HOOD TO COAST, OR

January 11, 2023

I know Larry David says you can’t say Happy New Year after January 7th but I make my own rules.
2023 started on the right foot this year with amazing humans in beautiful places.

My main squeeze of friends has started a NYD tradition of hiking in Mount Hood. At this time of year the trail is completely snowed in and unbelievably gorgeous. The hike is bit over 5 miles round trip. We take a break at the frozen lake, snack, and sip whiskey, or in the case this year, Fireball. Upon returning to the trail head we always set and have a fun bbq. It’s really just the best even though it’s cold.

The following day we headed to the coast to visit our close friends from LA that just bought a home out there! Still can’t believe they will here now and in such an awesome location. The trip was short but sweet and just perfect.

I think we can all agree that years keep passing and each one keeps getting a bit weirder than the last. Maybe it’s age but also the new norm is just not normal. Everyone is still adjusting and changing. I am not one to set resolutions but rather intentions. I would like to spend more time this year looking inward, focus on myself and self-care, resetting priorities and to work on pushing myself back into being uncomfortable. The last three years def put me in a routine that wasn’t ncessarily bad, but just too repetitive. It’s time to get weird.

Cheers to everyone in 2023. You do you!

DAY TRIP // THE OREGON COAST

December 9, 2020

After Thanksgiving Danny, Steve and I took a sweet little daytrip (complete with leftovers) to the coast and explored from Lincoln City to Otter Rock and it was so dreamy. It was our first time in this area and so far it has been our favorite. Just a two and half hour drive from Portland, it’s easy to get to but the drive there and back in one day can be a bit much and a bit scary in the dark. We would love to spend a weekend out here post-pandemic, walk the town streets (we only drove through to avoid closeness with the public), eat fish & chips, and stay in an ocean front room. Until then, we can dream.

OUR FIRST WEDDING ANNIVERSARY // OREGON COAST

June 8, 2018

ONE YEAR MARRIED!

Holy cow that went by fast! And again, what a year it has been! (married/dog/bought house/moved to new state)

To celebrate, we decided to take it easy and do a weekend roadtrip trip down the Oregon Coast to explore more of what this beautiful new state of ours has to offer.

ASTORIA
Once I got home from work Friday evening, we piled into the van and set off west to Astoria! I've always wanted to go to Astoria - I mean because Kindergarten Cop and the Goonies, duh - but, also because I always hear about how cute it is. And well, yeah it was. I wanted to punch it a little. Steve was super excited to be back in VanLife.

We arrived just at dusk for dramtic views of the Astoria-Megler bridge which was literally next to our hotel! We stayed at this awesome, super cute place called the Atomic Motel which is as it sounds: Mid Century / Retro! Bonus: they even offer you free beer at check-in and there's a great little breakfast and coffee every morning. Would totally stay here again and would recommend! AND they are ESA pet friendly!

We didn't have much time in Astoria, but we made it to Fort George's Brewing, up to the Astoria column for some great 360 views, indulged in the most delicious fish 'n chips at the historic Bowpicker, and checked out Fort Stevens and the old ship wreckage. It was Steve's first time on the beach, so it was funny to see how he would act! It was so cute to see the sand between his toes! I think he liked it!

CANNON BEACH

From Astoria we headed south to Cannon Beach, another Oregon Coast town I've been dying to visit, and to see the Haystack in real life. And wow, it's so impressive up close! I mean just look at the scale of Danny & Steve! Our friend, Rachel, referred to Steve as a mini haystack. The beach itself is very popular, full of families, dogs, kite flyers, and beach bums. You can probably sit here all day and people watch. The town itself is also a very cute, cozy little village filled with cafes, local artisans, and bed & breakfasts. It is definitely a place I want to revisit and stay at soon.

CAPE LOOKOUT POINT

From Cannon Beach, we traveled a little more south to an area near Tillamook and Netarts called Cape Lookout Point, which is a National Park/Beach with camping and hiking trails. They offer traditional tent camping spots as well as yurts and car/van/RV camping - so, we appropriately van camped because VanLife is the best life.

We BBQ'd, sipped wine and beer as we walked along the beach at golden hour, and made dark chocolate s'mores. It was kind of the best, and so low-key. It was exactly what we needed.

Since hiking is one of our favorite things to do together, we woke up early and tried out one of the many trails Cape Lookout has to offer. Although we did take a wrong turn and ended up on a longer trail (the Cape Trail instead of the South), it was a beautiful time with beautiful scenery, cool weather, and kind people. Steve joined us again in his little backpack and everyone loved it.

I kinda started to get all gushy and sappy on our anniversary - thinking back on the events of our wedding weekend and all the feelings. Getting married is such a special time. I know it's not for everyone and that's okay, but having all your friends and family around in one place at the same time for a few days is truly a dream come true.

It was a perfect first anniversary and I am so lucky to be married to this man.
Happy Anniversary, Husband. xo

Wedding photos by Even Keel Weddings.