In Memory of Medal Of Honor Recipient Loren Kaufman AND Happy Memorial Day! - 05/30/11 09:06 PM
In Memory of Medal Of Honor Recipient Loren Kaufman AND Happy Memorial Day
At Sorrosis Park in The Dalles, Oregon, stands a plaque for The Dalles born Loren Kaufman, a National Medal of Honor recipient. Kaufman served as a Sergeant First Class in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in September of 1950, when he personally and without hesitation attacked the enemy in defense of his company. Those actions led to his company escaping an almost certain end as the enemy had completely surrounded them. He not only led his battalion into … (4 comments)

No Ocean? No Problem... Surf Or Board Our River! - 05/29/11 05:40 PM
No Ocean? No Problem... Surf Or Board Our River!
Did you know that Hood River, Oregon is considered by many to be the wind-surfing and kite-boarding capital of the country!? In case you don't know, wind-surfing involves a surf board with a sail, while kite-boarding is more like a wake board and the rider holds onto the cording attached to a large parasailing-type "kite". I had grown up around wind-surfing and even did a little myself, but kite-boarding was new to me when I moved here.
The Columbia River Gorge was perfectly formed to channel the wind into a funneling jet stream that blasts … (3 comments)

Is There Room For A Sweet Lady In Your Life... Meet Lady! - 05/28/11 11:41 PM
Is There Room For A Sweet Lady In Your Life... Meet Lady!
Lady is a shepard mix, about a year old and weighs 50 pounds. Lady is as intelligent as they come. She still needs some training, but has already picked up basic commands at the shelter. She is so eager to please, loves her exercise and can be a mellow cuddler, too. She already walks well on a leash and gets along well with other dogs. Lady's mother, Penny, is available for adoption at the shelter, too. Lady has all her shots, is microchipped and is scheduled to be spayed soon.
The … (3 comments)

It Wouldn't Be Summer Without Hood River's Saturday Market - 05/28/11 11:13 PM
It Wouldn't Be Summer Without Hood River's Saturday Market
I finally got by the Saturday Market today, one of my favorite summer activities in Hood River. It's smaller now than it will be later in the season since few vegetables and fruits are in season yet. But the artisans, bakers, jewelers, crafters, lunch and boutique item sales folks etc. were there. Carinne Carpenter also performed live today, singing and accompanying herself on the guitar.
Hood River has a huge movement encouraging healthy, organic and locally grown eating and the Saturday Market is the perfect way to indulge that philosophy. Located in the Hood River News parking … (1 comments)

Coming Soon on ColumbiaGorgeFSBO.com - 05/28/11 06:08 PM
Coming Soon on ColumbiaGorgeFSBO.com
New Construction3,200 Square Feet4 bedroom, 3 bathMedia room

Keep an eye out for more information on this fantastic property located in The Heights of Hood River.Close to schools, shopping, parks and medical care.
Built by Rovianek Construction541-490-0677
                                  

 
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Friday's Foto - Yep, It's Really Just Some Cows! - 05/27/11 11:10 PM
Friday's Foto - Yep, It's Really Just Some Cows!
The title says it all... I was driving home, saw some cows and took a picture. But seriously, I like this photo because I love seeing something so "country" so close to home. Plus, the photo shows off how very green it is here this time of year. Love it!

 
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The Oregon "SuperD" Bike Race Series Hits Hood River This Weekend! - 05/26/11 09:10 PM
The Oregon "SuperD" Bike Race Series  Hits Hood River This Weekend!
Oregon, and Hood River specifically, are known as national leaders in bike racing. For the second year in a row, Hood River will play host to the Oregon Super D Bike Race series, which is already gaining a reputation as one of the top events in the country. To simplify, a Super D / Enduro race can best be described as a mountain biking,  cross-country, down hill bike race where the racers reach speeds of up to 35 mph. It's an extreme, daring sport
Our mountains here in Hood River were practically … (3 comments)

Wordless Wednesday - A Taste Of Hood River's Elegant History - 05/25/11 10:02 PM
Wordless Wednesday - A Taste Of Hood River's Elegant History
I pass this house all the time in downtown Hood River... it's one of my favorites. It's a Colonial Revival and I find it to be not overly extravagant, but elegant, slightly regal and classy. It's name is the Orrin B. Hartley House, it was built in 1905 and it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. It's at 1029 State Street, Hood River. For other historical sites in Hood River, visit Wikipedia's quick rundown of registered places.

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Relay For Life of Columbia Gorge Fundraiser This Saturday - 05/24/11 05:53 PM
Relay For Life of Columbia Gorge  Fundraiser This Saturday
As many of you might know, Relay For Life is a nationwide, annual marathon with its proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society. Locally, individuals recruit friends and family to be members of their relay team, then they run the race together. The Columbia Gorge race won't occur until mid-July at the Hood River County Fairgrounds, but teams are being assembled now and fundraising has begun.
How can you help now?
Attend the car wash this Saturday, May 28th, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
at the Westside Fire Station, 1185 Tucker Road, Hood River, Oregon
If … (0 comments)

It's The Greenest Time Of The Year In Hood River County! - 05/23/11 06:18 PM
It's The Greenest Time Of The Year In Hood River County!
There is very simply nothing more beautiful than spring in Oregon. Everything is an almost unreal green. In a few weeks, a lot of undergrowth will brown slightly, but for now I just can't get enough. I took this photo yesterday on the Dee Hwy., about 10 miles south of the town of Hood River.

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A Little Michoacan Culture In Odell, Oregon (The Carnitas Are To Die For!) - 05/22/11 12:39 PM
A Little Michoacan Culture In Odell, Oregon (The Carnitas Are To Die For!)
Carnitas are made from a specially seasoned and cooked pork originating in Michoacan, Mexico. The secret ingredients for Tone & Clemencia Diaz's carnitas are closely guarded and were honed over decades. From the old days in Michoacan, Mexico, the recipe is a cultural treasure, finally available in the heart of the Hood River Valley. All the food is made from scratch daily and the menu has a lot of variety... something for everyone, even the kiddos.
3405 Odell Highway, Hood River, OR 97031, 541.354.2900
 
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A Guide To Wine In The Hood River Valley - 05/22/11 12:12 PM
A Guide To Wine In The Hood River Valley
If you've never been to our region, you might not be aware that the Hood River Valley produces an abundance of fine, award-winning wines of several varieties. If you're in the area for the day or the week you should definately do a little tasting, so I've compiled a list of the wineries you simply should not miss. Visit each winery's website for more information on its wines, including varieties and awards.

Cathedral RidgeWinery:  4200 Post Canyon Dr., Hood River, OR, 800-516-8710, www.cathedralridgewinery.com. Open Daily Nov. - May 11am - 5pm,
Cerulean:  … (1 comments)

A Diamond In The Rough... Meet Huxley - 05/21/11 09:35 PM
A Diamond In The Rough... Meet Huxley
Huxley is probably about a year old and could be a small American Bulldog mix. He's completely white with just a few tan freckles on his face. When he first came to the shelter, it was obvious that he had poor socialization, but then quickly came to like everyone, even the other shelter dogs. Now he's a super cuddler, loves to play with his squeak toys and is learning to fetch. His fur is gleaming and white, like a diamond just needing a little bit of shine. Huxley could benefit from some firm training and has the … (3 comments)

Friday's Foto - Tamanawas Falls, Hood River County - 05/20/11 11:40 PM
Friday's Foto - Tamanawas Falls, Hood River County
Hood River County is a treasure trove of amazing waterfalls and stunning hikes. This is Tamanawas Falls, just off Hwy. 35, about 40 miles south of Hood River, just north of Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort. It's a fairly impressive sight on its own (photo 1). Once I point out Mel and Sam hiking next to the falls (photo 2), you get perspective on how truly huge it is.
Photo 1:

Photo 2:

 
 
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St. Francis House of Odell, Oregon Youth Program - 05/19/11 10:50 PM
St. Francis House of Odell, Oregon Youth Program
The St. Francis House of Odell is a dynamic youth program, designed to support under-served, at-risk youth from the surrounding areas with after-school and weekend programs that engage, educate and encourage positive development.
Because our region is so divested in agriculture, migrant workers make up a good base of the population and most of the children who attend the St. Francis House are children of Spanish-speaking, agricultural workers. Programs for children of ages 7 to 18 include after school tutoring, excursions to scenic areas in Oregon, board games, parties, etc. The center also serves … (0 comments)

Wordless Wednesday - Mt. Hood In All Its Spring Glory - 05/18/11 10:28 AM
Wordless Wednesday - Mt. Hood In All Its Spring Glory
Mel totally rocked this shot. I had noticed thumbnail previews of shots of Mt. Hood in the photos he passed on to me to edit, but just sort of thought 'Great. Another shot of Mt. Hood'. But then I opened them and saw them full size. Judge this one for yourself...

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Good News Gardening, Hood River, Oregon - 05/17/11 10:49 PM
Good News Gardening, Hood River, Oregon
It's that time of year... time to get planting, both flower and vegetable gardens. Here in the mountains, we're still getting frost at night, especially higher up like in Parkdale (where we live). So we're putting in the cold weather veggies like green beans and peas, as well as flowers like pansies that can stand the cold better than most others.
One of the most popular nurseries in Hood River is Good News Gardening. They have a huge selection of annuals, perrenials, rose bushes, trees, shrubs, herbs, berries, grapes, veggies etc. They also have expert … (3 comments)

Why Should FSBO Sellers Choose ColumbiaGorgeFSBO.com? - 05/17/11 12:45 AM
Why Should FSBO Sellers Choose ColumbiaGorgeFSBO.com?
ColumbiaGorgeFSBO.com provides marketing services to FSBO sellers for a fee at the time services are performed. We are not real estate agents/brokers and do not receive a commission for our services.  We do not sell homes - we help FSBO seller's market their homes.  
We are local members of your community. Our goal is to make the FSBO marketing process as easy as possible for you with individualized customer service. We offer several packages and ala carte services so you pay for only what meets your needs. Depending on which package you choose to … (2 comments)

New ColumbiaGorgeFSBO.com Home For Sale - 1015 Schoolview Place, White Salmon, WA 98672 - 05/17/11 12:31 AM
New ColumbiaGorgeFSBO.com Home For Sale - 1015 Schoolview Place, White Salmon, WA 98672

5 Bedrooms, 3 Baths3,360 Square FeetCustom Built Energy Efficient HomeBuilt with Foam Block Concrete WallsGreat Neighborhood, Close to both Schools and Town.



 Fantastic White Salmon Real Estate Opportunity
                                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                            
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Columbia Gorge's Wine & Pear Fest This Weekend At WAAAM - 05/16/11 09:43 PM
Hood River Rotary Club's First Annual Wine & Pear Fest This Weekend At WAAAM
The annual Wine & Fear fest is a great opportunity to showcase our region's luscious fruit, locally grown wines, exquisite restaurants, live entertainment, arts and crafts.
Saturday, 21, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, 22, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Taste wine from 22 local wineries, food from 6 restaurants, local fruit displays and beer from a local brewery. While you're there, enjoy the world renowned display of antique cars and planes at the WAAAM Museum.
This event benefits the Rotary Club of Hood River Scholarship Program, funding scholarships to area youth for higher … (1 comments)

New ColumbiaGorgeFSBO.com Home For Sale - 3399 James Rd, Hood River, OR 97031 - 05/15/11 10:05 PM
New ColumbiaGorgeFSBO.com Home For Sale - 3399 James Rd, Hood River, OR 97031

3399 James Rd, Hood River OR 970314 Bedrooms, 4 Baths4,200 Sq Ft, 5 Acres
Enormous two-story great room with open space and expansive windows, hardwood and/or travertine throughout, higher-end finishes, impeccable craftsmanship.
This is the house of dreams! Must see to believe! Set into the hillside for sweeping views and plenty of privacy. 15 minutes to Hood River, 30 minutes to Mt. Hood Meadows. Lots of landscaping possibilities.
Fantastic Hood River Real Estate Opportunity.$615,000

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It's The Final Fiesta For Pine Grove Elementary - 05/15/11 12:13 PM
It's The Final Fiesta For Pine Grove Elementary
If you've read many of my blogs you've heard that the elementary school where I work three hours a day is closing at the end of this school year due to the school district budget shortfall. We are all still a little shell shocked as the reality is sinking in. After over 100 years, there will no longer be a school in Pine Grove, so students are being transfered to Mid Valley Elementary in Odell, Oregon.
Everyone is invited to the last big celebration, The Final Fiesta, at our dear school before we … (2 comments)

Speechless Sunday - The Port Of Cascade Locks, Oregon - 05/15/11 11:51 AM
Speechless Sunday - The Port of Cascade Locks, Oregon
The small community of Cascade Locks is located 20 miles west of Hood River, 40 miles east of Portland, Oregon. It's location along the Columbia River is ideally located to take full advantage of the area's recreational opportunities: hiking, windsurfing, kiteboarding and kayaking. The Port of Cascade Locks provides access to the river and is dedicated to the economic development of the community.

 
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A Historic Voyage Down The Columbia River... The Sternwheeler - 05/15/11 11:49 AM
A Historic Voyage Down The Columbia River... The Sternwheeler
The Cascade Locks Marine Park is the home of the Sternwheeler Columbia Gorge, an authentic triple-decker paddle wheeler providing 360 degree, breathtaking vistas from the Columbia River. The Sternwheeler offers narrated sightseeing excursions exploring the history and legends of the river, including the Lewis and Clark expedition. There are also weekend champagne brunch cruises, dinner cruises and a variety of special event and holiday cruises.

 
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So Much Love In Such A Small Package... Meet Pixie! - 05/14/11 10:20 PM
So Much Love In Such A Small Package... Meet Pixie!
Right off the bat, I want to admit that I chose to blog about Pixie today because she so closely resembles my own sweet pup, Jessa, who we adopted from Hood River Adopt A Dog last summer. If Pixie is just half as sweet, she'll win your heart right away. Pixie is a young adult female Chihuahua mix with maybe a little greyhound mixed in. She's just loaded with personality and is as sweet as they come. She's a little shy around new folks and timid to try new things, but … (5 comments)

Send Them To Camp... Cascade Pet Camp, Hood River, Oregon - 05/13/11 10:55 PM
Send Them To Camp... Cascade Pet Camp, Hood River, Oregon
This is an ingenious idea! Every community needs a dog kennel, but the Cascade Pet Camp took it a step further. They don't just "board" dogs, they entertain them, train them and lavish them with attention. It's a great place for tourists to leave their pups, for locals to board theirs while out of town, and even for the dogs to just spend the day.
Services include plenty of outdoor and indoor exercise, beds or cots in every room, a choice of staying in a "bunk" room or a private "cabin", … (0 comments)

Thankful Thursday - Today I'm Thankful For The Sun - 05/12/11 11:24 PM
Thankful Thursday - Today I'm Thankful For The Sun
All right. Maybe it's not the most original idea... to be thankful for the sun... but we've seen so little of it here lately that when it does come out, it's very appreciated. Today was all blue skies, little wind and warm! Of course, in the next month or two I'll be complaining that it's too hot. I took this photo this evening in Parkdale, Oregon.

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Wordless Wednesday - The Road Home - 05/11/11 09:22 PM
Wordless Wednesday - The Road Home
This is the road to our house in Parkdale, Oregon (10 miles south of Hood River) and this is our son, Sam walking with our dog, Tucker. After a longer and colder than usual spring, the leaves are finally coming out and we finally see blue sky. At least for now. It's supposed to rain again tomorrow.
 

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Columbia Gorge Local Economies Summit - 05/09/11 10:26 PM
Columbia Gorge Local Economies Summit
Thursday, May 13, 8:30 am to 4:00 p.m.
at Pioneer Center, 501 N.E. Washington St., White Salmon, Wash.
Join other local business owners, leaders, and community members to discuss the opportunities and problems of running businesses in our Gorge communities.
Learn how some businesses are overcoming many challenges, explore how we can keep our economies fluid and plan to provide for the most success in our communities.
The event is free, but suggested donations of $30 (members) or $40 (non-members) are appreciated.
Registration required by Friday, May 6, to guarantee lunch.
 
 
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Happy Mother's Day To All! - 05/08/11 08:42 PM
Happy Mother's Day To All!
We want to wish the happiest of Mother's Days to all you Active Rain moms out there. To our own moms, we could never thank you enough for all you do for us. We'll love you forever! And to our kids... we couldn't do it without you. Literally!
 
This is our 10 year old son, Ben and our 12 year old Sam:

 
Gretchen's mom, Nancy, with Ben last summer in Hood River:

 
Mel's mom, Bonnie, with Sam in 2002:

 
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Need A Distinguished Male Companion? Meet Pops - 05/08/11 12:07 AM
Need A Distinguished Male Companion? Meet Pops
Pops is an adorable Chihuahua dog, approximately 6 or 7 years old, and with some distinguished grey on his face and chest! Pops is a well-mannered, gentle and mellow guy. He loves to be with his people and loves to cuddle. He also enjoys going on walks and to meet new people. The fee to adopt this handsome little guy is $100. Cash or check only, please. Pops is neutered, de-wormed, current on vaccinations and microchipped.
You can meet this great guy in Odell at the Hukari Animal Shelter, 3910 Heron Dr, Hood River OR 97031. 541-354-1083. Adoption hours are Wed … (2 comments)

Speechless Sunday - Parkdale Little League Majors: Team Pep Talk - 05/07/11 11:03 PM
Speechless Sunday - Parkdale Little League Majors: Team Pep Talk
True, these boys haven't had much luck in the winning department, but they keep coming back for more and give it their all. Their great, dedicated coaches stay positive and supportive, as seen here. This is after Saturday's game in White Salmon, WA, which they lost 11 to 1.

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Friday's Foto - Hood River Valley Middle School Track - 05/07/11 10:56 PM
Friday's Foto - Hood River Valley Middle School Track
Finally... a photo of our son, Sam, competing in Thursday's middle school track meet at Hood River High School. Sam is in the 6th grade and this is his first year on the team. He seems to be a natural. We can barely believe this was the last home meet of the season. Sam placed third in this race, the 6th grade boys 200.

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Rep. Mark Johnson Hosting Local Town Hall In Hood River - 05/06/11 10:44 PM
Rep. Mark Johnson Hosting Local Town Hall In Hood River. 
The town hall will be held tomorrow, Saturday, May 7th at the Columbia Gorge Community College, Hood River Campus in the Library Commons, 1730 College Way. The meeting is free and open to the public. This is a great opportunity to discuss our region's future and ask questions. For more information, contact: Kristen Skiles at (503) 986-1452 or rep.markjohnson@state.or.us
 
 
 
 


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Old Trunk Antiques: A Slice Of History Just Outside Hood River - 05/06/11 12:20 AM
Old Trunk Antiques: A Slice Of History Just Outside Hood River
It's one of those places that simply cannot be missed. I live here and still visit every now and again. I feel like I've barely broken the surface of all there is to see... the book section alone could occupy me all afternoon. The Old Trunk Antique store is bursting with treasures and great finds, all situated in the heart of the Hood River Valley orchards and forests. Come for the drive, then shop to your heart's content! 2958 Dee Hwy, Hood River, OR 97031

 
 
 
 
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Wordless Wednesday - Parkdale Little League: The View From The Concession Stand - 05/04/11 10:29 PM
Wordless Wednesday - Parkdale Little League:  The View From The Concession Stand
Living in a small town and with our son playing Little League, I am expected to help out. At our ball park, that means running the concession stand on a rotating basis during games. Selling hotdogs, nachos, popcorn, candy, drinks, etc. is our primary fundraiser. One of my turns was last night. I was right behind home plate, but two fences were between me and the game. This is our son, Ben, going up to bat, going out to be catcher, then in the dugout. Unfortunately his team lost the game.

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Running Ladders: Large Art Celebrating Small Farms In The Gorge - 05/03/11 06:31 PM
Running Ladders: Large Art Celebrating Small Farms In The Gorge
It is certainly not a sight one could miss. It's just about as bold as a statement can get. It's pure genius and it is a project called "Running Ladders".
Dozens of wooden fruit ladders, painted in bright colors suddenly appeared alongside Highway 35, the highway between Mt. Hood and Hood River and what an awesome sight it is. The large scale art begins just north of the Pine Grove turn and stretches about 1/2 mile. Single word signs at intervals slowly pass on the "art's" message: support small farms in … (1 comments)

Have We Mentioned The Alpacas? - 05/02/11 07:37 PM
Have We Mentioned The Alpacas?
I had no idea before visiting the Hood River Valley, but alpacas thrive in these mountains and have even become a strong business. Truth be told, I hadn't even heard of alpacas; I thought they were llamas. The alpaca is a close relative of the llama, the difference being that alpacas are a lot smaller than llamas and were specifically bred for their hair (fiber). The fleece is similar to wool, but more lustrous, warmer, not prickly and is hypoallergenic. Alpacas are herd animals and are indiginous to the high mountains of South America.
In the Columbia River Gorge … (2 comments)

Adopt A Shelter Dog Instead Of From A Breeder - 05/01/11 01:19 PM
Adopt A Shelter Dog Instead Of From A Breeder
If you've read many of our posts, you've already met Jessa, who we adopted from the Hood River Adopt A Dog Program last summer and she's been in more than a few of our posts. Jessa is our sixth rescue dog... we have four now and two others who we had for 14 years before they passed away. Needless to say, we are pretty passionate about saving these abandoned dogs rather than buying from breeders. Every one of our dogs have added so much to our lives and are a part of … (4 comments)

This Sweet, Gentle Girl Would Be A Great Companion: Meet Mia - 05/01/11 01:01 PM
This Sweet, Gentle Girl Would Be A Great Companion:  Meet Mia
Mia is a Miniature Schnauzer mix, about 2 years old and around 12 pounds, who would love to be the center of someone's world. Her previous owner put her up for adoption because he didn't have the time this sweet girl needed. She's a little shy and intimidated by larger dogs, but she is very calm, well-mannered and cuddly. She is very playful with other small dogs and her people. She's the kind of pup any family would love to have around. Mia is housebroken and spayed.
The fee to … (4 comments)

Proud to Announce The Hood River Valley is a Giving Community - 05/01/11 12:39 PM
Proud to Announce The Hood River Valley is a Giving Community
Times are hard for most of us, but the directors of the Hood River Valley FISH food banks are proud to announce that despite these struggles, donations remain strong and in some areas even rising.
Hood River Valley is the number-one producer of pears in the United States, which translates into huge fresh fruit donations to the county's four distribution sites for FISH (Friendly Instant Sympathetic Help). At our children's schools there are often boxes of apples and pears for the kids to take as they want. Fresh fruit is denied … (0 comments)

 
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Gretchen & Mel Ahrens

Hood River, OR

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ColumbiaGorgeFSBO.com

Address: 4966 Hillcrest Rd, Parkdale, OR, 97041

Office Phone: (541) 716-4254

Cell Phone: (509) 540-1309

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