Northern California Redwoods Birthday Adventure

I have been talking about going to the redwoods for quite some time, and that time has finally come! We ended up staying in a tiny home resort on a cliff in Smith River, California. I can now mark that off on my bucket list. Most of the food options are in Crescent City though - which is a bit of a drive. My Birthday Dinner was at a restaurant called Porcini. I HIGHLY recommend it if you are ever in the area. Fantastic everything. Made me wish that I was a local.. I'd love to take everyone there for their Birthday dinners as well!
One thing that I found highly fascinating about the trip was that Hwy 101 drives right through the redwoods just south of the border of Oregon! I had no idea! You don't really have to go look for them. No need to go to any specific parks to find them. There are hiking trails literally off of the highway. The best park that we came across was Stout Memorial Grove.

"Stout Grove is the world's most scenic stand of redwoods. It's not all that large, and it doesn't have the biggest trees, but for sheer photogenic beauty nothing beats this extraordinary grove on a sunny afternoon."

The park is across the Smith River, and if you havn't seen the teal blue crystal clear water for yourself - that is a sight of it's own. I also learned that keeping curls in your hair is nearly impossible. Between the fog of the coast(which is how these trees survive), and the humidity on the ground floor of the forest. Your hair is done-for the second you set foot out the door.

I already can't wait to go back!

♥

Lava Lands & Adventures With The Soon-To-Be Bride Brittney

There has been a lot of activity around here recently. More than I can possibly even document with my crazy work life. Business has been good. Let's just say that.. :D
Wayne, and my Brother and I went to Lava Lands. My brother and I have been there about 11ish years ago, and we have never been to the top of the butte. The volcanic crater is 150 feet deep, and there is trail on the top to walk the whole way around. The views were spectacular!! It is definitely a must to see. Especially when the skies are clear. You can see for miles and miles.

This photo below is the impressive lava field from the single explosion Lava Butte had about 7,700 years ago.

My friend Brittney came over for a 2 night visit. So we showed her around the area. She now wants to be our neighbor.. :P A direct quote is, "My trip to see you has ruined me. lol All I can think about is the calm peaceful forest and how I'd so rather be there than here." 

Our property is a work in progress, but when we are done... It is going to be a dream! I am so happy to inspire people. I definitely see the perks in living in a city, but all of those perks have nothing to do with the importance of our time spent enjoying the beauty of this planet. 

I took Brittney down to see me in my bridesmaid dress. She made me twirl in it, and got all giddy. It has been in alterations for over a month already and still not complete. Her wedding is at the end of this month. My work will be featured throughout her wedding too. I couldn't be more excited to be a part of her big day, and to share the happy day with all of you.

♥

Mother's Day Part 2 -- Sunriver, Oregon Adventures

Wayne and I had been recently talking about driving out to the desert with my mom. She is always looking for excuses to hop in the car and just drive. I knew she had to see Sunriver, and it is so close to so many awesome places! It would be our little hub. My sister and I split the deal, and my mom got to have all of her kids, and grand kids under one roof for 2 nights. I knew that alone would mean something to her even if we did nothing at all.

First stop: Fort Rock

It is 1 hour from Sunriver, and well worth the drive. The views leave you speechless.. The wind on the other hand left us whip-lashed. The museum is seasonal, and we were not able to enter. I am not sure we would have spent too much time in there anyways.. The wind was FREEZING!

On the way back we spotted Newberry National Volcanic Monument (AKA Newbarry Caldera). We were suddenly in a winter wonderland! 

Once back in Sunriver, we went to the lava caves, and then back to the house to BBQ.

I've decided that a 2 night trip anywhere is not enough. The first night is spent figuring out what the plan is or the next day. Run around all day, and go to bed planning your departure. You really only get 1 day to see everything. So we plan to go back! :) It was a wonderful adventure. I know my mama had a good time. Her shop just blew up as did mine, so we needed a break from the stresses of being a single person mass producer. This was just what the doctor ordered.

Mother's Day Part 1 -- Florence, Oregon Adventures

Wayne's mom is a simple woman who is always making sure everyone else is taken care of. We give her grief from time to time because it seems like we are never able to do anything special for her because she only wants to do what ever you want to do. She is fine with eating what ever you want to eat. Sounds like the perfect wife, and mother! WELL on Mother's Day. It is your day.. She mentioned taking Kola to the beach. When we got Kola, her previous owner told us that she LOVES the beach and went often. This was our first chance to see how she reacts to the ocean. The poor girl is scared of baths, and the hose.. So naturally you would think she would be scared of the ocean. NOPE! She ran right in!
We have driven through the historic old town part of Florence, Oregon before but never got to stop and explore. We knew that was a MUST on the agenda! We found a lot of businesses to be closed on a Saturday though.. I thought that was strange. Old Town is a must to visit though. Cute shops, cafes, and restaurants. We ate at the famous Moe's for lunch, checked out a ton of antique stores, got ice cream, coffee, and sushi (her favorite) to-go for dinner!

I love celebrating Mom's, and in doing that we get to explore and visit new places! Thank you to both of our Mom's. Next week is my mom's adventure weekend! Can't wait! 

♥♥♥♥