Is this beach vacation?

In my family vacation was often "beach vacation" we'd go back to the same spot on Sanibel Island year after year, because... Well, because it was relaxing. We wouldn't do a whole lot, peel and eat shrimp, go to the beach or the pool, read. Somehow that defined what "relaxing" and "vacation" were supposed to mean. Sightseeing, hiking, or activity in general did not define vacation. In recent years, my mom discovered that beach vacation could be had on the Oregon Coast as well as Sanibel. So when we put our trip together I was excited for this portion of the trip, especially because it came near the end of the trip. I thought it would be a great chance to relax. While Wheeler was fabulous, and relaxing, it wasn't quite "beach vacation." For one thing, it wasn't at the beach. Wheeler is tucked inside Nehalem Bay, which is an incredibly idyllic relaxing place, it just isn't "The Beach." So we headed down the coast to Gold Beach and I started to see THE BEACH. When we arrived at the Beachcomber Inn I knew that we'd have to stay an extra night. Doug knew too. He asked at the front desk before I could even suggest it. I guess my not-so-subtle comments in the car had been heard loud and clear. But from the West-facing balcony of our room the ocean is very, very close and last night we fell asleep to the sounds of the waves. We were also treated to this pretty sunset and a jolly seagull friend**. He sat on the balcony next to us and peeked around to give us a friendly squawk and then he moved to the roof below to give me a better view of his handsome face. He was kind of hamming it up. There's very little going on in Gold Beach so when we went to the beach earlier there wasn't anyone else there. Doug got in the water for a minute, but the water is still very cold here. The wind stopped us from sitting down and hanging out, but we had a really nice time "combing" through all the beautiful beach rocks. Currently, I'm blogging with a view of the ocean, fresh salsa and chips and a PBR.

This is beach vacation.

** All views pictured in these photographs can be seen from the balcony of our room at the Inn of the Beachcomber, where the beds are comfy and the renovated hotel is beautifully dressed in classic "Arts and Crafts" bungalow style.

A drive down the 101

I think that maybe we were starting to wonder what all the fuss about the 101 was, until yesterday. Somewhere in Central Oregon the road winds through steep cliffs blanketed in pine trees and to the west the Pacific sweeps dramatically into view.

At The Devil's Punchbowl, as the tide comes in the "bowl" fills with water and it churns menacingly.

We stopped off at the Dunes, which are expansive, to snap a few shots.

Troll Haven

I forgot to post these pictures before, but this is something we did while we were in Washington. We were tipped off about it when we went to visit the lavender fields. I don't think I could explain what was going on out there very well, see the link below if you feel like you need to know the reasoning behind Troll Haven. There weren't any tours or anything going on the day we were there, it was just a bunch of trolls hanging out in fields. Way, way bizarre.

Go to Wanda's, or you'll be sorry.

For the last few days, Doug and I have been staying in Wheeler, Oregon. It's been a bit of a change from the other things we've been doing. While we were in Port Angeles we discovered something: we're tired. We've been going and going from the moment we get up 'til the moment we go to sleep. I have only finished two books since we've been on this trip! For the last two days in Port Angeles we went to see the lavender farms out in Sequim and took drives by the ocean.

When we left Washington to drive down the 101 we agreed to just relax. We've had a bit of trouble actually doing so, though we're starting to have some success. We stayed in a restored, historic hotel called The Old Wheeler Hotel. The hardwood floors are original and there are a lot of really beautiful antiques. The bed is blessedly pillowtopped and there seem to be some sort of fluffy high-thread count sheets covering it. There’s a clawfoot tub in the bathroom that I’ve been making use of for the last few days in my attempt to relax. We finally made use of the common room two nights ago to play Bananagrams and we liked it, so we did it again last night. I swear, for two people who claim to love to “do nothing” we’re really, really bad at it.

The towns around Nehalem Bay don't have a lot going on. If you want to shop, there's some shopping. If you want to go to the beach, remember that it's cold. All in all, there's not much to go DO. So we've been antiquing, I found an old school card catalogue, which is really, really cool. Doug says we can fit it into the Jeep, so I'm taking him at his word. He's the packing expert, not me. I found a pair of really nice vintage cowboy (girl) boots that I'm dying to wear. We've been to the beach, watched TV, gone to eat some really yummy food and just generally hung out. It was hard at first, but sleeping all night is good.

If you ever find yourself in this area (Cannon Beach, Manzanita, Nehalem, Wheeler, etc.) we really recommend that you go to Wanda’s (in Nehalem) every single day for breakfast. Wanda’s may have the most perfect food ever. The eggs are light and fluffy, the bread is homemade and delicious, the bacon is to die for and two people can eat for around 20 bucks. Nothing is greasy and the decor is delightful, it’s cheerfully 60s kitch without being overdone or imposing. The beautiful outdoor deck is surrounded by lush greens and fragrant flowers, even if you’re inside it seems to give the whole back section a Edenic kind of glow.

Additionally, the Antique Mall in Wheeler kicks major antique ass. Even if you, personally, do not like to buy antiques it serves as a good afternoon of entertainment. They have everything beautiful and old and everything weird and old and I recognized some things that seemed like they were made around the time I was born. So that was a little scary, but otherwise, GO THERE!!!! Garbo’s also has some of the cleanest, best vintage clothes shopping that I’ve ever done. The lady who owns it is incredibly helpful and fun. Bring some socks, you’re gonna want to try on something from her giant selection of vintage boots and shoes. There are a pair of butter colored, knee high, stacked heel boots that were just a squinch too small that are still calling my name.

Anyway, I’m sorry there aren’t pictures. At some point, I think we both started feeling a little lazy. We’re going to be home around the fourth of July, so we hope we’ll see many of you then. For now, we’re off to Gold Beach for one more night on the Oregon Coast and then to see the Redwoods, then off to Vegas.

The Twilight Zone

I know that you've been dying to know. Yes, it's true, I'm in the land of Twilight. Around here they call it the "Twilight Zone." Not too shocking, eh? If you've read the books by Stephenie Meyer or seen the movie then you know that the story takes place in this neck of the woods in Forks, Port Angeles and the Quileute Reservation. What you may not know is that Forks is nothing like it is in the movie or even in the book. Nothing. However, they are managing to capitalize on the novelty of being the setting of the bestselling novels. There are tours that will take you to all the hypothetical places in the books and I hear that Forks high school is holding a very interesting event in a week or so. Apparently, you can go to Forks High, just like Bella and Edward for a week this summer while school is out. I haven't heard the details, but the locals seem to find it ridiculous. Here in Port Angeles, I was told that Forks was falling apart before Twilight and that everything that is there now (a tiny main street area and a Twilight store) is because of the hype. I'm not so sure I know what to think. I know that Stephenie Meyer picked Forks out on a map without ever visiting, I wonder if she's ever been here?

La Push beach (where Bella hears the story of "the Cold Ones" from Jacob)

Forks, the Twilight store is featured - it's called "Dazzled by Twilight." I didn't buy anything. Doug wanted me to buy the t-shirt that says, "My husband sparkles."

Finally, the view from our campsite in Port Angeles. Look! You can see the mountains peeking out of the clouds, they do that a lot here. Very pretty. You can go to the restaurant that Edward took Bella on their "first date." Apparently, you can get the mushroom ravioli that she ate. Get this, the name of the restaurant is Bella Italia. I can't remember, was that was what it was called in the book? Someone go look that up and get back to me.

Folks around here seem to think that this whole Twilight thing is a lot of silliness. They seem to like it, but I'll tell you, they think the rest of the nation is sort of ridiculous. Never-the-less, almost everybody has a Twilight poster and they don't seem to be cashing in desperately. Just quietly enjoying their unexpected fame... From what I've seen anyway... I could be totally wrong. As for Doug, he suggests that the teenage boys around here try acting like Edward to get chicks. Dazzling.

La Push

After our short walk through Hoh National Rainforest we decided to visit La Push, which is on the Quileute Nation Reservation. It was Doug's first time seeing the Pacific Ocean, so that was neat moment for me. As soon as we got there we were greeted by a lovely dog. He wouldn't let me take a picture of his face without trying to lick the camera, but you can see his fluffy tail, below. He was so sweet and he hung around us while Doug gave him some water. Then he left us for some kids with snacks. Fickle pup.

Hairy Trees

Yesterday we went to the Hoh National Rainforest. Is rainforest one word? I don't really have the energy to Google it right now. Anyway, it was very cool, the trees look like they're growing hair. Typical to what you think you might find in a rainforest, it rained, so I didn't go taking tons and tons of pictures for fear that I'd get the camera doused.


Here is my darling boy, pretending that he is discovering the tree roots for the first time. Of course we were on a paved path with a fence, so it's all a cruel ruse.

Next, we have Doug explaining spelunking to me in the middle of the rainforest. Believe it or not, it actually had some relevant context, you just can't see it in the picture. There was a tree with exposed roots that one, theoretically, could have crawled through.

And finally, after I'd gone to all the effort to NOT get the camera wet I made Doug have a tiny little aneurysm by dangling the camera dangerously close to the water in this stream to get this shot. I said "sorry."

I hate needles.

I see absolutely no point in going up in high things just because they are high. However, we had the tickets and so I went up in the Space Needle. I refused to go outside on the deck: I'M VERY AFRAID OF HEIGHTS. I was not wasting my up-high-brave-points on a tower that looks like a spaceship. I'm still recovering from the scary switchback hike in Grand Teton. So, here's Doug, and a bunch of other folks, enjoying the view.

Nerd-tacular

While in Seattle, we bought this little packet of tickets that got us into a bunch of iconic "Seattle" type places. We got to go on a cruise in Elliott Bay, up in the Space Needle, the zoo and the Sci-Fi museum. We were tricked into thinking that we were going to be able to see Star Trek again in the IMAX, but that was a giant lie. At least the Sci-Fi museum, while not what I'd call "iconic" was pretty neat-o and had some Star Trek features.... Pretty sure we weren't supposed to be taking pictures, but I didn't see that sign 'til after. Promise.

So here's Doug with the original series set-up.

This is the actual 3-D model that they used for the movie "The Fountain." If you haven't seen that movie, you should.

Below, is a book about slide rules, Doug made me take a picture of it. Don't know why.

This is where I found out we weren't supposed to be taking pictures. Riiiiiight after I took a picture of The Dark Crystal exhibit. Sorry bout that. Luckily, all these pictures are really crappy in quality, so the Sci-Fi museum doesn't have to be mad.

Sleeping in Seattle

Greetings from Seattle! Doug and I are having a great time. We checked into the Arctic Club Hotel last night and we've been having lots of fun since then. We went to the Seattle Aquarium and took a boat tour of Elliot Bay today. We're making some changes to our schedule and coming home a little sooner, so check for updates, coming soon!

Brave New Girl

Here's me hiking. For those who are dying to know, yes, that is a John Deere cap I'm sporting. I liked it because it was pink and green and cute. So sue me. See how big I'm smiling? That's because I love hiking. I like camping too, just not as much as hiking. Sometimes I don't love camping so much for many days in a row. Please don't misunderstand me, I like to camp. I think part of the problem is that staying at KOA often means sacrificing scenery for showers. And I do love to shower. But I also love scenery. I'm so torn. This KOA is not scenic. It is bordered by a train track (a giant train just went by and shook the entire campground) and two trailer parks. There is a huge chain link fence that surrounds the place and closes at night. This KOA seems to be more of a seasonal RV parking spot, which is cool for the folks who do that, just not for us.

Anyway, Doug and I made some decisions about the rest of our trip and we're probably coming home about a week early in favor of spending an extra day in Seattle. Truth be told, when we stopped in at Lake Coeur D'Alene today I wasn't too impressed. Coeur D'Alene itself is absolutely adorable. It's a gorgeous lake/resort town and I'd love to stay there and go sailing and have nice, cute dinners on the posh Main Street area. But it all seemed pretty touristy and the hiking seemed like it was going to be more of the same. After doing a couple of touristy trails in Yellowstone and Glacier I think we both felt that we wanted to trade a couple days of crowded hiking for an extra day in Seattle. It seems to be high season here in Coeur D'Alene. We've been pretty lucky so far, most of the places we've been have been empty-ish. Believe me, I know that's not going to last.

We're such city kids.

Why so sad, Pookerton Bear?

This is the face I make when my hike is canceled because there are grizzly bears all over the place.

Apparently, we entered Glacier at the best time to see bears. Sadly, we weren't given the chance to see any (sad for Doug, I had NO desire to see a bear). By the time we'd hiked about a mile up the trail we noticed people streaming back down the other way. Nobody said anything to us until a group of rather stoned-looking individuals laughingly mentioned to "watch out for them bears!" Which I took with a grain of salt because a) they looked stoned and b) there are so many warnings about bears at Glacier that it's hard to know what's serious and what's overly-cautious bear warnings. I understand now that it's all very serious. It wasn't until a very nice, very German couple came by that we knew that there really were bears. They explained that a mama bear and her cub were up the path about a half-mile and that's why people were fleeing. So, Doug and I turned around and sat on this dock for a little while to contemplate what we wanted to do next. A group of teenagers that were about to spear-fish came by and were excited by the news of the grizzly mama and her baby. Teenagers. They seemed to know their way about though, so I assume they weren't devoured. There is a beautiful lodge across this lake (Many Glacier Lodge) so we decided to go look around...

We were rewarded with these awesome views from the back deck of the lodge. Truly amazing. In the lobby we heard about another close-encounter grizzly sighting. Apparently a big male was eating a deer and got rather growl-y at some hikers on another trail nearby. We decided to call it good for the day, as we had no bear spray with us, and I had no courage to brave bear country without it.

This is Doug, looking jaunty on the back deck of the Many Glacier Lodge. We'd go back for a visit, in case you were wondering.

Avalanche Lake Hike

I'm beginning to lose track of the days and time. When you only loosely have a schedule, I think this is what happens. Anyway, these are some photos from our hike up to Avalanche Lake in Glacier National Park. Glacier is phenomenal. First of all, the scenery is stunning, like most of the places we've been. Second, all of the water is aqua-blue! It looks a little like a theme park, but much cooler because it's real.

This is Doug, posing by the lake. I declined to have my photo taken because I was grumpy from the seven mosquito bites I grudgingly received on our way up to the lake. The hiking in Glacier was amazing, but as some of you know when I get a mosquito bite, it's pretty serious. They swell up really, really big and itch for about a week or two. Then I scar. It's not so fun. But I knew it would be a part of the trip, so I've tried not to be upset by it. I only have nine right now, so it's not so bad.

Here's the beautiful blue waterfall along the trail on our hike. I think it looks like this is a part of a mini-golf course. It's not. I wouldn't fool with you that way.

Delacey Creek

Doug wanted me to pick out a hike for our last day in Yellowstone that was easy. So I picked out a six mile hike to Yellowstone's biggest backcountry lake (Shoshone) that was rated "easy." To it's credit, it would have been easy had it not been covered in snow for a good half of the way. However, on our way back there was a long portion of the trail that was covered in about a foot of snow. My feet do not make good snowshoes. I fell in a number of times and did a good bit of whining about it. It all came right in the end though we were told (during the first part of our trip) some bit about an "old" trail and a "new" trail and that kept us on our toes the whole time and was the cause of most of my whining at the end; "weeeeeeee're lost." We weren't, everything was just fine. There was a lot of rain, and so much mud I could've filled several baths, but it was very cool all the same. Shoshone Lake was huge and we were all alone, but it was raining a lot so I couldn't take pictures. Dragonfly eggs must have just hatched there, because there were dozens of the tiny ones buzzing about ineffectually. They were adorable, let me tell you.

Here was our biggest dilemma on the hike: Delacey Creek.

The creek winds throughout the hike for about three miles (though I'm sure it's much longer) and while it looks fairly innocent, it's rather frightening, actually. Though narrow, in many places it must be at least four feet deep... Possibly more, I didn't stick anything in to find out. There weren't any bridges or convenient logs, so we had to jump across. We made it (obviously) or this post would have started with a bunch of noise about falling in a creek.

We're in Glacier Lake National Park, now... Ready for more! Oh, and our campsite here is very nice. Many mozzies, but what can you do? (Chad, I'm using my little blue fan and I think it's distracting them!)

Grand Teton

We're using the 1000 Greatest Places book as a kind of guide for our trip, which is really how I found out about Grand Teton National Park and the Jenny Lake hike. If we didn't have the book I'm not sure if we'd have gone, Yellowstone offers so much. Thus far, the book hasn't steered us wrong. Everything that we've done according to the book has been very accurate. The book told us that the Jenny Lake hike was beautiful, but very popular. That was true. After our hikes in Yellowstone we weren't as prepared to share the trail with other folks. Luckily, since we were doing the longer hike we only had comrades for the first half of the hike.... Comrades? That was a very nice adjective. What I meant was that people let their screaming children climb all over the rocks on a particularly treacherous patch of switchbacks and I thought I was going to die via the grubby hands of a nine year old. Deep breath. It all turned out ok. I did not kill the children and they did not kill me. Jenny Lake is gorgeous and The Grand Teton mountain range is really stunning.

The sun was actually shining, so when I set up this picture I couldn't see that bush that's blocking us. Never-the-less, it gives you an idea of how pretty things were.

I've determined that I only hike to gorgeous waterfalls or mountain lakes now. This trip is going to make me very, very hard to please. [Insert your own comment here about how hard I was to please to begin with]

There are a few other stunning pictures of this lake, but honestly, this is the only one that proves that I didn't buy a postcard. I cooked dinner staring at the lake and giggling to myself about how romantic my honeymoon is.