Bagby Hot Springs {#travel #Oregon #PDX}

We have finally made it out to Bagby Hot Springs out in the Mt. Hood National Forest  This has been on my wish list in forever.  By the time I think about it is usually is already quite late in day, and then there is also the little piece of distance.  Now this beauty - depending on your threshold of time spent in the car - is a drive but oh, so totally absolutely worth it and I am not a hot tub fan.  Well, of course this is no hot tub but a hot spring brining absolute mind clearing serenity.  It is in the middle of the woods,  it is a tiny hike about 1-1/2 miles which non-surpisingly still brought on the "When are we finally question - but oh, my.  The trail to the Hot Springs is already magical; green in any variety dark, light, the sound of a river as the trail leads up along a river. It is easy to imagine it as fairy land.

and then just when we thought we missed a turn….

Just a couple steps past the sign  hot water bubbles up and is directed to by wooden lines to the different soaking areas.

The water runs to the soaking area to five private rooms, about three  round tubs for smaller groups, and a couple of larger tub for a bigger group.  We chose the private soaking room…what to expect?  First off, the tub is a carved out of a cedar log log…Please tell me you are as excited as I am about this.
Once in the room, let the hot water flow in and be sure to get a few buckets of cold water; because the water is hot. Next..soak.  Sit back, relax, look out through the holes in the roof…

What do you think?  It is absolute bliss….then walk back to the car through the magical forest

Good to know if you go:
In addition to towels pack water, snacks, and all other stuff you usually bring with you on a hike.  Yes, this is short but it is in the middle of Mt. Hood National Forest, the weather can change, people slip and did I mention that it is in the middle of the woods?  So yes, no matter how close and easy it seems wear sturdy shoes.

There is a $5 {cash only} soaking fee for each adult - so be sure to bring cash, or get your wristband the Ripplebrook Store.  Bagby Hot Springs are about 40 miles SouthEast of Estacada so yes,  it takes some time to get out there but it is so worth is.

Lastly,  it does get very busy so be prepared to wait and most of all have fun!

Manzanita, Beach, Pizza & a Bald Eagle #family #Sunday #fun {#oregon #travel #NehalemStatePark}

Is it really already the second week of March? All is great here I just have been feeling under the weather a bit…but you know there is nothing like spending time outdoors to lift my spirit.   On Sunday we ventured out to the Oregon coast which is one of our favorite places it always rejuvenates with its majestic beauty.  There are so many great places to go from Portland for a quick day trip - often times we go to Cannon Beach closest to Portland but there are so many, many other fantastic spots…

This time it was Manzanita - the town is south of Cannon Beach and this is the view of the town and beach from 101…

Amazing, right?!  It is a cute little beach town this is the view down main street….

What do you think?

Since we did not pack a picnic {yes, shame on me} besides a couple of snacks we decided to order a couple of pizza's from Marzano's Pizza - easy enough, right?!  Yes, especially when the dough is "safe" for the girls (i.e. no milk sugar) and that makes this mothership very happy…Anyway it was a pepperoni pizza without dairy for the girls, and a number eight for the parental units.  While the pizza was in the making we walked down to the beach and relaxed for the twenty minutes until the pizza was ready.

The beach in Manzanita is by far not as crowded as in Cannon Beach, but looking for an even more quiet spot plus some dunes we packed the pizza's and drove down the five minutes to Nehalem State Park.  It is the perfect spot…dunes, beach, quiet…

We ate our pizzas on the beach - the girls ran down the dunes and the absolute cherry on top {as MiaRose says} was this sight…

Yes,  a Bald Eagle devouring his catch right on the beach;  good thing we brought the binoculars and Ron took the pictures.

Walking back to the car after a fun day on the beach

Silver Falls State Park = perfect day #hike {#travel #oregon #kids #pdx}

Still there is no snow up at Teacup on Mt. Hood and pretty much most of what there is gone as it is way too warm for January.  It is so sad…yes, the year the kids are signed up for skiing lessons the year of epic skiing has so far been pretty much non-existend.  Well, okay we got two days of skiing in but that's it. Sad, right?!   Now we all know - ha yes, Bea that is not true - okay I have previously mentioned that the Sonntagsausflug aka as weekend excursion is important to me us so we needed to look for something different to do last weekend. Good thing outdoor options are plentiful here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest so Silver Falls State Park came to mind.  Waterfalls galore…yes, they are not only in the Columia Gorge but can also be found at Silver Falls.  Plus, you can actually walk behind the waterfall now how cool is that?!

Silver Falls is about 1-45 min drive but oh so worth it.  I remember having first heard about it at a luncheon when we first moved Portland.  The hike and park were described as being absolutely magnificent; surely enough it was the first Sunday hike we went on twelve years and it did not disappoint.   Take a look…

For some reason or another we had not been there in years; the last time we were there both kids were on our backs but now they are - finally - capable on going on hikes with us.

True,  we did not - even so I really wanted to - hike the entire loop, not even the median one but hey about three miles is not bad.  We went behind the South Fall - can you say impressive -

it's a 177 ft drop; can you see the people in the far left corner…I think this is how to realize it's size

Next stop Lower South Fall….

before hiking back out of the canyon.

Silver Falls State park is amazing, truly.  When you go be sure to keep a few things in mind.
Wear sturdy shoes,
Stay on the trail,
Be sure to carry water and food,
Pets are not allowed on this hike,
gift shop and lodge close at 4 p.m. sharp

Fun in Cannon Beach {#travel #oregon #kids #pdx}

When I was really little every Sunday my grandparents took me along to the Sonntagsausflug {Sunday outing} It always included pretty much the same components - explore a new place, get in a little walk, and (that was my favorite part) stop at a Cafe for Kuchen or ice cream.  I can still remember sitting around the table with Oma & Opa and the anticipation until the waitress finally brought the treats.   As I got a little older,  the health of my grandparents declined so our Sunday outings came to an end.  Neither of my parents were much into the Sonntagsausflug and I remember being envious of my friends that got to explore/experience different places almost every weekend.  Sometimes I did get lucky and was invited to join them.  Oh, yes I have very fond memories of the Sonntagsausflug…

So yes getting out as a family on the weekend on at least one day is super super important to me us; we may not always be lucky enough to find "safe" Kuchen or ice cream for all of us but we always find a fun treat.  You may remember that the girls have started taking cross-country skiing lessons at Teacup Nordic up at Mt. Hood.  Well, there is sad news and that is that there is no snow; it is so sad we want to get out but what can you do without snow.  Yes, there is still downhill skiing but it is just not for us.  So what can one  do - on a Sunday in Portland when the whether feels more like spring than winter and you want to leave town?  You head to the beach - okay there still would be many other things to do - and to the beach we went.

Cannon Beach is our favorite day trip destination - less than a two hour drive away, great beach for a long walk,  play in the sand, rest plus Bruce's Candy Kitchen...

Take a look - rejuvenation in a matter of minutes...

Alena and I napped, while Ron and MiaRose explored

There was the mandatory Shrimp/Crab Boat

Finally Bruce's Candy Kitchen where the girls get to select their own Salt Water Taffy and yes,  all but two flavors are "safe".  Yay.

Thank you for visiting :)

Lost Lake Resort Camping Trip {#gocamping} #oregon #getoutside #nature {#galactosemia #newbornscreening}

This my friends is our summer of camping and living outside.  You may remember that we got a new tent earlier this year and are truly enjoying it.  Never has camping been easier;  finally a tent that I can put up all by myself…

It has been very hot here in Portland and you know what we do to escape the heat?  We either drive out to the beach {= Pacific Ocean}, or we go up by the mountain {= Mount Hood} to one of the lakes to swim and camp.  This year we have already been to Trillium Lake but this was our first camping trip to Lost Lake {we have come up for the day before}.  A few things to know if you plan on camping at Lost Lake; get there early in the day to find a spot - there are also a few walk-in sites however all sites are first come first served.  Yes,  you cannot reserve a spot.  Try to come up during the week and stay a couple of nights.  It will be challenging to find a spot on a weekend - but you can always call the resort in the morning to find out how many camping spots are available…

P.S.: Can you see our tent right behind Alena & her friend...

We made the trip out to Lost Lake on a Wednesday morning together with our friend Kim and her 4 year old twins.  Kim has camped there many times before so she knew the perfect site for the six of us.  Luckily the site was empty when we arrived and we quickly pitched the tents.  Okay - I admit Kim helped me in putting up the tent…While we put up the tents the kids  explored the camp site, walked on the large log and later both of my kids read to Kim's children.

Dinner was amazing; Kim cooked for all of us take a look at this amazing looking plate…

The next day Kim rented a boat and took all the kids fishing; both Alena and Mia Rose loved it and cannot wait to get their own fishing poles. I think that will be the perfect activity for Ron with the girls because this girl is not much of a fisher…

Oh, I almost forgot there was ice "cream"; plenty of dairy free options for the girls leaving everyone happy :)

On Friday the girls and I hiked around Lost Lake which everyone enjoyed - yes, truly I kid you not neither of the ladies griped even so Mia Rose only found one newt ….

By the time we got back from our hike the other parental units had arrived from Portland….

We had one amazing time; these are little things which I never thought would be possible ten years ago when Alena was first diagnosed with Classic Galactosemia.  Our life is luxuriously ordinary and I never ever forget that newborn screening saved both of my children.

Trillium Lake Camping Trip {#gocamping} #oregon #getoutside #nature

I have some news to share with you.  Really are you ready for it?  Okay…we LOVE camping. Yes we do - we love spending quality family time together in the outdoors.  Now honestly this is not something I would have imagined myself saying  fifteen probably even eight years ago; but it is true we love it and that is all of us no exceptions.  Having a new tent that is easily pitched helped, having the right equipment and of course gorgeous nature has helped.  So far we have been on two camping trips.  The first one was to Memaloose State Park and a couple of weeks ago {I cannot believe how far behind I am blogging} we took our chances by driving up to Trillium Lake without a reservation.

Mt. Hood as seen from Trillium Lake {Oregon}

We lucked out; we asked the host and guess what she said?  I think spot 47 is still open…

It does not get much better than this.  Camping right at Trillium Lake with a beautiful view of Mt. Hood; we usually come up once a year during the summer for a day trip but staying over night was just amazing.  We hiked around the lake, the girls and Ron swam while I enjoyed reading my book.  Ron took a swim out to the middle of the lake every morning. One morning a bald eagle pulled out a fish just a couple feet away from him.  Yes, we saw at least a couple different bald eagles {majestic is the only word that comes to mind}, an osprey and lots of other birds.

Both girls - especially MiaRose - were excited about catching rough skinned newts to pet and release them right away. I think MiaRose could have spent all day catching them.  We stayed a couple of nights and it was just pure bliss.  On the culinary end,  we enjoyed pasta one night and baked beans with hot dogs grilled over the fire on a stick the other nights.  Not to forget, there were s'mores every night….

What are you up to this summer?

Snow Fun at Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood & Pasta Alfredo {#milkfree}

How was your weekend?  We had a super long weekend here as Portland Public Schools was closed on Friday and yesterday {Monday} was Veteran's Day.  Friday was spent pretty much like any day; the girls did their homework while I also got some work done.  So we really did not - as the girls said - do anything fun on Friday.  Oh, those poor ladies....

You probably know that we like to spend time outside and I am getting really excited to go skiing again this winter; but you know comes with that, right?  Yup, sledding...we usually do not get snow in Portland but Mt. Hood is just a quick 1-1/4 hr drive away and luckily there is already snow at Timberline {which is as high as you can drive up with your car}.  Government Camp still is green...but up on Timberline perfect snow for sledding.  Well, of course also snowboarding as well as downhill skiing if that is your thing - we are more cross-country people.

 

Anyway - we packed snow pants, snow boots, and mittens for both ladies in anticipation to go sledding...and we were not disappointed.  Here is a short little video Ron took

Okay - if you are here for the Pasta Alfredo you are most likely ready to read about it.  Right?! Alright I will get to that part now.  It was already dark by the time we got home and I knew that the chicken was not ready for cooking; good thing there is always pasta, right?  I do get tired of pasta olio e'aglio and was trying to think of something else...Pasta Alfredo.  Yes, it must be possible to make it without "cow"milk...and let me tell you, yes it is :)  It was the very first time our girls ate Pasta in Alfredo sauce both asked "what is this white stuff?" they were hesitant at first but the absolutely LOVED it. It was a two serving dish for each girl and Ron was not disappointed either.

You may know that the girls are allowed to eat Parmesiano Regiano and I like to us it quite a bit as it is the  perfect way to add calcium to their diet.  I used plain Soy Creamer in lieu of the "cow" and together with Earth Balance it turned into a rich creamy Alfreado...I am so excited but {sad face} I do not have a good picture at all.  Just this...but it was so good

Pasta Alfredo {Milkfree}

• 1 box of your favorite pasta cooked according to directions
• 3 Tbs. Earth Balance {or your favorite vegan margarine}
• 2 Tbs. flour
• 2 C Soy Creamer {one full container be sure to use plain}
• 1 C Parmesiano Regiano grated
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1/2 C fresh Italian parsley chopped
• Salt, Pepper to taste

1. Cook pasta according to directions; as pasta cooks prepare the sauce
2. Melt Earth Balance in a pan.  When melted carefully stir in flour creating a roux.
3. Slowly pour the creamer into the pan,  stirring the roux to eliminate and lumps 
4. Stir in Parmesiano Regiano, lemon juice as well as parsley
5. Add salt & pepper to taste
6. Drain pasta and place in a serving bowl; pour Alfredo sauce over pasta mixing it into the pasta.

Enjoy!

Sunday at the Oregon Coast {Short Sands Beach - Oswald West}

The weather has gone a little crazy - at least so I think...please do not get me wrong I we are not complaining about the summery temperatures we have had this weekend.  Yes, summery temperatures I am not kidding; summery as in mid to high eighties (yes, 80s+) and yes, this is Portland, Oregon :)  Perfect time for a family excursions to the Oregon Coast; fresh air, beach....

The weather and temperature at the coast can be so different compared to Portland, but I prepared.  It generally {note generally} is quite a bit cooler, and blue skies are not guaranteed.  Let me tell you, I prepared!!! Yup - the mothership - unlike the rest of the family - was dressed appropriately. Long pants,  short sleeve shirt, cardigan...you know, it is the Oregon Coast. The girlies and Ron on the other hand were in shorts {dress}, and of course short sleeve shirts; do not worry, this mothership prepared.  Warm leggings, long sleeve shirts, and jackets were brought along for everyone.  Being cold is just no fun - right?!

We decided to go to Oswald West and take the hikelet {= a very short hike more a walk}through the magical forest to Short Sands Beach.  This is a surfer's beach and in a beautiful cove.  We have been there plenty of times and it is always so worth the visit.  As a side note, we {pre kids} have gone on a couple fantastic longer hikes there - magnificent views, and a beautiful hike {Cape Falcon}.

1-1/2 hours later we arrive at Oswald left and the temperature is...eighty-seven degrees {yes, 87F} at the Oregon Coast.  Ahhhhmmmm, yes it was hot at the beach and I was dressed completely inappropriate plus {of course} I did not bring any swim suits for the girlies.  Again, this is the Oregon Coast and no, I we would never ever allow my children to swim in the Pacific at the Oregon Coast but we do like to frolic in by the the water and in the "lakes" on the beach.

A beautiful hikelet through the magical forest where a couple of fairies walked with the girlies....truly magical...

Putting on sun screen - Playing in the sand

Playing in the "lake"

Can you see the elephant?

Wahclella Falls Hike {spring break day #4}

The fourth day of 2013 spring break we spent together as a family as Ron was off {yay}, and we went on our first - albeit mini - hike of 2013.  Yes, Ron missed out on the roller skating fun on Monday at Oaks Park, the fun at OMSI on Tuesday, and he did not join the girls for an unscheduled "take your kids to work day"...

But today, we spent a great day together; before we left the house for breakfast we had the hard decision to decide what to do.  XC Skiing at Mt. Hood - visit to the beach/coast - urban hike - or hike in the Columbia Gorge...yes, I know we are terribly spoiled :) We decided on a hike in the Columbia Gorge, after a big breakfast at Alena's favorite restaurant, Jam on Hawthorne.

Wahclella Falls is the hike we decided upon - it is a quick 30 minutes outside of town and right of I-84 {Exit 40 to be exact}.  We have been on this hike a long time ago with Mia Rose in the Ergo...today both girls walked. They are the perfect age for this little hike now;  just a word of caution there are many steep drops so hold your little ones close, and do not let them run ahead.  Wahclella Falls is  worth the trip - a beautiful waterfall awaits at the end of the trail and today it was not the least big crowded

- plus take a look at the flowers we saw on the hike...

And yes, both girls enjoyed the hike today....

Sunriver Fun - Playing in the snow & treats

Last weekend we drove out to Sunriver for a long weekend.  Time to play in the snow, soak in the hot tub, swim in the pool, and just hang out.  Sunriver is the perfect spot for that. Well, at least in my opinion :)

We rent a cabin {oh yes, complete with hot tub :)} and play outdoors.  This was the first time we have gone in the winter; prior to that it always either late, or early summer. The driving over the mountain pass has actually held us back in the past...you never know whether there is a snow storm up on Mt. Hood.

It was raining in Portland - snow storm on Mt. Hood - dry in Bend - snowy in Sunriver

Because of the snow storm on the mountain we left town {that is Portland} without any groceries, except you know Pasta, Earth Balance, a couple of packs of Oat Milk, and - yes - chips as a snack for the girlies...I have to admit so, that the last time we went out to Bend we realized that there is a Trader Joe's on the way.  Otherwise, I would not have left without our essential food items as sometimes it can be a little challenging to get "safe" foods for the girlies :). In any case  needless to say our first stop was at Trader Joe's where we stocked up on Soy Yoghurt, Chocolate Soy Milk, bread etc. - After dinner it was the perfect time for a soak with snow falling on our heads - such a nice change :)

We woke up to winter wonderland and decided to give Cross Country Skiing a try.  Do you remember our snow shoeing day?  If not, Mia Rose was not so excited about hiking on snowshoes, so it was time to give another winter sport a try.  We honestly, did not know how the ladies would like it.  It could go either way, right?  Well, if you know us a little bit you understand that we have to spend time outdoors. We love the outdoors...anyway we rented skis, drove towards Mt. Bachelor to "Meissner" Sno-Park, and gave it a try...

I think that we have found our winter sport!  Yes,  we all loved it - serene, beautiful, a good workout....the girls did such a fantastic job.  The first day we skied 2 miles, and the second day we went out for 3 miles. Take a look...

Cross Country Skiing at Meissner Sno-Park

See what we found...

Can you see "it" on Alena's hand?

and you know what? There was even a little coffee shop trailer at end of the trail and - now that IS the really big news - they had Vegan Hot Chocolate for the ladies.  We were so, so excited.  Alena asked first "Oh, I really wish I could have hot chocolate..." we asked and voila...THE perfect treat for both ladies as well as for both parental units...But you know, that it would have also been okay for both girls had they not been able to have a treat at the coffee trailer on at the Sno Park.

Dinners {Blueberry Pancakes Pasta w/Kale} Field Trip = Busy Week

Did you all miss me?  I am here but have so ueberbusy...not complaining just saying how it is.  January 31st was a deadline I could not miss for work which in itself would have kept me crazy busy, but as I was chaperoning Alena on her field trip I ended up working a "night shift".  No, I am really not complaining just explaining.

Yes, we did have dinner and I was quite grateful for my freezer and the leftover Hopping John from New Year's Day.  It was great, and since it was National Blueberry Pancake Day we had the strange combination of Blueberry Pancakes {same recipe just swap blueberries for nuts}, Hopping John, and rice for dinner.  I think that is what crazy weeks are for, right?  Combination fun dinners...

Tuesday night dinner included a large big salad, and on Wednesday it was fresh Rotini with purple Kale {my new favorite Kale} and sausage.  This easy dish is always a hit in my house. Everyone loves it and even better with fresh pasta.

Purple Kale & Sausage

Oh, yes and the field trip with Alena's class was on Wednesday.  It was great!  We went downtown Portland.  First stop was the Wells-Fargo Museum, and the next stop was the Oregon Historical Society.  I highly recommend both - and did you know that if you live in Multnomah County there is no fee to go to the Oregon Historical Society.  We only saw a little bit - the kids learned how Native Americans lived on the Pacific Shore and contrasted it with those living in the Oregon dessert.  It was very interesting.  After lunch we learned all about our geology, earth quakes, tsunamis, and volcanos {since we have all of those here}.  It was really fun, but the kids were exhausted.

Alena & her friend at the Portland Wells-Fargo Museum

So, this rounds up our week and yesterday? Well...we did go out to HopWorks for dinner.

Come back tomorrow to see what will be on our dinner table tonight :)

Have a great day, all!!!