The scenic route.

No trip home would be complete without visiting my college town of sweet little Bellingham. Bellingham is located on Bellingham Bay about 20 minutes from the Canadian border. It’s a place brimming with local businesses, sustainable ideas, and college kids. If you’re on the hunt for a university, Western Washington is the tops!

On my way up and my way back, I took the scenic route. Chuckanut Drive is 21 miles of incredible beauty. On the south end you pass through fields and farms (lots of potatoes) and in the north you encounter stunning views of the San Juan Islands. The road is narrow and winding. It’s a fine balance between admiring the scenery and staying on the road.

I pulled over at an informal view point and took a few photos. Everything really does appear blue as you look out over the water.

I even found a few lucky pennies.

xo, jill

and it’s hey to the starboard, heave ho!*

I was lucky enough to be taken out for a little jaunt on a sailboat last week. My sister’s boyfriend is an accomplished sailor and she’s learned a bit as well. It was a great day to be out on the river even if it took awhile for the wind to pick up.

I don’t think I’ll get tired of seeing Mount Hood. Ever.

Here’s where I whipped Jana and Willy at rummy. [fib]

A nice sunset finished off our afternoon on the water.

Thanks, Willy!

xo, jill

*Fathoms Below

Delicious.

This past Saturday my mom and I set out for some adventure and sweet treats. Our first stop (the adventure) was riding the Alpine Slides on Mount Hood. I’d love to say that I whizzed down the mountain and left my mom in the dust… but that wouldn’t be the truth. The truth is that the “scenic track” is not a misnomer. I barely made it to the bottom of the slide where my mom was waiting for me. It was a slow ride. Our second run was a bit faster but not outrageously fast like one would hope.

Our second stop (the sweet treats) was cherry picking on the Fruit Loop. The Fruit Loop is a 35 mile scenic drive in Hood River County through orchards, farmlands, and wineries. You could spend all day on the loop, but we just made one stop off the main path, Draper Girls Country Farm.

We picked rainiers and bings and picked up some beans and peaches too. There really is something about gathering your own food. It just tastes better.

We stopped in Hood River for lunch before heading back home. And that little cookie is destined to be my next baking triumph.

xo, jill

Cannon Beach.

Last week my sister and I spent the afternoon at the beach. Despite being a beautiful day on land, low lying clouds kept the water out of sight. Luckily, about an hour after we arrived the clouds lifted and the waves came into view.

Despite the chilly water temperature, people were still out playing and swimming. Oh, youth.

I wish I could say that these following pictures were as easy as 1, 2, 3… but… there might have been an extremely painful butt muscle injury in the process. Don’t worry. I walked it off… no big deal.

We drove a bit south for more amazing views of Haystack Rock.

And Miss Molly, I brought out the dress. Just for you.

xo, jill

“Let’s wing it!”

Every summer my friend Taune and I make it a point to hike together. This year was our fourth annual “Jill and Taune Hike!”

We were a little worried when we got up that morning that this year’s hike would resemble Year 2. That year we hiked through a pretty amazing electrical storm (thunder, lightning, and rain just as we came off the mountain.) Lucky for us, this year the nasty weather didn’t make its way up the gorge.

Taune expertly picked us an easy hike with a mighty finish. Once you come around the last corner the hushed sounds of water increase to a roar. A beautiful waterfall is finally visible between the damp trees.

We took a few photos, relaxed, and had a snack before hiking back out. The return leg was the only time we met other hikers.

I would definitely recommend the Lower Falls Creek Trail (in Southwest Washington) to anyone who wants maximum beauty for minimal effort. And no, you do not need a forest pass.

xo, jill