Winter 2014
My first memories of coffee are of the aluminum percolator that lived more or less permanently on the stove in my childhood home. I remember, at age 4 or 5, standing in my nightgown, watching the liquid gurgle and swirl in the little glass knob at the top. I loved the rich aroma and the steady rattle of the pot as the coffee boiled. Coffee also held a little bit of intrigue long before I ever tasted it because my grandmother disapproved of it, and eyed my parents with suspicion for having taken up the habit. “Kurtie-boy,” she would say sternly to my older brother, who would come of coffeedrinking age long before me. “You stay away from that stuff. It’ll stunt your growth.”
By the time I landed in the Pacific Northwest for college years later, the region’s coffee culture was on the rise. But my coffee-drinking life truly began at The Coffee Spot in Hood River the summer I moved to the Gorge. Long-time locals and visitors will remember the iconic shop from the ‘80s and ‘90s, where Ground is now. To the delight of local and visiting coffee drinkers, the Gorge is now awash in the dark brew. And as we detail beginning on page 21, a growing number of micro-roasters call the Gorge home as well. For me, a visit to each one offered not only an education in the art and science of coffee roasting, but a glimpse at each roaster’s unique approach to their craft. Also, I got to drink a lot of great coffee. Grandma, may your soul rest in peace but I sure do enjoy a good cup o’ joe.
In this issue, we also celebrate winter with a stunning photo essay by Hood River photographer Richard Hallman (page 62). Don Campbell explores snowshoeing opportunities in the Gorge (page 38) as well as the Secret Salsa Society (page 42). And Ruth Berkowitz writes about White Salmon resident Jo Matson and her journey from sickness to health through lifestyle changes (page 48). Also in this issue you’ll find our annual publication, A Complete Guide to Weddings in the Columbia Gorge. Grab a cup of whatever warms you up, and read on. Happy winter!
