Category Archives: walker

My mom’s first trip to seattle!

April 24, 2014

And I think it was a pretty good trip! The weather here was so nice! I don’t think it rained one time while she was here and it was sunny to boot! How about that?! We spent our time shopping, walking around the neighborhoods (finding the treasure tree and this really big tree), eating tasty donuts and food, and spending the weekend on an island in the Puget Sound-it doesn’t get much more northwest than that!

After that excitement my mom and I took the kayak out and paddled out in to the sound. We heard once we got out a little ways we would get a great view of Mt Rainier and oh boy we did! And just as my mom snapped a picture of it a seal popped his head out of the water. So cute!

It was nice to show her the city but spending the weekend on the island was so peaceful. We visited the same island back in December but in April it felt like a whole new place. Maybe it was all the sun! On the last day out there we spent the better part of the morning digging for geoducks in the rocky shore but we finally got one out of the sand! Good thing because my hands were getting so cold and I think we were all on the verge of giving up.

We went back to the city Sunday afternoon and we took my mom to one of our favorite restaurants in Capitol Hill for dinner. Then we got second dinner because she had to try some Pho! Haha! On her last full day in Seattle I took her to Jock and Jill to get some fitted running shoes and since it was another beautiful day we took a spontaneous paddle boat ride on Green Lake. It was a long day out so we kind of crashed at home and got mom ready to leave the next day. I’d say it was a pretty great first trip to Seattle but we left lots of things for next time. So when are you coming back mom?

Columbia River and waterfalls

April 17, 2014

^The Gorge.
^Hiking.
^We were there to see a larger waterfall but this one running down the moss was my favorite.

^The view from the top of the hike.
^The big waterfall.
^A waterfall through the woods.

^A waterfall that was spraying lots of water.
^My precious. We couldn’t resist the reference after I climbed into this little cave off the path.

This is the second half of our Oregon trip. We spent 1 day and 2 nights in Portland and then we headed toward the Columbia River and Hood River to see waterfalls and go on a hike. It was really beautiful. The weather was a little off and on during our hike but we were all pretty warm once we got to the top. Later in the day when we were exploring the town the sun came out and it made for a lovely evening. We chose a dinner spot right near the water and a super awesome play scape for kids (although we really enjoyed it). After dinner everyone climbed to the top of the little rock wall and hung out while listening to TLC’s Waterfalls. For a moment there I was reminded of the carefree days in my early 20’s-sigh.

That evening we all sat outside overlooking the river near our hotel and talked and laughed. Our friends were heading out early that next morning so we said our goodbyes before heading off to bed.

The next day we had a diner breakfast in the small town we stayed in and then headed back to Portland. There was a little bit of time before we had to board the bus so we did a little more exploring with our new friends and made a last stop at a food truck. Then we boarded the bolt bus home (did I mention I got the $1 ticket?!).

Portland in the city

April 10, 2014

This past weekend we took the bus down to Portland to meet our friends who traveled from Texas. It was the perfect place to meet because it was new to everyone and for us it was just a quick trip down. The first night we had dinner and drinks and caught up a bit. The next day we walked around Powell’s, did some shopping (I showed a great amount of self control when I did not buy the cute handbag), and then we had lunch at Deschutes Brewery.

After a few more stops we rested for the day and then went to our dinner location. I was super excited because they offered a tasting menu which everyone agreed to get (I’m always wanting to do this but we save it for special occasions of which this was one). They brought out plate after plate of tasty food but I was most intrigued by the chickpea fries with butternut squash ketchup. By the time dinner was complete we had been there for 3 hours! Yes 3 hours! Crazy! Needless to say everyone was tired so we called it a night.

The following morning I had made plans to meet some blogger friends. One who lives in Portland and one who was visiting from New York. Thank you blogging conferences and instagram for bringing us together. Yvonne blogs over at Dress This Nest and lives in Portland. We got to meet her super cute son and husband who was really nice. Elita blogs over at inside, out and about she is so sweet and fun and she bought me a donut. Aww.

I couldn’t stay long so after saying goodbye I met back up with my group and we had second breakfast at Pine State Biscuits (sooo good!). With full bellies we headed out to the Hood River area for hiking and waterfalls which I’ll be sharing tomorrow.

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