The Great Pacific Northwest Adventure

We came from the Redwood Big Trees in Northern California to Crater Lake and traveled through the amazing forests in Oregon. Crater Lake was just the most beautiful blue we’ve seen, besides Lake Tahoe of course. There was still snow around the lake and the East Side Rim Drive was the only road open. We were also very lucky because we beat the mosquito season. Ruth and Sallie took a little hike to a gorge near our campground and also discovered the beginning of the huckleberry region that will last through our upcoming trek to Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. 

We picked up AJ at the Amtrak Union Station in Portland for her 6 week pre-college summer vacation. We had to get a sugar overload at the famous VooDoo Donuts. Let me tell you, those were some freaking weird, but amazing donuts! We took some trips away from the city to the Tillamook Creamery, Multnomah Falls, and the Columbia River Visitor Center. The best day was getting together with Sallie’s brother-in-law, Robert Tsao. We met at a great farmers market at the University of Portland where we shopped for the best tasting blueberries, shishito peppers, lavender body cream, corn and had a great lunch of breakfast burritos and pizza. Two guesses who had the pizza? And no, it wasn’t AJ. We met for dinner at the famous Food Truck block, then went back to Robert’s house for ice cream and a really nice visit. 

Seattle, oh Seattle….

It was a good time, as you can see, as we hung out by the fire pit every night with S’mores and side by side camping next to a beautiful lake. Near our campground we visited Snoqualmie Falls and Lodge and had a wonderful lunch. The space needle is always a trip in itself. This time when we went up to the top, they had built a see through floor which was crazy and scary to stand on. Everyone really enjoyed the Chihuly Art Museum. His glass work is so different, creative and beautiful. If you don’t know his work, check him out. We also stopped by the Museum of Pop Culture for a cool exhibit on current fashion designers and the Prince Exhibit. 

We took a Bay Cruise, enjoyed the waterfront, the Underground Tour and of course dinner at the Public Market Center. We bought some salmon at the famous Pikes Fish Market and fish were being thrown over our heads as we purchased it. What a hoot!

Our week there happened to be Pride weekend so besides the normal tourist sites to see, we got to go to the Parade and check out all the vendors. It was nice to be in an open and inclusive environment. 

This ending message is to treat those around you the way you want to be treated. Next stop, Glacier National Park… stay tuned!

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