The PNW is a pretty inspirational place. Its absolutely awe-inspiring to see Mt Hood off in the distance on clear days as we drive east on one of our regular routes or to catch a glimpse of the beautiful and clean city when we cross the bridges over downtown Portland. National and state forests abound, waterways (while polluted) glisten, and hundreds of shades of green greet your eye wherever you choose to look. It's been interesting to get messages from many friends who have moved elsewhere and who continue to encourage hub and I to soak up the beauty and awesomeness of this place for them as well--leaving the PNW can create an ache that no other place really has the capacity to fill.
After my pity party posting the other day I engaged in my own personal prozac application---started watching one of my favorite feel good flicks (Catch & Release), indulged in two local brews, and then pulled on some running gear and hub & I covered a 5k. Definite reminder that life feels so much better when I'm releasing some decent physical energy every single day! What a difference extra oxygen to the brain and the release of fabulous endorphins can make :)
Yesterday hub and I headed south to attend the nursing school graduation BBQ for one of my friends at Silver Creek Falls outside Silverton. We had intended to hike the 6 miles around the falls but as it was a pretty chilly afternoon, rain was heading in, and our bellies were full & lazy inducing we just sat and enjoyed the company of my fabulous friend and her friends & family. While she and I don't get to see each other all that often, J's one of the ones who has an incredibly infectious giggle, a warm family, earthy minded friends, and the capacity to always make our interactions feel like no time has passed at all. Definitely an enjoyable afternoon. We stopped off at Granny's for a quick hello--long enough to drop off new tennis balls for her walker, read her mail to her, and get her situated for the Mav's game....and then we headed home for hub to watch the last half of the game here while I half-napped and half-cheered. ;) The night ended with an hour long phone call with an old friend who I spent much time with the last time I lived in Portland and who has since relocated to Los Angeles. Good to catch up with him and pretty darn entertaining too!
Hub caved last night and finally was on board for us to travel down to hike & camp in the Redwoods.....only for me to discover that dogs are not allowed on National Park trails scratching that idea. I can understand that dogs have the capacity to interact negatively with wildlife but I also think that there are plenty of humans allowed on the trails who could probably do worse damage---and it's unfortunate that, in my assumption, many of the types of people who are more apt to backcountry hike & camp would be likely to be dog owners.......But anyway (aka end of rant), we're now intending to stay in Oregon and head toward some great state parks with hiking and camping instead---luckily Oregon State Parks are dog friendly and we'll be able to see some of hub's family and one of my friends as well!
The drizzle we had last night was great as I didn't have to worry about watering the garden or flower beds, and it's been a lazy day today of catching up on blogs and figuring out the week's plans.
Hope you enjoyed an awe-inspiring and fulfilling weekend! I'm sure I'll be back with plenty of pictures to post from our trip :)
After my pity party posting the other day I engaged in my own personal prozac application---started watching one of my favorite feel good flicks (Catch & Release), indulged in two local brews, and then pulled on some running gear and hub & I covered a 5k. Definite reminder that life feels so much better when I'm releasing some decent physical energy every single day! What a difference extra oxygen to the brain and the release of fabulous endorphins can make :)
Yesterday hub and I headed south to attend the nursing school graduation BBQ for one of my friends at Silver Creek Falls outside Silverton. We had intended to hike the 6 miles around the falls but as it was a pretty chilly afternoon, rain was heading in, and our bellies were full & lazy inducing we just sat and enjoyed the company of my fabulous friend and her friends & family. While she and I don't get to see each other all that often, J's one of the ones who has an incredibly infectious giggle, a warm family, earthy minded friends, and the capacity to always make our interactions feel like no time has passed at all. Definitely an enjoyable afternoon. We stopped off at Granny's for a quick hello--long enough to drop off new tennis balls for her walker, read her mail to her, and get her situated for the Mav's game....and then we headed home for hub to watch the last half of the game here while I half-napped and half-cheered. ;) The night ended with an hour long phone call with an old friend who I spent much time with the last time I lived in Portland and who has since relocated to Los Angeles. Good to catch up with him and pretty darn entertaining too!
Hub caved last night and finally was on board for us to travel down to hike & camp in the Redwoods.....only for me to discover that dogs are not allowed on National Park trails scratching that idea. I can understand that dogs have the capacity to interact negatively with wildlife but I also think that there are plenty of humans allowed on the trails who could probably do worse damage---and it's unfortunate that, in my assumption, many of the types of people who are more apt to backcountry hike & camp would be likely to be dog owners.......But anyway (aka end of rant), we're now intending to stay in Oregon and head toward some great state parks with hiking and camping instead---luckily Oregon State Parks are dog friendly and we'll be able to see some of hub's family and one of my friends as well!
The drizzle we had last night was great as I didn't have to worry about watering the garden or flower beds, and it's been a lazy day today of catching up on blogs and figuring out the week's plans.
Hope you enjoyed an awe-inspiring and fulfilling weekend! I'm sure I'll be back with plenty of pictures to post from our trip :)
1 comment:
I love that you guys are enjoying being home again! I have never been to the PNW, but it sounds lovely. Maybe someday we will get out there! And all the hiking you are doing, how inspiring. If I am able to drink my coffee in solitude on a Saturday morning, I am a happy gal :-)
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