Friday, October 14, 2016

Beautiful Things




 This summer has been so full.  I am thankful that the weather has cooled down and that I can now quietly sit here, with electric blanket, glass of wine, spiced cider candle, acoustic music, and just reflect.  I made chicken soup last night, too.




There was the backpacking and camping almost every weekend in this summer.  We've attended two weddings, one in Yosemite and the other in Charlotte, NC, and had friends or family visiting at least once a month.  I even snuck in a trip to Scotland at the beginning of August where I was able to see my Grandfather one month before he passed away.  The sweeties he gave me still sit on my closet shelf.  Below are some photos and experiences that come to mind from the summer.  I think Regina Spektor's new song, The Visit, off of Remember Us to Life, puts words to changing life.

The Visit

I'm so glad that you stopped in
And I had some things to say
But now they've been forgotten
They'll get said a different day
They'll get said a different way

'Cause everything keeps changing
Life is always raging
Beyond the walls and cages
Everybody changes
Til tomorrow's yesterday

I'm so glad that you stopped by
And I will not ask you why
It's just good to see you
You always make me smile
And you always make me sigh

Sometimes I still wonder
Why the sounds of distant thunder
Always pulled you under
Why you searched, but never found her
Why she always got away

And somewhere on the hill
Inside the past we hear the bells
Catching only parts of thoughts
And fragments of ourselves
Till we begin again

I'm so glad that you are here
And I know that it's been years
I'm just glad to see you
And there's no need for tears

Time's best friend is fear
That's how it can find us
And do it's greatest kindness
Always to remind us
That it's our only time inside
This body and this mind

And somewhere in my mind
Behind closed eyes, I see the past
Catching every moment that went by
To make it last till I begin again

La la la la la la la...

Jordan (and Summer) on his birthday at the coast

These are my two companions for the summer adventures (and most of the time).  This was taken on Jordan's birthday.  It's sunny in this photo, but when we arrived to camp at the beach I swear it was the only cloudy part of the state.  The mist was so thick that we had no idea the sun was setting - which is a particular bummer after a bright and sunny drive the whole way there.  We cooked in the mist and somehow ignited a fire despite the moisture.  Next year, I think it's going to be a hot tub and beer.


Wallawas Hike

The Wallawas are one of those wilderness/forest areas that requires hiking in to see the beauty.  Unlike national parks which provide paved roads for convenient epic views, the Wallawas is relatively unknown and the mountains shield you from the lakes and wildflowers within them.  It took me two summers in Bend before I realized there was this other wilderness area in the NE corner, with a few 9,000 peaks right next to each other.  Even though camping, hiking, and especially backpacking can feel tedious and uncomfortable, most of the time I believe it is the freshest way to experience the wilderness.  Waking up with the smell of fresh air right in your face and feeling the earth below you can be a nice change of pace.

I could not get over the amount of wildflowers along our trail in the Wallawas.  This was the hurricane creek trail which the Joseph Visitor Center guy described as "trail of instant gratification." We hiked through three separate fields of wildflowers during the golden hour.  There's something that I like about the above photo, even thought the trees are totally blocking the view of the mountain.


So many wildflowers in the Wallawas

The summer can be tricky in Bend because Bend becomes full of people, not only in the town but also all along the most beautiful trails and camping areas.  My friend had just returned to Bend from going through a few months of major surgery and recovery, participating in a live donation of part of her liver to her brother whose liver was failing.  Thankfully, everything turn out well and her brother is now on the road to full recovery and a healthy life.

We had wanted to do a backpacking trip but due to the heat, we headed out to Miller Lake where we were lucky enough to find a lakeside campsite.  We could put in the paddle-boards right down a small hill from where we camped.  Spending time by the water was a good choice.  In the morning, the lake resembled a mirror that we quietly paddle-boarded across.  It was so silent.  At night we got the fire going and Jordan played guitar for us and sang.  We made fajitas and cocktails.  Yes, this was glamping - somewhat.  I think it's fun to bring extras out to the woods - cilantro, sour cream, gin & tonic, limes.  The sunset on the water was this incredible hot pink.  What a way to end a summer day.


Paddleboarding on Miller Lake

Pink Cotton Candy Sunset on Miller Lake

Chilling after our hike up Green Lakes trail

I felt very intimated prior to our backpacking up in Green Lakes.  I read the weather report and saw that temperatures were going to dip into the 30s at night and remain only in the 50s during the day.  The Three Sisters Wilderness area also did not allow fires, which means even less warmth.  Sher and Eric were coming to town though and we were going to go for it.  I bought Jordan a backpack and sleeping bag for his birthday.  We were ready.  Right?  Being the first weekend in September, this was our first feel of Fall - which is exciting and also like, whoa!  Chilly.  We survived though and it was completely worth it.  Hiking out in the frost was magical, since everything was sparkling.  This is one step closer to winter camping for me.  Maybe.


In front of Broken Top on our way to No Name Lake

We hiked to No Name Lake our second day.  The day started out cold, but once we got moving, it was perfect hiking weather.  We hiked around the bottom of Broken Top Mountain with views of South Sister and Bachelor the whole way. 


No Name Lake
Me and South Sister

Sher and Eric, hiking back

You can see the alpine flowers in the above picture.  The lighting was perfect as we hiked down.  I woke up before sunrise the next morning and got out of our little tent (called "The Spaceship") to visit the lakes.  The lakes were still - again, that mirror quality.  Everything was covered in a silvery layer and the light was gentle.  This was the first sign of Winter.


Frosty Morning at Green Lakes

My toes/feet hurt so bad the whole 4 mile hike back to the parking lot.  Sure enough, they turned black and blue a couple days later.  I threw my hiking shoes away.


Hiking out of Green Lakes

BRAS backpacking trip

On our girls backpacking trip we realized that our initial spell BRAS - Brittney, Rachel, Ander, and Sarah.  I often forget the power of being in an all girls group and how I feel as a person when in them. In all girls company you can find the kind of solidarity and support around topics that might be taboo to talk about in public, like stuff to do with our bodies, babies, and relationships.  I just finished listening to Amy Schumer's Girl With the Lower Back Tattoo.  She writes about her own experience that humanize issues (ahem, that good ole "locker room banter") that females often face.  Jordan listened to it as well, all the way down to Yosemite.  But as great as Jordan is, it is still pretty great to spend time in all female company from time to time.  With a full on acronym for ourselves, we'll be sure to continue to have these experiences.


Hikinnnnnng
To the Lake

Packers

When Rachel caused Brittney's Teepee to fall down

Coffee

The most epic sanctuary

Emily and Tony's wedding was homegrown and as unique as they are.  I can't say I've ever been to a wedding with a backdrop like THIS.  To think that some people spend hundreds of thousands of dollars and you can get a backdrop like this for the cost of a permit.  Getting there required effort - an 10-11 hour drive, dealing with tourist traffic through the park, losing cell phone reception, and paying way too much for a gallon of gas (in the park).  Those were small costs to pay for the views of the company of these two and all of the personal touches of their wedding and ceremony.


In front of Half Dome

Half Dome Selfie

Looking out

Love this pie topper

Sweet elegance

Old Friends

These are just a few of the highlights from the Summer.  Now it's time to turn into the home, buy some candles to burn, and rest.  I believe that's what Fall and Winter are for.  I think a theme for these highlights would be, put simply, that all the best things in life are (relatively) free.


2 comments:

  1. Love your beautiful pictures and so happy for your life is so rich.
    Miss you, friend!

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    Replies
    1. I miss YOU friend!! You need to come out and visit :) :)

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