More Vacation Photos

This is for those of you who are interested in where to go and what to see - and for Trishelle - maybe it will take you back.

If you visit Portland, Oregon you need to take the SCENIC ROUTE to the falls.  Absolutely incredible.  I can't even describe the drive.  And then in the middle of being awed by the scenery we stumbled upon this little gem.  You can't miss it.  You have to drive around it.  The views are breathtaking.  Stop for a few minutes.

Here's the ceiling in this little roadside wonder.

Afterward you cross this bridge as you see Latourel Falls. We hiked down and around and I took this photo.

We saw these ferns and the colorful mushrooms. We took our time as we walked around and enjoyed the little things.  This place really made us slow down.  I was in heaven because I'm usually in a  hurry to get everything done.

Tyler says they remind him of the mario mushrooms.

Then it was Multnomah Falls time. This is the most commercial of the waterfalls. The lodge at the bottom is quaint and has a little gift shop. They even had free fudge tasting.

This is a small part of the beautiful walk along the way.

This up at the top of Multnomah Falls near switchback 10.

This is a panorama made from 3 photos.  Ponytail Falls above Horsetail Falls.

This was my favorite waterfall and probably Haeley's too. Click on any of these photos to see them larger - but especially this one.

To give you some perspective - here you go. That's me with the kiddos.

So there you go.  Some of my favorite details from the Portland area.  I hope to be able to share more photos from our vacation soon mixed in with some photos of life now.  Mount Hood, Beach photos, Aquarium photos, etc.

A few family photos from our recent vacation

Near Portland Oregon- we took the scenic route to the waterfalls.  It was absolutely one of the most breathtaking places I have even been! As we drove along we could see this little gem through the trees - Vista House.

After Vista House we found Latourel Falls. 

And then hiked Multnomah Falls.

All the way to the tippy top. 11 switchbacks over 1.2 miles

Just thinking about it makes my ankles hurt.

Then there was Ponytail Falls. My daughter wanted to go under a waterfall. And this makes my achilles tendons hurt but it was my favorite hike of all. It was worth all the pain.  

After Portland we drove to Cannon Beach and took a photo of us with Haystack Rock in the background.  

And here is Good Fortune Cove with the best tidal pools! 

I felt like a little kid filled with wonder and amazement.  

There were sea stars all over the rocks here.  

We were all super happy this day.

Same place, next day - too cold to take shoes off.  The wind. Yikes!

My favorite Lighthouse of the trip- Yaquina Head. Maybe it's because we were able to climb it.

The rest close after Labor Day so this was it.

And on the way back home we saw Shoshone Falls and Twin Falls - which is actually single falls this time of the year.  

I can't wait to share more photos.  I found a whole sand dollar.  I purchased a preserved sea star.  We went to the Oregon Coast Aquarium too. We went to a glad blowing shop and saw them make vases before our very eyes. We had so much fun and the adventure will live on in a scrapbook as soon as I have a little time. I have a wedding album to finish. One to send to the lab. And a wedding to photograph tomorrow.  Don't get sick of looking at our faces.  I promise more photos soon. But most of all I wish I could convey the feeling I enjoyed throughout this vacation.  It was the first family vacation we have ever taken.  Now that we know the kids can handle a road trip now and then, we may have to take another one - just not soon.  We all need a break from the Jeep.

Memorial Day Activities

As a family, including some extended family, we hiked to this waterfall.  For those of you familiar with my area, you'll know this is a serious treat.  Waterfalls are not big in the high desert.  

This gives you a better idea of how big the falls are.  That's my little family to the right.

And here is my crazy brother in law having fun on the mountain side.  It was amazing to see him inch his way over there.

You can see from this photo just how steep this climb was.  It was killing my achilles tendon.  I found it better to run up hill.  My husband was in awe.  I have to thank Level 2 of the 30 Day Shred for getting me this far.  I haven't lost a pound (I only want to loose 5) but I think the strength I've gained is amazing and so I'm happy with that. Plus who can argue with only 20 minutes of exercise a day - I'm on week 7 and loving it. Anyway, it took us 50 minutes to reach the falls with little ones in tow.  My son did however walk down after the switch backs.

And here we are almost done for the day - our third river crossing on our way down.

I'd love to go there again someday!