Elk Cove (8/9/12)

As I mentioned (like you haven't figured it out already!), blog silence usually means that we're out living it up, often in the great outdoors.

We took off Thursday morning for Elk Cove, a lush meadow on the north side of Mount Hood, a spot Brad's wanted to explore for some time. The drive was easy, out I-84, about 15 miles on Highway 30, then just a few miles up into the hills. 

The hike in was about 5 miles and 2,200 feet - a workout but nothing crazy. Last year's Dollar Lake Fire destroyed much of the forest, leaving behind interesting landscape and features. 

Much of the trail was covered in ash from the fire, sometimes many inches deep.

We found a great campsite with an amazing view (the mosquitoes were really bad, but that was the only downside), and had dinner on a rock while staring at the mountain.

It was hot Friday, and we spent a good portion of the day napping and reading. In the afternoon, we headed east to explore the Timberline Trail, also on Brad's bucket list.

According to our GPS, we went about 4.5 miles to the closure, a chasm opened several years ago when Eliot Creek flooded. It's the only gap in the trail, which circles the entire volcano. Mount St. Helens, Mount Rainier and Mount Adams were all visible to the north as we hiked.

We scrambled past the closure sign to get a peek into the gorge and Cloud Cap Inn on the other side... and a spectacular view of the summit.

(I just really love my flying hair in this one!)

The sun was getting low, and we knew it was time to book it back to camp. The main objective was to get across this river before dark. The pictures don't do it justice... it was a major gusher. I almost didn't have the guts to cross it the first time, but I'm so glad I did!

We made it across. Time for a snack break while we stare at the mountain some more: 

 Saturday, Brad got up early so he could catch some great pics as the sun was rising.

Eventually it was time to pack up and head home. But not before some more pictures. We laughed about all the gadgets and electronics and stuff hanging from Brad :)

:)

Out adventuring...

You know when you haven't heard from me in a couple days that I'm most likely out adventuring. This silence was no different.

Brad took a couple days off work to help me celebrate to the fullest my final days of vacation. Here's a tiny preview:

More to come, I promise :)

No. 27

With the conclusion of The Woman Who Lives in the Earth, by Swain Wolfe, I've now read all the books I brought home this summer from CE2 and the THS library.

Another quick read, this one was about a girl who discovers some magical things around her house. Not really my style, but I suppose it was good enough.

Thankfully, my sister just loaned me the latest Michael Connelly, so I hope to whiz through that next :)

Weekly Wednesday: outlet mall

School is just around the corner (closer for me than most people), so that means we had to squeeze in a trip to the outlet mall in Lincoln City for back-to-school shopping. (We went Tuesday - we're pretty loose with the rules on "Weekly Wednesday")

Lunch was the first order of business. We decided to try Deli 101, chosen because it's reportedly owned by our new boss.

Mom and I shared the grown-up grilled cheese and the veggie deli sandwich on multigrain. WOW. They were both excellent! I LOVE a good veggie sandwich - and these were perfect.

Eryn got a half veggie on baguette and a cup of chowder. The chowder was also very good! I will go back to this restaurant for sure :)

Then we hit the mall, scouring the stores for deal. Eryn wasn't having much luck with her petite frame until we got to Old Navy, where she scored $10 kids' jeans (hey, if they fit...) She also bought a few adult shirts!! Happy Eryn :)

Then it was time to refuel at Mo's, where Eryn and I split a bowl of chowder and a large shrimp salad. Yum!

Mom ordered the crab louie special and enjoyed as much as she could. She wanted to take leftovers home but was very concerned about the crab spoiling on the drive home. So we rigged up a hobo refrigerator!

 Hobo spoon:

Crab in its own little fridge:

We each got some good clothes and two nice meals. A nice way to wrap up the summer :)

No. 26

I thought Valerie Hobbs's The Last Best Days of Summer, which I snagged from CE2 before I left for break, would be the perfect read to end my vacation! 

Little did I know that the young-reader novel would take me just one afternoon to complete.

I love easy reads :)

Lemonade

Brad took off Monday, partly to spend a day with me before I head back to work next week, but mostly so he could run. His marathon training called for 18 miles, and the weather was just too dang hot this weekend.

So we both went downtown very early hoping to beat the heat. Unfortunately, it was already hot and humid. But I still got in 8.59 miles and he did 18! After I finished my run, I jumped on my bike and brought him more fuel and water.

After, we decided that Olive Garden sounded good (especially with a gift card!)

The waiter asked what we wanted to drink. Water. Did we want lemon? No.

So back he came with two glasses of water... with lemon.

Now, I really don't mind lemon, and if he'd brought it without asking, I wouldn't have complained. But he asked. And then ignored my request. Hmm.

So what do you do when the waiter brings you lemons? You make lemonade!!

Free, glorious hobo lemonade! 

Recipe:

Ingredients:

Free water

Free lemons

Free sugar packets

Directions:

Squeeze lemons into water. Add sugar packets to taste.

Enjoy free lemonade

:)