Summer Road Trip

        It was about this time just last week that we were excitedly packing our backpacks and checking the road maps in preparation for our summer road trip. This year we decided to visit a place that none of us had ever explored before- Central Oregon and the Painted Hills- fresh tracks for our entire family. The plan was to spend our 11th anniversary on the road with our favourite people- the Littles!

         This trip was a little spontinaity mixed with some actual hotel reservations further down the road in Portland- our final destination- but for the first leg of our trip we had no plans- no idea what to expect. We set off East through the Snoqualmie pass- spending the night at the summit in what must be a busy ski resort come colder months. Friday found us travelling through so many different landscapes- we experienced the wide open big sky plains of Eastern Washington- we crossed down into the gorge and across the Columbia River at Biggs- and wrapped up the day on twisting roads through the badlands of Central Oregon.

           My favourite moment was in the middle of no where- on the plains with the strong, hot summer wind blowing past my face. We had pulled the van over to check out a geographical marker - standing on the side of a two lane highway we were the only humans for miles- we couldn't even see any other vehicles. The deadening quiet engulfed us as we sought to locate the ring of volcanoes surrounding us- a moment that was humbling and breathtaking at the same time.

          By the time we reached the Painted Hills we were all due for a leg stretch- we got out of the van at the same time a tour group arrived so we tagged along to their lecture. Learning how the hills became painted- decaying vegetation in case you were interested. Climate change- as it turns out- is nothing new- these hills were once ancient forests of Ash and Walnut- long since gone- leaving nothing but their pigments smeared across the land.

         I have yet to sort out my thoughts on how this time has changed me- shaped a new line of consciousness- of experience- of colour- of what is important. A revaluation of my own personal connection to the land- or re-connection as the case may be. Time in nature- in quiet- with the people most important to me brings life into focus- gone is the virtual clutter.

Thrifted Thursday & A Southern Adventure

           There is something so special about the perfect sundress- lightweight and not stiff at all- moves in the breeze- dreamy and cool. Today's Thrifted Thursday is just that- although technically not thrifted at all-but vintage- bought from an Insta-seller on Instagram- my favourite @bonjourmoon! This sweet little gauzy dress is just what I needed for my visit to the Okanagan and it arrived on my parent's doorstep with excellent timing. It was the perfect, lightweight dress for heading South down Hwy 97- into the desert yesterday!

        The Mr. was gathering shots for a project he is on at work and so our entire family of course went along for the ride- excellent sandwiches were procured by my Dad from Il Vechio's in Penticton- to be enjoyed later on in the warm shade at Nk'Mip winery. We caravanned down the valley- enjoying the scenery and taking note of all the various wineries we would like to come back and visit- Blasted Church I'm looking at you!

       After exploring up Anarchist Mountain to Bridesville- Population 30- we headed back down to Osoyoos for a dip in the lake- always the warmest lake in the valley thanks to it's super shallow depths. A few more stops along the way to get interesting shots- including the old Hayne's Ranch in Osoyoos- which was amazing.

          Smart footwear is called for in places like this- not Birkenstocks like I was sporting- after stepping on a few cactus I decided to take my chance with the spiders and headed for higher ground. This ramshackle old farmhouse was once the home to the "Father of Osoyoos" and his family- sadly left to the elements- what once was a beautiful family home is now returning to the earth.

          As the Mr. wrapped up his photo shoot I sat and just watched the landscape in front of me- barren hills covered in scrub brush transitioning into verdant orchards and vineyards- truly a testament to the pioneers who carved out a life in this valley- turning it from desert to irrigated paradise.