viral levels in Bend, Tryon Creek, Lincoln City, & Corvallis.