After a week of near-perfect weather, our luck has run out. We arrive at Crater Lake National Park under gray, cloudy, cold and windy skies, and find ourselves elbow-to-elbow with thousands of other visitors. Continue reading Bummed by a Gray-sky day at Crater Lake National Park
The air is thick with the heady scent of Juniper even where there’s nary a Juniper tree in sight. Is it my imagination, or is that magnificent fragrance made all the sweeter by the aroma of local craft beer brewing? It is easy to fall in love with Bend, and we did so within a few short hours. Continue reading Beers, Birks, and the Last Blockbuster Video in Bend, Oregon
A legendary rock climbing destination, Smith Rock State Park is a paradise for hikers as well. We made a (not-long-enough) stop here for a few hours on our way south to Bend. What our 4-mile-hiked lacked in length, it made up for with a challenging workout and spectacular scenery. Continue reading Smith Rock State Park: Oregon’s Rock climbing Mecca & Dreamy Day hike destination
I almost wept at the thought of leaving Washington. But then Mt. Hood’s Timberline Lodge wrapped me in her warm embrace and made it all better. The lodge is an Arts and Crafts Masterpiece. Oh, and let’s not forget about that pretty impressive mountain she has for a backdrop. Continue reading Majestic Mt. Hood and the Incomparable Timberline Lodge
“The World’s Largest Lumber Port,
the yellow hulk of Cats winding bayfront chip yards,
betting on high-school football”
–Michael McGriff Continue reading Coos Bay & Portland, Oregon
Misty windswept seaside forests. A rocky beach full of mysterious white pods. Giant ancient trees. A myriad of coastal rainforest plants. We’ve many wonders to experience en route to Coos Bay today. Continue reading Central Oregon Coast: Seal Rock State Park & Cape Perpetua
Fresh local cheese + working fishing village + craft beer + beach + camping under the trees? Yes please! Continue reading Northern Oregon Coast – Tillamook, Depoe Bay, Beverly Beach State Park, Newport
Old growth rainforest hugs the shore. Misty, foggy bluffs overlook dramatic sandy, rocky beaches. Today we fall deeply in love with the Oregon Coast. Continue reading Northern Oregon Coast: Ecola State Park, Cannon & Indian Beaches, and Nehalem Bay State Park
The truffle shuffle. Finnish goods. Legendary smoked fish. Water, water everywhere. The still-slightly gritty tourist town of Astoria is right up our ally. Continue reading Astoria, Oregon
Westward We Wander 