tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19820934665113394142024-03-13T13:50:59.757-06:00Thoughts from an Ohio girl in the mountainsRachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04326424312149254324noreply@blogger.comBlogger89125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1982093466511339414.post-78321166037576890642016-10-30T15:55:00.002-06:002016-10-30T16:16:44.681-06:00Autumn in Colorado: Part II<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On the second day, the clouds cleared and revealed brilliant new snow on the mountain peaks around Crested Butte. It was a picture-perfect day - warm and sunny, aspens in full swing, and everybody had already scooted out of town.</div>
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We decided to hike a trail just outside of town, accessible by the free shuttle - it was stunning. We started our walk on private farmland with the town still sleeping behind us and the peace and quiet of rural Colorado ahead of us.</div>
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<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04326424312149254324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1982093466511339414.post-26379116978740125182016-10-30T15:55:00.000-06:002016-10-30T15:55:56.408-06:00Autumn in Colorado: Part I<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We went on an old-fashioned road trip to see the fall bounty of Colorado. We set off southwest of Denver, with our final destination being Crested Butte, an old mining town full of hippies, ski bums and blue-collar workers from its mining past. We took Cottonwood Pass while it was still open, and jumped off from Crested Butte the next morning to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.</div>
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It was sunny, it was windy, it was snowy, and it was rainy. Covered all the Colorado fall weather in one trip.</div>
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Views from Cottonwood Pass just beyond Buena Vista:</div>
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Then we took off for Black Canyon of the Gunnison - amazing scenic drive along the way. These first few photos are of Curecanti National Recreation Area, which you drive through to get to the national park (so, different canyon to start).</div>
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We crossed the dam to begin our drive:</div>
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About here is where the snow really started flying - it was beautiful:</div>
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Then we finally made it to the Black Canyon! For a national park, there were hardly any people there. It's in the absolute middle of nowhere, many, many driving hours from Denver, no cell phone service, and I suspect that's why it's one of the least visited parks in the federal system.<br />
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It. Was. So. Deep. And. Narrow. Photos don't do it justice. We were so close to the edge, and it was humbling.<br />
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<span id="goog_1139204377"></span><span id="goog_1139204378"></span><br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04326424312149254324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1982093466511339414.post-18354508637224076552016-10-30T14:56:00.002-06:002016-10-30T14:56:33.444-06:00Rewind: Summer Sunset at Colorado National Monument<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The western portion of Colorado is magical - I know Utah gets all the love for its desert, but Colorado boasts similar red rocks, canyons and layered formations, all awash in the scent of pinyon pine and juniper. It's heaven.</div>
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Here's a photo recap of my recent trip to Grand Junction/Fruita, the home of Colorado National Monument. It was July, and it was scorching hot, even at sunset. I can still feel the smothering heat as the sun dipped below the horizon.</div>
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The last rays of light hit the Bookcliffs east of town:</div>
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The rock formations sparkle up close:</div>
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Views from atop the Monument:</div>
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Mt. Garfield:</div>
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<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04326424312149254324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1982093466511339414.post-76329122221817078642015-04-26T18:55:00.000-06:002015-04-26T18:55:04.819-06:00Bathroom Remodel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The "before" photos look as cramped as this bathroom was in real life.</div>
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This used to be the view from our bedroom — weird "hotel" sink open to the master, then a tiny bathroom that we could barely both stand in at the same time.</div>
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Now, the shower of horrors;</div>
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And tile from your nightmares...</div>
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And above the sink in the master bedroom — not just one horrible border, but two!</div>
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Thankfully, that's it for the "before." Now for the fun part.</div>
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After knocking the wall out, this is the view from our bedroom now:</div>
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This showerhead is my everything. Worth every penny.</div>
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The view toward the bedroom — pocket door to save space.</div>
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This is the view from the hallway. It's so beautiful I'm almost afraid to use it.</div>
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Sink and shelving unit from Ikea; glass subway tiles from Home Depot; floor tile from Lowe's; showerhead from Delta.</div>
<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04326424312149254324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1982093466511339414.post-55323624165773485102014-09-14T10:49:00.002-06:002016-10-30T15:00:54.396-06:00More puppy and a new yard<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yes, I am going to make you look at before and after photos of our new yard before you see latest puppy pictures.</div>
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This photo was taken back when we first moved in and before Dad helped us rip that deck off.</div>
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And here was our yard about 2 weeks ago.</div>
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And here's our yard now! It seems to have survived the last vestiges of summer heat, and our cooler nights and (slightly) cooler days are helping.</div>
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OK, now you get pictures of Luna. Here she is, in her preferred sleeping position on my lap. Or John's lap. Any lap, really.</div>
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She likes belly rubs, but she also likes to bite you while she gets belly rubs.</div>
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You can see her lighter eye better in this photo. Not easy to photograph that.</div>
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She likes her soccer ball. Sorry Dad!</div>
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We think that right ear is getting ready to stand up.</div>
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This is how we "watch football" now.</div>
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<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04326424312149254324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1982093466511339414.post-12984209408506946162014-09-14T10:49:00.001-06:002016-10-30T14:58:41.610-06:00More puppy and a new yard<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yes, I am going to make you look at before and after photos of our new yard before you see latest puppy pictures.</div>
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This photo was taken back when we first moved in and before Dad helped us rip that deck off.</div>
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And here was our yard about 2 weeks ago.</div>
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And here's our yard now! It seems to have survived the last vestiges of summer heat, and our cooler nights and (slightly) cooler days are helping.</div>
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OK, now you get pictures of Luna. Here she is, in her preferred sleeping position on my lap. Or John's lap. Any lap, really.</div>
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She likes belly rubs, but she also likes to bite you while she gets belly rubs.</div>
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You can see her lighter eye better in this photo. Not easy to photograph that.</div>
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She likes her soccer ball. Sorry Dad!</div>
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We think that right ear is getting ready to stand up.</div>
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This is how we "watch football" now.</div>
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<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04326424312149254324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1982093466511339414.post-68117392896729260942014-08-23T16:11:00.002-06:002014-08-23T16:11:38.976-06:00Adopting Luna<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
These pictures pretty much speak for themselves, but here's miss Luna, out adopted half-cattledog from New Hope Cattledog Rescue here in Colorado. She's such a sweetheart already and instantly loved both of us.</div>
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She slept like this the whole ride home, which was probably and hour and a half.</div>
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She loves her red ball grandma bought her! :)</div>
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Her left eye is a bit lighter — that's why it looks wonky in this photo, as it doesn't photograph well. No clue if that will stick around, but people will believe she's part cattledog if it does!</div>
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<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04326424312149254324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1982093466511339414.post-64545426414674284972014-08-04T18:18:00.000-06:002014-08-04T18:18:57.807-06:00Nymph, Dream and Emerald lakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This hike was a spur-of-the-moment, Sunday morning, sort of thing — the fact that we can say we hiked Rocky Mountain National Park on the spur of the moment is incredible — and the day couldn't have been better. This trail is super popular and was jam-packed the whole way, but the sprint to the top and the views made it a perfect exercise hike and escape from the daily grind.</div>
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The mileage isn't far, but you gain elevation quickly and finish above 10,000 feet. Heading back down was a breeze.</div>
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Here's a view of Longs Peak from just above Nymph Lake (which is really more of a pond).</div>
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We crossed a bridge over a quaint mountain stream with Hallett Peak in view.</div>
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The view of Hallett Peak (and some bad fly fisherman) from Dream Lake's shores.</div>
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After passing Dream Lake, you sprint the last leg of the trail to Emerald Lake, right at the base of Hallett Peak — and what a beauty it is. Sure would have been nice to take a lunch and eat right there by the green waters, soaking up the icy breeze on a day that was warmer than average for the park.</div>
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It's seriously that green.</div>
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Not a bad seat, eh? Sea level is for sissies.</div>
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<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04326424312149254324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1982093466511339414.post-44988557749452078322014-07-13T11:47:00.000-06:002014-07-13T11:47:01.098-06:00Trail Ridge Road, Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwCHdyvhvX_l93SagAUYUcpL8_iGQqepUlIbzCGuIXLAZuGwUaYg9qtdRf59Oj9n_LisVqDjnHPhWAuHWlQKA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dysNxTuGY7DvTHNgHM01H_WFbzzF4zoWLmnmy0PVipaJCivnCk5Fh-GIRSE0d1tF_0sH5eJMhyXMqfkszY0zg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwrxOpAz8Hmbv8YEvsFfCqejiOxJ5rpSDQ-jwzJGt7YG8QvMuQYSc4lFKcrvJd91151JACu26XZF0bAGg7eSw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04326424312149254324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1982093466511339414.post-7647250514723479682014-07-12T16:13:00.001-06:002014-08-04T18:26:11.084-06:00Trail Ridge Road<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is, believe it or not, a very edited selection of the photos I took along Trail Ridge Road, AKA the most beautiful part of America I've had the pleasure of seeing. Rocky Mountain National Park has my heart in a big way, and I've only lived in this state for a year and a half.</div>
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This first photo is just a river running behind our first bathroom stop. No big deal.</div>
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Longs Peak is the domineering one in this photo. The 14er likes to take over every photo in the vicinity.</div>
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Looking the other direction at the same outlook — a perfect place to sit (if it weren't along a road, ha).</div>
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We started our journey in this humble valley below.</div>
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No clue what mountain range this is, or what overlook. Perhaps Rainbow Curve? They all start running together, there are so many views along the way.</div>
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But once you reach the alpine tundra, it's a view you'll never forget. This is from the Forest Canyon overlook, a definite must-stop.</div>
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We saw so many marmots! They make funny little bark-grunts (and one barked-grunted at me because I came around a corner and nearly toppled over his tubby little body).</div>
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This is the view on a small hike we did that started at an overlook just past Forest Canyon. Great wildflower viewing, big-time. Incredible vantage points that show off the Gore Range.</div>
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This was the guy I almost ran over.</div>
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Not bad, right?</div>
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I freaking love the tundra.</div>
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This is the best hike along the way. Incredible views of the Gore Range, and it's right across the road from the Alpine Visitor Center (skip that, do this hike instead). Hold onto your hats, though, because it's windy!</div>
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We descended rather quickly from nearly 12,000 feet above sea level, and began our winding trip to the western slope. It's well-known for moose sightings, and we saw one immediately! I could have watched this all day.</div>
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We stayed in Grand Lake for the night, right at the gates to Rocky Mountain National Park. Tiny little town, but it worked well enough for us to pass out until we made our way back over the Continental Divide the next morning. And what a morning it was — next three photos are the view from Grand Lake Lodge.</div>
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This next photo was taken while John was driving, just so you have an idea how little work you have to do for incredible views.</div>
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And again, the western slope delivered, this time with two moose! The other is laying in the grass on the left. We sat around waiting to see if it moved, but gave up. Beautiful creatures.</div>
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This was the view just to the right of our moose sighting. The moose sure can pick 'em. This photo is exactly how we saw it — no doctoring or editing at all.</div>
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We stopped for some views of the Gore Range on the way back, just because it was so clear and peaceful.</div>
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And we hit jackpot at the Forest Canyon overlook again, as a herd of elk was munching on a breakfast buffet, tundra-style. There were babies!</div>
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It doesn't get much better than this. First trip up Trail Ridge Road, and it definitely won't be the last.</div>
<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04326424312149254324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1982093466511339414.post-2004926868968448312014-04-20T15:18:00.002-06:002014-04-20T15:18:50.185-06:00An Easter hike at Devil's Backbone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We decided to check out a new trail for a beautiful Easter morning — Devil's Backbone near Loveland. We got there early as we had heard this was a popular trail, and it's a good thing we did, as the parking lot was full when we left after we ate our packed lunch.</div>
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We saw lots of wildlife (and cute dogs excited to hike!) along the way, but have no photos to show of it — about four deer, a kestrel and some raptors that I couldn't place. Raptors nest in the backbone, so if you want to see red-tailed hawks or falcons, this is the place to be.</div>
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This is a different view of Mt. Meeker and Longs Peak than we're used to, as you can see much more of them from Longmont. They still looked quite imposing on the skyline, especially with the rain showers moving in.</div>
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You can get right up to the backbone, which is a great way to see just how large these hogbacks are. (Though the trail is apparently sometimes closed to protect nesting raptors.) This was along the Keyhole Trail.</div>
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We stopped for a beer and green chile at Grimm Brothers Brewery, as they're a Loveland favorite. We'll definitely be back, and we'll need to bring home a growler next time.</div>
<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04326424312149254324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1982093466511339414.post-35470610650442371482014-03-16T19:04:00.000-06:002014-03-16T19:04:08.860-06:00Bald eagles at Golden Ponds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We tried out a new trail in Longmont last week, and I didn't feel like carrying my camera even though I knew there'd be incredible views of the mountains. I instantly regretted it as we saw four bald eagles — right off the busiest road in town.</div>
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So we went back, and I didn't forget my camera this time, hoping they'd still be hanging out. We didn't see four like last time, but we did catch two of them on a nearly 70-degree day in March. Perfection.</div>
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One was just sitting on a tree branch and people could walk right up to the tree without him flinching. The other flew around briefly before soaring away.</div>
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This is a horrible picture, but I somehow caught him in a dive for a fish, which is still pretty cool.</div>
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And it was one of those days that remind us exactly why we live in Colorado. We slathered up on sunscreen and it was warm enough to sweat on a long stroll in March.</div>
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We were walking close to the airport, and they were dropping skydivers nearly every 30 minutes. Crazy people, but I bet those views are amazing on the way down.</div>
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<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04326424312149254324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1982093466511339414.post-49466796772705223612014-01-20T20:15:00.004-07:002014-01-20T20:15:49.220-07:00A little bit of 'after'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our house is far from finished. There are boxes stacked high in the guest bedroom. Our bathroom still is a disaster. We need a new roof, siding and an air conditioner, as well as screens in all of our windows. We're waiting on the shipment of our new rug for the living room. We don't have a dining room table. We can't park either of our cars in our one-car garage.</div>
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It looks vacant and bare in my eyes. I have way too many plans and not enough money. But it's looking better, feeling better and seeming a bit more like home.</div>
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This is the view from our upstairs "hallway." (It's not really long enough to be a hallway; more like a longer version of a "landing.") Please excuse the mess of wires — we do have a plan for them. And as we find interesting items in thrift stores, we will populate the top of the TV cabinet. And I hate that ceiling fan.</div>
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And here's looking down our stairs — it gives a good look at our hardwoods upstairs, and our stairs, of course. The labor of...hate? They're rustic but I enjoy the two-toned look (and it's definitely much better than the gross carpet that you used to be there). We knew we'd never be able to match wood colors with stain, so we figured we'd go really dark. Just look at them from far away, ha.</div>
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This is the view from our dining room into our living room.</div>
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We're very proud of our thrift store find — this awesome wooden globe. The perfect compliment to my brother's painting. </div>
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We don't have a coat closet or an entryway. So we used the empty space under the stairs to hang some coat hooks and a rug on which to leave our shoes. Off to the right is our downstairs bathroom, laundry and the kitchen.</div>
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<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04326424312149254324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1982093466511339414.post-53199892082572100702013-10-27T13:49:00.000-06:002013-10-27T13:49:06.272-06:00Before: A new house<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We've felt a new kind of pain after ripping up most of the carpets. But it will be a huge transformation once the new floors come in and we get some paint on the walls that isn't tan!</div>
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Our kitchen is in pretty good shape, cabinet-wise, but those countertops will definitely have to go.</div>
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Our downstairs half bath is a hideous shade of lavender and pretty boring, but definitely not our top priority. At least it has mirrors and a light fixture, unlike the master bathroom.</div>
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This is the view from the dining room looking into the living room. It gets very bright with all the windows, and we love it.</div>
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One of the worst rooms ever — our guest bedroom. Two walls are gray, two are primary-color blue, and yes, it IS that poorly painted — it's not a trick of the light. Definitely excited to rip off those closet doors and paint it all one color that isn't splotchy.</div>
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Here's a bad shot of the master bath — it has no light fixture yet, so it's pretty dark. Obviously they took the light fixture and medicine cabinet, and the shower isn't too great either, but it's livable for now!</div>
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Here's the master bedroom (yes, those are mirrored double closet doors, ugh). Once we get the hardwoods down it will be so much nicer.</div>
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And the bane of our master bedroom — the weird hotel sink outside the bathroom. It's a different color and style from everything else in the house, and it has at least two layers of terrible wallpaper border along the top. We are at a loss with what to do with this space.</div>
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This is what we're calling the kitty bedroom/workout room. It has no closet and is quite small, but will be perfect for the cat food/litter box and an exercise bike. We plan to decorate it with sports-related things.</div>
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The carpet is nearly impossible to get off these stairs, but boy will it look so much better when we stain the stairs instead of having this gross plush carpet.</div>
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This is the deck off the master bedroom, though it's not stable enough to enjoy quite yet.</div>
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Our backyard full of rocks! It's more spacious than the photo indicates, and wraps around the house to the garage. We'll definitely need to do some work here next spring, as the "grassy areas" are more "weedy areas."</div>
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But it sure is cute! It will look even better once we re-side it — up close it's got a few troubled spots on the wood siding and has a terrible paint job (these people really sucked at painting, clearly). It's a work in progress, but we love it.</div>
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<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04326424312149254324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1982093466511339414.post-47807503976652804602013-07-07T11:15:00.000-06:002013-07-07T11:15:28.729-06:00A long weekend in the mountains<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
July Fourth weekend afforded us the chance at four straight days off. So we took advantage of it.</div>
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Against our better judgment, we spent July Fourth at Garden of the Gods near Colorado Springs with about 10,000 other people. But it was still beautiful (and even better once we got away from crying children, strollers and all that).</div>
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The Siamese Twins trail gets you away from the crowds, mostly because it's not paved and you actually have to do a little bit of work. It's only one mile round-trip and a relatively easy hike, but it's amazing what tourists will bypass sometimes. It had the best view of Pikes Peak alongside these impressive rock formations — the Siamese Twins. </div>
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On Saturday, we decided to get up super early and drive to Rocky Mountain National Park. Since we're still not in high-altitude shape, we chose an easier trail that promised great views — a 1.7-mile, one-way hike to Gem Lake, with 1,000 feet of elevation gain. </div>
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The views of the Rockies along the way were incredible, and the ability to go off-trail and climb on granite rocks was the best part.</div>
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Almost to the top finally! The lake is just to the right of this ridge.</div>
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And we made it! It was the perfect place for an early lunch to cool off from the aerobic climb to the top.</div>
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The view from near the top was the absolute best, overlooking the small resort town of Estes Park. RMNP, we'll definitely be back soon.</div>
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<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04326424312149254324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1982093466511339414.post-87497631935109180202013-01-28T14:26:00.000-07:002013-01-28T14:26:01.946-07:00Rocky Mountain Arsenal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge was an extremely pleasant surprise in such an urban area. Great trails for hiking abound, as do animals. Tread lightly, and don't forget the camera.</div>
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Find the bison!</div>
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Patterns in a frozen lake.</div>
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This guy was down one antler. Still a beautiful creature, though.</div>
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And the whole thing was free, which makes it even better. I'm still surprised at how few people were there on a Saturday so close to Denver on a warm-for-winter day. We'll definitely be back, time and time again, and I can't wait to discover the different animals and sights in each season.</div>
<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04326424312149254324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1982093466511339414.post-49882894775994529352013-01-07T16:41:00.000-07:002013-01-07T16:41:29.101-07:00Boulder adventures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well here we are exploring Boulder already! It still feels a bit like an extended vacation, mostly because I'm not working. But it was great to get in a hike, even if it was short-lived (thanks, lack of oxygen. It makes a bigger difference than you think).</div>
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So we visited a park that boasts tons of trails, and it seemed pretty popular, so we figured it would be a good place to start seeing the beautiful locales around our new home. There was a bit of snow, but it was packed down and easy to hike on. These trails were certainly popular on Sunday morning, as we had to fight for a parking space. Did I mention it's free? BECAUSE IT'S FREE!</div>
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Here's a photo early in the hike looking back over the town of Boulder:</div>
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And here's a photo of Boulder's famous Flatirons — it was an incredibly warm and sunny day:</div>
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Don't mind the rock climbers — they were hiking up to, I assume, take advantage of the Flatirons' well-known rock climbing.</div>
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<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04326424312149254324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1982093466511339414.post-62256760023725262742012-10-01T16:17:00.000-06:002012-10-01T16:19:26.627-06:00A sweet adventure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
With a rare Sunday sans football, John and I decided to make it special. We woke up early, went out to breakfast (Pancake Mill!), and drove past Florence to this great little web of hiking trails. We discovered them with the South Coast Striders many months ago, and I wanted to go back, just us, for more exploring.</div>
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We stopped off a Beaver Creek Falls first (and for some reason, my photos loaded out of order a bit, so there's another photo of Beaver Creek Falls later).</div>
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If you climb out onto this huge tree that fell across the creek, you get a great vantage point. The view was worth the bushwhacking we had to do to get here — the trail was a bit overgrown.</div>
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Then we drove down to the Homestead trailhead of Sweet Creek Falls, which takes you through this gorgeous canyon for about a mile, ending at Sweet Creek Falls itself. The last time we were there, the water flow was much higher, as it was late spring. Right now, the creek had to deal with a very dry summer, and will soon be up and at 'em. </div>
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Low water flow, we discovered allowed us to sneak down by the creek and wander around much more.</div>
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More mini waterfalls along the way.</div>
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This stop off was my favorite little side excursion. There were three waterfall tiers (which I couldn't quite get into one photo, as the lower one was quite a bit lower), and how beautiful is this? We were right on the water after a little climbing off the trail.</div>
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Here's the random photo of Beaver Creek Falls that got stuck in the middle. Ha.</div>
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And back to the off-trail excursion. We found this crawdad wandering about aimlessly. We watched him for about five minutes as he decided where he should re-enter the water — it's a treacherous area for such a little guy, and he eventually (and cautiously) tumbled into a pool.</div>
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Here's the lower portion of Sweet Creek Falls. There's a small trail that leads you to the upper viewpoint and upper tier of the falls, but it's running awfully low this time of year, so no photo of that. But this little area was quite pretty. We sat on some rocks in a quiet pool of water right below the falls; this area hadn't been touched by the hot sun, so it cooled us off from the 70-plus-degree day.</div>
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And here are a few more photos on the hike back, when the light was better to capture all the beautiful falls along the way. A few of these looks quite impressive with higher water flow, but look delicate at summer's end.</div>
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<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04326424312149254324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1982093466511339414.post-62050652084060374102012-05-17T15:26:00.000-06:002012-05-17T15:26:53.201-06:00Missing the Gorge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Though I only lived in the Columbia River Gorge for about two months, I miss it. A lot. And I didn't realize that until we took a trip to Portland, saw Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams and Mt. St. Helens looming on the skyline, covered in snow.</div>
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Then we drove to the waterfall-laden part of the gorge, and I just wanted to set up camp and stay there forever. In case anyone wants to save up now for my Christmas present, you're welcome to buy me one of those cute little homes along the Historic Columbia River Highway — there were plenty of them for sale. </div>
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Here's Multnomah Falls — everyone's seen it, but it's still nice to visit. And best to visit before 10 a.m., when things are still quiet.</div>
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Here's a waterfall that somehow had escaped me after all these years and visits to the gorge — Latourell Falls. It was easily seen from the parking lot, but was even better when you walked up to it. And you really could walk right up to it, gaze straight up and feel the mist.</div>
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A little perspective, since it's difficult to see just how high this falls is: Here's John taking in the misty coolness of Latourell Falls.</div>
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The view across the gorge. How amazing would it be to live RIGHT THERE?</div>
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Then we stopped at the Vista House, mostly because John hadn't been there and also because I'd never been inside. It's incredibly beautiful!<br />
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Of course, the beauty of the view from the Vista House is really why people are there. Sigh.</div>
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<br />Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04326424312149254324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1982093466511339414.post-71425248866643258172012-02-16T15:50:00.000-07:002012-02-16T16:14:19.839-07:00A caving we will go<div>Also with Wanderlust Tours, we went caving. I guess it was more like "lava tubing," but that's difficult to say.</div><div><br /></div><div>We drove to Boyd Cave, which is the only one they visit in winter, though they do lots more in the summer. There was a wet fog the night before, and it blanketed the high desert with hoarfrost that was just mesmerizing. Bend's diversity in landscape is amazing, since it's nestled right between high desert and mountains — never a dull moment when you're driving around.</div><div><br /></div><div>So since the cave was in total darkness, we had to wear headlamps on our helmets (which also means there's basically no photos from inside). We saw a couple hibernating bats inside while we learned about the volcanic history of the region. I love volcanoes.</div><div><br /></div><div>So anyway, here are some pictures of the hoarfrost-covered vegetation on a cold winter morning.</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SPlc8MhlCi8/Tz2ImqG6hPI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/mgagRBVrovs/s1600/IMG_4283.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SPlc8MhlCi8/Tz2ImqG6hPI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/mgagRBVrovs/s320/IMG_4283.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709870100295353586" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YGyufUKGIHY/Tz2ImKmVIoI/AAAAAAAAAqE/XxTVDVt7lzE/s1600/IMG_4285.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 286px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YGyufUKGIHY/Tz2ImKmVIoI/AAAAAAAAAqE/XxTVDVt7lzE/s320/IMG_4285.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709870091837186690" /></a><br />After we returned from the end of the cave, we were greeted by this view of the cave opening. There's some metal, rickety stairs off to the right, but this view lets us see it without the manmade structures, and it looks pretty mysterious, doesn't it?<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vo-K2vNBv7Y/Tz2IlhTacNI/AAAAAAAAAp4/VjeIq7l8cg4/s1600/IMG_4291.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vo-K2vNBv7Y/Tz2IlhTacNI/AAAAAAAAAp4/VjeIq7l8cg4/s1600/IMG_4291.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 222px; " src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vo-K2vNBv7Y/Tz2IlhTacNI/AAAAAAAAAp4/VjeIq7l8cg4/s320/IMG_4291.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709870080751988946" /></a><br />Though it was warmer and sunnier by the time we emerged, there was still frost all over most of the plants. It felt soft like snow, if you can believe it. It looks so harsh.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0YpCEiR-XRk/Tz2IlMr3q8I/AAAAAAAAAps/9BIFHlR2E5w/s1600/IMG_4294.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0YpCEiR-XRk/Tz2IlMr3q8I/AAAAAAAAAps/9BIFHlR2E5w/s1600/IMG_4294.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0YpCEiR-XRk/Tz2IlMr3q8I/AAAAAAAAAps/9BIFHlR2E5w/s320/IMG_4294.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709870075217423298" /></a><br />And us, the intrepid cavers! Photo courtesy of our guide, Jeff, who was a geologist and knew SO MUCH about caves, and volcanoes and local wildlife. Notice the intense amount of dust on my pants, thanks to crawling around on our hands and knees. Ha.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1d9y5EoyxPI/Tz2IkoydTqI/AAAAAAAAApg/4Fea40C3y4g/s1600/IMG_4302.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1d9y5EoyxPI/Tz2IkoydTqI/AAAAAAAAApg/4Fea40C3y4g/s1600/IMG_4302.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px; " src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1d9y5EoyxPI/Tz2IkoydTqI/AAAAAAAAApg/4Fea40C3y4g/s320/IMG_4302.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709870065581379234" /></a><br /></div><div>That afternoon we visited the High Desert Museum, which was honestly one of the best museums I've ever visited. It was newly renovated, beautifully-done and so interesting. Plus they had birds of prey, which are totally some of my favorite animals out there. I could have watched that golden eagle and red-tailed hawk all day. We spent about 2 hours there, despite everyone saying it was a "small" museum — and it only cost $10 for adults to get in, which truly shocked me. Museums have gotten quite expensive these days, and this seemed like a steal.</div><div><br /></div><div>The next day we just wandered around the downtown area (which had lots of restaurants and shops), then toured Deschutes Brewery (it was FREE and included samples)! Deschutes makes our favorite beers, from pale ales to IPAs to imperial stouts, and the brewery was so scientific and fascinating. It was huge, first of all, considering it's a micro brewery (albeit one that ships to half the U.S.). Equipment was everywhere, looking all shiny and sterilized, most people working there were guys (on the floor at least, as the tour guide said one of the women who worked there was just upgraded to a master brewer), and it was humming much faster than that opening credit footage on "Laverne and Shirley." It smelled a faint but delicious cross of bread and beer.</div><div><br /></div><div>They reuse all of their hops, wheat, grain, etc. that are used in crafting the beer. When we ate at Deschutes Brewery the night before, the incredible pretzel we had as an appetizer was made from leftover grains, as were the burger buns. Pretty cool stuff. They're slowly taking over the world, and I'm OK with that.</div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04326424312149254324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1982093466511339414.post-5324634395418387022012-02-12T11:04:00.000-07:002012-02-12T11:35:15.193-07:00Snowshoeing in paradise<div>On Monday morning, we went snowshoeing with Wanderlust Tours at the base of Mount Bachelor. We figured since we didn't know how to snowshoe (or even how to put them on correctly), going with professionals would be best.</div><div><br /></div><div>Plus, they take you off trail and into the woods — which is hard work since the snow isn't packed down, but super nice because it's free of snowmobiles, cross country skiers and other snowshoers. Perfect silence (save for our click-clacking snowshoes).</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JdC0mC3qe60/TzgARS0EnZI/AAAAAAAAApU/d40ag2ak-N0/s1600/IMG_4250.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JdC0mC3qe60/TzgARS0EnZI/AAAAAAAAApU/d40ag2ak-N0/s320/IMG_4250.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708312824800124306" /></a><br />Our guide, Chase, is on the left, talking with one of the guys in our group. I think he was teaching us that we could eat certain lichens if you get lost in the woods. They actually didn't taste bad, they just felt like eating hair!<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2mxCW-yP-mI/TzgAHrTaNoI/AAAAAAAAApI/3w180iUmxQU/s1600/IMG_4255.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2mxCW-yP-mI/TzgAHrTaNoI/AAAAAAAAApI/3w180iUmxQU/s1600/IMG_4255.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 226px; height: 320px; " src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2mxCW-yP-mI/TzgAHrTaNoI/AAAAAAAAApI/3w180iUmxQU/s320/IMG_4255.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708312659575322242" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nT530HpdHJ8/TzgAHFEHRQI/AAAAAAAAAo8/omXmPtFoGsM/s1600/IMG_4257.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nT530HpdHJ8/TzgAHFEHRQI/AAAAAAAAAo8/omXmPtFoGsM/s320/IMG_4257.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708312649310618882" /></a><br />Here's Chase being annoyed by the kid. But I think he was showing us what a Ponderosa pine looked like.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sUNroGn3sEo/TzgAGtt0tdI/AAAAAAAAAow/plA1245uy9M/s1600/IMG_4259.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sUNroGn3sEo/TzgAGtt0tdI/AAAAAAAAAow/plA1245uy9M/s1600/IMG_4259.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sUNroGn3sEo/TzgAGtt0tdI/AAAAAAAAAow/plA1245uy9M/s320/IMG_4259.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708312643043112402" /></a><br />We got near the end of our excursion and it opened up to this view of the Three Sisters mountains. It actually took our breath away, it was that beautiful (but we also didn't have much air up there at 6,400 feet, so perhaps that was part of it).<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VgIrEdsvgTc/TzgAFhMyLFI/AAAAAAAAAoo/CzqE_v6acPo/s1600/IMG_4263.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VgIrEdsvgTc/TzgAFhMyLFI/AAAAAAAAAoo/CzqE_v6acPo/s1600/IMG_4263.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VgIrEdsvgTc/TzgAFhMyLFI/AAAAAAAAAoo/CzqE_v6acPo/s320/IMG_4263.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708312622503439442" /></a><br />Looking back on our now-packed trail:<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2tCFPaCWHr0/TzgAFfmWntI/AAAAAAAAAoY/wJsHh3wfzpQ/s1600/IMG_4267.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2tCFPaCWHr0/TzgAFfmWntI/AAAAAAAAAoY/wJsHh3wfzpQ/s1600/IMG_4267.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 272px; " src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2tCFPaCWHr0/TzgAFfmWntI/AAAAAAAAAoY/wJsHh3wfzpQ/s320/IMG_4267.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708312622073814738" /></a><br />The shadows of the trees shaded us a bit, but here's a heavily doctored photo of me and John, taken graciously by Chase. Yep, we were sweaty and hot in that getup, even after we lost the winter coats and gloves.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2JMNOqpq8_M/Tzf_pn6muPI/AAAAAAAAAoM/YA9lUSbDzD4/s1600/IMG_4269.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2JMNOqpq8_M/Tzf_pn6muPI/AAAAAAAAAoM/YA9lUSbDzD4/s1600/IMG_4269.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 294px; " src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2JMNOqpq8_M/Tzf_pn6muPI/AAAAAAAAAoM/YA9lUSbDzD4/s320/IMG_4269.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708312143269902578" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5hVdoawE0mY/Tzf_o9myfCI/AAAAAAAAAoE/JA7OVKovH1Y/s1600/IMG_4273.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5hVdoawE0mY/Tzf_o9myfCI/AAAAAAAAAoE/JA7OVKovH1Y/s320/IMG_4273.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708312131912498210" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sXBzTvoxKSY/Tzf_oeTe3AI/AAAAAAAAAn0/3ys3LMehdhk/s1600/IMG_4276.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sXBzTvoxKSY/Tzf_oeTe3AI/AAAAAAAAAn0/3ys3LMehdhk/s320/IMG_4276.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708312123510021122" /></a><br />There's a company that runs dogsled tours at Mount Bachelor, too. We could hear them barking, ready to go for a run, right before we started. It's expensive, I think, but how cool would that be? The other family in our group did it a couple days before and said it was incredible.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e_fpk0pE58M/Tzf_nwtglTI/AAAAAAAAAno/6LTfvLBnAN0/s1600/IMG_4277.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e_fpk0pE58M/Tzf_nwtglTI/AAAAAAAAAno/6LTfvLBnAN0/s1600/IMG_4277.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 190px; " src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e_fpk0pE58M/Tzf_nwtglTI/AAAAAAAAAno/6LTfvLBnAN0/s320/IMG_4277.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708312111271154994" /></a><br />Just a cool photo. Chase was teaching us that the Three Sisters are actually called Faith, Hope and Charity (but what a mouthful that is!), and that Mount Bachelor used to be called Brother Jonathan in reference to their names. Then it was changed to Bachelor Butte (butte is a popular name out here around these volcanic areas, and is probably more accurate), but Chase said nobody wants to ski and snowboard on a butte. So they changed the name to Mount Bachelor, mostly for commercial purposes!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-seRx_9KoWyo/Tzf_ns_j0MI/AAAAAAAAAnc/6aAvwgKUoEM/s1600/IMG_4279.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><div><br /></div><div>There's a pair of restaurants in town, English-type pubs, that go by the name Brother Jon's in reference to Mount Bachelor's old name. Anyway, there's your history lesson for the day.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-seRx_9KoWyo/Tzf_ns_j0MI/AAAAAAAAAnc/6aAvwgKUoEM/s1600/IMG_4279.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 266px; " src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-seRx_9KoWyo/Tzf_ns_j0MI/AAAAAAAAAnc/6aAvwgKUoEM/s320/IMG_4279.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708312110273122498" /></a><br /></div><div>After the trip, we ate some Vietnamese food and passed out for about 40 minutes, we were that worn out by snowshoeing. We took the hottest showers ever to soothe our sore muscles (snowshoeing does wonders for your thighs) before we ate at 10 Barrel Brewing Company for dinner. I think it's my new favorite place — their burger and mac and cheese were incredible, plus they had an awesome vanilla porter on nitro tap that hit the spot right before dessert, which was lemon custard for John and peanut butter mousse (but it was really more of a cheesecake consistency) for me.</div><div><br /></div><div>Just another day in paradise.</div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04326424312149254324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1982093466511339414.post-82299503087838597272012-02-11T16:52:00.006-07:002012-02-11T17:18:53.184-07:00Discovering Bend<div>Our vacation to Bend was so incredible that I literally didn't want to leave. That happens often with vacations, but this time, I actually wanted to move there. And still do. If we could find work, we'd be packing tomorrow.</div><div><br /></div><div>Our hotel was right along the Deschutes River, and we ate breakfast (and had a fantastic dinner at their steakhouse the first night) right by the river. It was beautiful.</div><div><br /></div><div>A short jaunt from our hotel:</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XSCvqjMAaVQ/TzcBcuFcfkI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/1DDrc020GUA/s1600/IMG_4182.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XSCvqjMAaVQ/TzcBcuFcfkI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/1DDrc020GUA/s320/IMG_4182.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708032645634227778" /></a><br />And a shot of the bridge at our hotel and the hotel on the right — told you it was right on the river.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3PhmV9KcLxI/TzcBccnXTQI/AAAAAAAAAnE/BKakPNvP3AM/s1600/IMG_4190.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3PhmV9KcLxI/TzcBccnXTQI/AAAAAAAAAnE/BKakPNvP3AM/s1600/IMG_4190.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3PhmV9KcLxI/TzcBccnXTQI/AAAAAAAAAnE/BKakPNvP3AM/s320/IMG_4190.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708032640944655618" /></a><br />To wake up our low-lander lungs, we hit Pilot Butte for a hike on Sunday. It's very popular because of its great, short hike (there were a lot of locals just exercising), and well, the view at the top.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-13XqAbYh9I4/TzcBMU32f6I/AAAAAAAAAm4/QHbrHcHQwA0/s1600/IMG_4195.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This shot exists basically because we were masking the need to take a break. Nothing like a hike to expose the fact that you don't live above sea level. These are some mountains in Eastern Oregon, and some residential areas of Bend (Pilot Butte is a cinder cone that's right in the middle of town).</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-13XqAbYh9I4/TzcBMU32f6I/AAAAAAAAAm4/QHbrHcHQwA0/s1600/IMG_4195.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-13XqAbYh9I4/TzcBMU32f6I/AAAAAAAAAm4/QHbrHcHQwA0/s320/IMG_4195.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708032363988418466" /></a><br />Further up, we spotted Mount Hood up by Portland. Quite a few hours away, and it still dominates the skyline. What a mountain.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ywThMwOyWeE/TzcBMDRFppI/AAAAAAAAAms/StqkLRq2WPY/s1600/IMG_4196.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ywThMwOyWeE/TzcBMDRFppI/AAAAAAAAAms/StqkLRq2WPY/s1600/IMG_4196.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 227px; " src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ywThMwOyWeE/TzcBMDRFppI/AAAAAAAAAms/StqkLRq2WPY/s320/IMG_4196.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708032359262430866" /></a><br />And the true reason for Pilot Butte — the incredible view of the closer Cascade Mountains. On the left is Mount Bachelor (which we'll be visiting later), the middle mountains are the Three Sisters, and the one on the right that looks like multiple mountains is Broken Top.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g55Ias_0IOU/TzcBLv6IzrI/AAAAAAAAAmg/Dt8KwYAffTA/s1600/IMG_4199.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g55Ias_0IOU/TzcBLv6IzrI/AAAAAAAAAmg/Dt8KwYAffTA/s1600/IMG_4199.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 216px; " src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g55Ias_0IOU/TzcBLv6IzrI/AAAAAAAAAmg/Dt8KwYAffTA/s320/IMG_4199.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708032354065895090" /></a><br />A better view of the Three Sisters and Broken Top:<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WyiB8463GB4/TzcBLRC7sUI/AAAAAAAAAmU/5ACxafqcB2Y/s1600/IMG_4201.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WyiB8463GB4/TzcBLRC7sUI/AAAAAAAAAmU/5ACxafqcB2Y/s1600/IMG_4201.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 216px; " src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WyiB8463GB4/TzcBLRC7sUI/AAAAAAAAAmU/5ACxafqcB2Y/s320/IMG_4201.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708032345781285186" /></a><br />And Mount Bachelor:<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wUMBjxy7TEk/TzcBLINAp_I/AAAAAAAAAmI/RXbii6Drpb4/s1600/IMG_4204.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wUMBjxy7TEk/TzcBLINAp_I/AAAAAAAAAmI/RXbii6Drpb4/s1600/IMG_4204.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 181px; " src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wUMBjxy7TEk/TzcBLINAp_I/AAAAAAAAAmI/RXbii6Drpb4/s320/IMG_4204.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708032343407634418" /></a><br />This guy is the reason Pilot Butte was saved for a state park, and it's a really nice one. Bricked platform at the top, bathrooms and handicapped people can even drive up there. Click on this one so you can read it though — it's pretty funny, which is why there's a photo to begin with.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UfERBOPpJAM/TzcAaMbEJ0I/AAAAAAAAAl8/jXVSBM5OMMo/s1600/IMG_4213.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UfERBOPpJAM/TzcAaMbEJ0I/AAAAAAAAAl8/jXVSBM5OMMo/s1600/IMG_4213.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UfERBOPpJAM/TzcAaMbEJ0I/AAAAAAAAAl8/jXVSBM5OMMo/s320/IMG_4213.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708031502726735682" /></a><br />Looking east again — no idea what the mountains are out there because there are just so many and they kind of look the same from such a distance:<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OYv-XznYuMo/TzcAZ3y8s4I/AAAAAAAAAlw/JIH6mbXXfTc/s1600/IMG_4217.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OYv-XznYuMo/TzcAZ3y8s4I/AAAAAAAAAlw/JIH6mbXXfTc/s1600/IMG_4217.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OYv-XznYuMo/TzcAZ3y8s4I/AAAAAAAAAlw/JIH6mbXXfTc/s320/IMG_4217.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708031497189766018" /></a><br />Pilot Butte also has great benches (or I guess one giant bench in a circle) to sit and take in the view, so that's exactly what we did. Breathing in the mountain air on a day like that was invigorating — I had missed that.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fSC1c29FPmc/TzcAZcVNKKI/AAAAAAAAAlk/63wM75d1-KQ/s1600/IMG_4229.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fSC1c29FPmc/TzcAZcVNKKI/AAAAAAAAAlk/63wM75d1-KQ/s1600/IMG_4229.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 188px; " src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fSC1c29FPmc/TzcAZcVNKKI/AAAAAAAAAlk/63wM75d1-KQ/s320/IMG_4229.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708031489817258146" /></a><br />Up close of Broken Top — pretty spectacular, isn't it?<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cLN4mRSQcmI/TzcAY-2hUzI/AAAAAAAAAlY/OJFH0Mtz6XA/s1600/IMG_4235.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cLN4mRSQcmI/TzcAY-2hUzI/AAAAAAAAAlY/OJFH0Mtz6XA/s1600/IMG_4235.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cLN4mRSQcmI/TzcAY-2hUzI/AAAAAAAAAlY/OJFH0Mtz6XA/s320/IMG_4235.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708031481903928114" /></a><br />And here's a compass that listed all the mountains (and buttes, which can kind of be more like large hills) that were visible in a 360-degree view:<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PTyJy4eVwDM/TzcAYhJV8rI/AAAAAAAAAlM/GAKOwpNuF8c/s1600/IMG_4246.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PTyJy4eVwDM/TzcAYhJV8rI/AAAAAAAAAlM/GAKOwpNuF8c/s1600/IMG_4246.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PTyJy4eVwDM/TzcAYhJV8rI/AAAAAAAAAlM/GAKOwpNuF8c/s320/IMG_4246.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708031473929810610" /></a><br /></div><div>Needless to say, I wanted to buy a house at the base of Pilot Butte and never leave. I could walk this every day and never get tired of that view. But there's plenty more exploring to come!</div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04326424312149254324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1982093466511339414.post-84466977722854718952011-12-26T16:22:00.000-07:002011-12-26T16:36:15.428-07:00Oregon's winter waves<div>If you know me, then you know one of my favorite activities in Oregon is watching stormy seas.</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, we got lucky today. We traveled to Shore Acres for one of my few and far between days off to watch whales, as it's the first day of Winter Whale Watch Week. We were greeted by fog. Darn.</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GW5-w2Jyvzk/TvkC3zQUNZI/AAAAAAAAAkE/mZLhixZlSWQ/s1600/IMG_4074.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 282px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GW5-w2Jyvzk/TvkC3zQUNZI/AAAAAAAAAkE/mZLhixZlSWQ/s320/IMG_4074.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690582761834034578" /></a><br />Then I stood there for a few minutes before the waves started picking up — it was nearing high tide. Perfect.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pNNGn_z8BZU/TvkC3v-d0WI/AAAAAAAAAj4/J6z5x4hYGZU/s1600/IMG_4090.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pNNGn_z8BZU/TvkC3v-d0WI/AAAAAAAAAj4/J6z5x4hYGZU/s1600/IMG_4090.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 238px; " src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pNNGn_z8BZU/TvkC3v-d0WI/AAAAAAAAAj4/J6z5x4hYGZU/s320/IMG_4090.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690582760953860450" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cptLQWBPp0E/TvkCtSfuCLI/AAAAAAAAAjo/z-UMxOshcgA/s1600/IMG_4108.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cptLQWBPp0E/TvkCtSfuCLI/AAAAAAAAAjo/z-UMxOshcgA/s320/IMG_4108.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690582581241579698" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G1kpVrUZwPI/TvkCtNvzviI/AAAAAAAAAjc/FwgLADZw_a8/s1600/IMG_4118.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G1kpVrUZwPI/TvkCtNvzviI/AAAAAAAAAjc/FwgLADZw_a8/s320/IMG_4118.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690582579966885410" /></a><br />The sun tried to peek out for a bit, but it didn't win the fight. It's OK, the fog and deep gray clouds were a great mood to a winter day by the sea.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6JyL_IHKNBE/TvkCsBY8_nI/AAAAAAAAAjU/tD8CGB22sPE/s1600/IMG_4121.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6JyL_IHKNBE/TvkCsBY8_nI/AAAAAAAAAjU/tD8CGB22sPE/s1600/IMG_4121.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6JyL_IHKNBE/TvkCsBY8_nI/AAAAAAAAAjU/tD8CGB22sPE/s320/IMG_4121.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690582559469928050" /></a><br />Love watching the water cascade over the rocks right here, just like mini waterfalls.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OfrdSO0wFCE/TvkCr7HARkI/AAAAAAAAAjE/B-3TwF3kWa0/s1600/IMG_4122.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OfrdSO0wFCE/TvkCr7HARkI/AAAAAAAAAjE/B-3TwF3kWa0/s1600/IMG_4122.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 203px; " src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OfrdSO0wFCE/TvkCr7HARkI/AAAAAAAAAjE/B-3TwF3kWa0/s320/IMG_4122.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690582557784032834" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ROqrZHvk0sc/TvkCrf9-_pI/AAAAAAAAAi4/BfFFwcHmKK8/s1600/IMG_4125.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ROqrZHvk0sc/TvkCrf9-_pI/AAAAAAAAAi4/BfFFwcHmKK8/s320/IMG_4125.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690582550498442898" /></a><br /></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04326424312149254324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1982093466511339414.post-75972068210600752052011-12-26T15:52:00.000-07:002011-12-26T16:04:11.101-07:00An atypical Oregon Coast December<div>On the day after Christmas, we're finally receiving some winter weather. It rained on and off all Christmas Day, and that was the first significant rain we've had since before summer. And it wasn't even that significant.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's been an atypically cold and clear December, but you won't find me complaining. I love crisp winter weather, bright blue skies and chilly temperatures.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here's an above shot of Cape Arago a couple weeks ago, with a cute doggie in the way.</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UqtHDs4wW0I/Tvj7xTwD6iI/AAAAAAAAAis/4nLDMAslou4/s1600/IMG_3980.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UqtHDs4wW0I/Tvj7xTwD6iI/AAAAAAAAAis/4nLDMAslou4/s320/IMG_3980.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690574953716640290" /></a><br />No idea what I'm looking at here, I just thought it was a pretty birdie. Saw him (or her, I suppose) on the trail down to Cape Arago's south cove for tidepooling last week.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dqqF-yD9H_E/Tvj7Q_sQU7I/AAAAAAAAAig/aaVtUf_ongU/s1600/IMG_4019.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dqqF-yD9H_E/Tvj7Q_sQU7I/AAAAAAAAAig/aaVtUf_ongU/s1600/IMG_4019.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 269px; " src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dqqF-yD9H_E/Tvj7Q_sQU7I/AAAAAAAAAig/aaVtUf_ongU/s320/IMG_4019.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690574398576153522" /></a><br />Ah, the beach all to myself. Nothing better.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fa2xxusOQjE/Tvj7QBgT1gI/AAAAAAAAAiY/T_IYhJzsHbg/s1600/IMG_4022.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fa2xxusOQjE/Tvj7QBgT1gI/AAAAAAAAAiY/T_IYhJzsHbg/s1600/IMG_4022.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fa2xxusOQjE/Tvj7QBgT1gI/AAAAAAAAAiY/T_IYhJzsHbg/s320/IMG_4022.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690574381883053570" /></a><br />Winter's low tides are extra low, and high tides are extra high. That makes for great tidepooling AND wave watching (photos you'll see soon enough).<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fPgTSxymOOM/Tvj7PkPx6tI/AAAAAAAAAiI/nem22ICS4IQ/s1600/IMG_4032.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fPgTSxymOOM/Tvj7PkPx6tI/AAAAAAAAAiI/nem22ICS4IQ/s1600/IMG_4032.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fPgTSxymOOM/Tvj7PkPx6tI/AAAAAAAAAiI/nem22ICS4IQ/s320/IMG_4032.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690574374029093586" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RysG1C_OvL0/Tvj7O6SyMGI/AAAAAAAAAh8/eEX9S3lnowM/s1600/IMG_4037.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RysG1C_OvL0/Tvj7O6SyMGI/AAAAAAAAAh8/eEX9S3lnowM/s320/IMG_4037.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690574362767405154" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jdSZoKykJQc/Tvj7OjWeizI/AAAAAAAAAhw/ozdHBgKy-9A/s1600/IMG_4072.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jdSZoKykJQc/Tvj7OjWeizI/AAAAAAAAAhw/ozdHBgKy-9A/s320/IMG_4072.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690574356608879410" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I'll miss the gorgeous weather we've had (and we've all but kissed it goodbye), but I'll welcome a little rain. The rivers need it, after all, for the fishies.</div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04326424312149254324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1982093466511339414.post-16340469085609699002011-10-24T15:06:00.001-06:002011-10-24T15:40:43.975-06:00Silver Falls State Park camping<div>Silver Falls State Park quickly became one of my favorite places in Oregon in a single weekend. Fall colors were bright, cool temperatures kept most tourists away and the campground was nearly empty.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here's South Falls, a highly-photographed area, as you can see. It's actually really tall, but it's difficult to see that without some perspective. So trust me, it's huge.</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z9PFHcaPceg/TqXYiRA_grI/AAAAAAAAAhk/YORmXQKJx2k/s1600/IMG_3737.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z9PFHcaPceg/TqXYiRA_grI/AAAAAAAAAhk/YORmXQKJx2k/s320/IMG_3737.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667173789310354098" /></a><br />You could walk behind it! I love when you can do that. If you click on the photo and look really close to the right of the waterfall, you can see little people on the trail, which should offer some size perspective.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T15SCmNShOI/TqXYOTGGBYI/AAAAAAAAAhc/WwFqg6EoDSA/s1600/IMG_3753.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T15SCmNShOI/TqXYOTGGBYI/AAAAAAAAAhc/WwFqg6EoDSA/s1600/IMG_3753.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T15SCmNShOI/TqXYOTGGBYI/AAAAAAAAAhc/WwFqg6EoDSA/s320/IMG_3753.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667173446271239554" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dy-lokBq5fY/TqXYN94EriI/AAAAAAAAAhM/lEeUebCv3UM/s1600/IMG_3754.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dy-lokBq5fY/TqXYN94EriI/AAAAAAAAAhM/lEeUebCv3UM/s320/IMG_3754.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667173440575286818" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vmQuiOu5_jo/TqXXrI5h_-I/AAAAAAAAAhA/xdiA10gJ5ic/s1600/IMG_3758.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vmQuiOu5_jo/TqXXrI5h_-I/AAAAAAAAAhA/xdiA10gJ5ic/s320/IMG_3758.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667172842238771170" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cm1AeqLE6Hg/TqXXqM4KmkI/AAAAAAAAAg0/X4TdJ9OhtZs/s1600/IMG_3770.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cm1AeqLE6Hg/TqXXqM4KmkI/AAAAAAAAAg0/X4TdJ9OhtZs/s320/IMG_3770.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667172826126916162" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GjqLt5bvtxU/TqXXETHmBxI/AAAAAAAAAgo/krM-5xIdDvI/s1600/IMG_3781.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GjqLt5bvtxU/TqXXETHmBxI/AAAAAAAAAgo/krM-5xIdDvI/s320/IMG_3781.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667172174967211794" /></a><br />Stopped for lunch on a bridge overlooking the creek, where we had Empire Cafe sourdough bread with homemade blackberry jam (courtesy of the Gunthers).<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RVguYNfYCCA/TqXXEHUFwHI/AAAAAAAAAgc/gTegc6ERDik/s1600/IMG_3790.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RVguYNfYCCA/TqXXEHUFwHI/AAAAAAAAAgc/gTegc6ERDik/s1600/IMG_3790.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RVguYNfYCCA/TqXXEHUFwHI/AAAAAAAAAgc/gTegc6ERDik/s320/IMG_3790.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667172171798397042" /></a><br />Gratuitous moss shot, just for Mom.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qVTFCrZyGUg/TqXWh2F8RFI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/7r7q6iHXK08/s1600/IMG_3798.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qVTFCrZyGUg/TqXWh2F8RFI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/7r7q6iHXK08/s1600/IMG_3798.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qVTFCrZyGUg/TqXWh2F8RFI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/7r7q6iHXK08/s320/IMG_3798.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667171583060100178" /></a><br />North Falls from an overlook just off the road. I think you can walk to it, but we were kinda tired by this point.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cw6pmEvd9xE/TqXWS7VThuI/AAAAAAAAAgE/I8UCrQHSu2Y/s1600/IMG_3803.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cw6pmEvd9xE/TqXWS7VThuI/AAAAAAAAAgE/I8UCrQHSu2Y/s1600/IMG_3803.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cw6pmEvd9xE/TqXWS7VThuI/AAAAAAAAAgE/I8UCrQHSu2Y/s320/IMG_3803.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667171326768678626" /></a><br />So we drove to Upper North Falls, which was just a short stroll from the parking lot.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-le0G9gAg9xY/TqXWDRpxnRI/AAAAAAAAAf4/mdVAvU4JrO8/s1600/IMG_3816.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-le0G9gAg9xY/TqXWDRpxnRI/AAAAAAAAAf4/mdVAvU4JrO8/s1600/IMG_3816.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-le0G9gAg9xY/TqXWDRpxnRI/AAAAAAAAAf4/mdVAvU4JrO8/s320/IMG_3816.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667171057882209554" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F_O_2S81D8c/TqXVzHz0_8I/AAAAAAAAAfs/dbeSdkLnGBU/s1600/IMG_3825.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F_O_2S81D8c/TqXVzHz0_8I/AAAAAAAAAfs/dbeSdkLnGBU/s320/IMG_3825.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667170780362112962" /></a><br /></div><div>This was such an awesome weekend away. We ate at the best little bakery in Elkton to pick up breakfast for our camping trip, and tried out a new restaurant in Salem on the way home (http://wordofsalem.com/). Just check out that menu, and get the creme brulee french toast — it was incredible, as was their corned beef hash. Might have changed my life. Might have to stop there anytime I'm driving past Salem. Or near Salem at all.</div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04326424312149254324noreply@blogger.com0