Willamette Valley Whirlwind Tour

Wine tasting day at DDO, Patton Valley, Stoller and Winderlea. That's a whole lot of pinot.

That Time I Drove To Yosemite For A Weekend

With one week between semesters and a traditional 9-5 lifestyle looming ahead, the desire to hit the road was irresistible this week. I knew Yosemite was the only place I would find snow-free high elevations trails at this time of year, so I hauled ass across the border. Took a night in Reno on the way there, but drove straight through life a crazy person on the way home. But here's the thing, I got down there, and I missed my husband. I know, crazy, right? I was sitting in heavenly Tuolumne Meadows, one of my most favorite places in the world, and it just wasn't right without him. It seems that I'm never as independent or strong or adaptable as I want to be. But I try, and in the meanwhile, I see some awesome sights and visit spectacular high places before the homing beacon starts pulsing. Mount Dana was easy and fun, and anytime I'm in California it's a good thing. Part of me still wants to live in California, except now it's Yosemite instead of San Francisco. I don't think Dr. B is going to go for it this time, either. But fortunately, it's only 13 hours away.

Road-tripping Oregon: Photo Album

A collection of spring pictures from the eastern Gorge, Astoria and Oregon Coast.

Coming Next Summer

A trip to Glacier National Park is in the works for next year. It'll probably involve less backpacking and more day hiking, but it looks like a real possibility. I'm even more excited about that than I am about Cuba in the spring!

Highway 395 and More

Our California road trip was over too soon, but we did see some great sights speeding home from our Yosemite vacation. The highlights were the tufa towers of Mono Lake, the mountains floating behind Lake Tahoe, the eerie desolation of the Lassen Volcanic National Park, and finally Mount Shasta, who did not disappoint. Heavenly Crater Lake, which never gets old, told us we were home. No, scratch that - when we passed a long-distance rider on a double-decker "tall bike" just outside of Klamath Falls, we knew we were back in Oregon, home of the weird.

Crater Lake National Park

Family road trip with Dr. B and The Russells to Crater Lake National Park and Diamond Lake. We relished in some much needed down time at one of the most beautiful spots in all of Oregon, as if we needed reminding why we came back.

I may have my ashes scattered there.

It's a five hour drive, but very scenic. Any excuse to see Smith Rock and the Three Sisters. And of course, it helps to drink lots and lots of coffee.

Crater Lake Rim drive 35 miles, with options for camping at Mazama Village and Diamond Lake (which I recommend). No dogs allowed on the trails.