Family #hike at Lacamas Lake Park - Camas, #Washington {#pdx #kids}

Time flies, flies, flies and we have been like busy bees.  So needles to say that I we {as in the parental units} have really been looking forward to a nice family hike.  This winter has been crazy here in the Pacific Northwest ~ it has been so warm that all the snow at Teacup Nordic is gone.  Yes, the year we were going to ski every weekend = no snow.   Daffodils are already in full bloom, friends - so I thought that maybe the lilies are already getting ready to bloom at Lacams Lake Park and thus its the perfect excursion.

We first went on this hike a couple of years ago and I have to say it is a great hike.  It is close to Portland - only about 25 minutes from our house in Southeast - even so it is on the other side of the river aka Columbia.  This hike packs a lot of everything;  you hike over a dam and then you can decide whether to take the lake loop which is about 1-1/2 miles or take a longer loop down to the waterfalls.  Now you may know that I really like love waterfalls; they are so amazing, powerful and beautiful; so there is no question that we took the longer loop.  The trail leads down into the canyon over some rocks, curving along the creek onto a couple of different wooden bridges until you reach the Lower Falls. This is the perfect spot for a break - it does get a little busy…

From the Lower Falls

we worked our way back out of the canyon; now our biggest complaint about this hike is that everything is very poorly marked.  We chose to take a trail leading up through the woods and confirmed with other hikers that it indeed is the right trail.  The trail is very serene and it got a lot less crowded - let me also say that both girls were great as we kept listening for birds.  Out of the woods the trail leads to a gravely road - no cars - where we saw a few hikers and this the way to the Lilly field.  I remembered just how beautiful and amazing it was; an unexpected treasure…

Luckily we found the trail leading us up to the lilly field; oh my…no, lilies are not yet in bloom but this place is magical.  There is a sense of being out in the middle of nature - very far away from civilization. The colors - patches of bright green moss, flower stamps, dark green fir trees, light green lichen, rocks covered with lichen and patches of moss.  Just us and nature. Oh, how can one not believe in fairies…true magic…

At this point the girls were ready to get back to the trailhead and spend some time on the playground.

Good to know before you go -
The trails are poorly marked it is good idea to print out a trail map, or carry your hiking book.
This is a easy-moderate hike but - the loop we took with addition of the lily field - it is about 3.6 miles.
Be sure to take water, snacks, and wear sturdy shoes.

Have fun!

Latourell Falls #hike {#Oregon #travel #kids} in the Columbia River Gorge

Is it really already the end of the week? Yikes, this post was - at least in my head - planned for much earlier in the week.  I swear it was all drafted, written, pictures selected…that is in my head.  Yup, it never made it out to the keyboard.

There is still no snow up at Teacup Nordic so it was yet another weekend without cross-country skiing for this family and you may know by now just how much we need to get out at least once on the weekend.  It is our way to rejuvenate and recharge the batteries…looking for places to go, we asked Alena to look through our hiking book and she chose Latourell Falls in the Columbia River Gorge.  This waterfall is very close to Portland, and while we had stopped at the Lower Latourell Fall plenty of times we had never hiked the loop to the upper falls returning on the other side.   I have to say this was magical - it is not a very long hike with about 2.4 miles but it packs a lot into it.

Great trails, a hike up along the impressive lower Latourell Fall with beautiful lichen on the basalt rock face

yes, water drops 249' straight down into the basin. The hike continues along the stream on nice trail including four wooden bridges

until you can hear the thunder of the upper Latourell Fall.  The upper fall is amazing as it twists down the basalt rock into the basin…

crossing the bridge at the basin the return took us through lush green forest where Ron and MiaRose were looking for salamanders.

The trail takes a left turn leading to a magnificent view point - albeit super windy - of the Columbia River Gorge

The entire family including our often unenthusiastic hiker had lot's of fun.

Good to know before you go: The hike is about 2.4 miles and is considered a moderate hike with an elevation gain of about 520 ft. This is a hike where you should be sure to wear sturdy shoes, and carry water along with some snacks.

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.

German Cherry Cheesecake - Kirschkäsekuchen {#Dairyfree} & first 2014 camping trip at Memaloose Oregon State Park

What is going on?  It is finally summer when the living should be easy and time for leisure should be plenty.  This has been said many times by me, but really would someone please invent a device that transposes blog posts onto the screen for editing….

The 2013-14 school year is over and to celebrate we went camping the very first weekend.  We have a new tent and could not wait to get out and give it a try.  Let me tell you it was full success.  The weather was dry out at Memaloose State Park in the Columbia Gorge albeit super windy and making the kite- and windsurfers out on the Columbia River very happy.

Both girls loved riding their bikes throughout the campground - their favorite is to make  s'mores at the camp fire and play silly games.  We have somewhat of a routine when camping.  Ron makes delicious French Press coffee and breakfast then we head out for a daily adventure.  This trip we went on a couple of adventures.  The first day we drove up to Rowena Crest and hiked the Tom McCall Nature Preserve; windy but simply beautiful.  Now let me tell you something about our kids - we have one child that absolutely loves hiking but there is also a cute squeaky little wheel that is not the biggest fan.  Can you guess the hiking fan and the hiking foe?!  -  One thing that sure helped the hiking foe was that we observed a beautiful deer in the park eating her lunch and seeing the ponds on the plateau.  Take a look how beautiful this place is….

Now I know if you are here for the Kirschkäsekuchen you are asking yourself what on earth does any of this have to do with a cake?  Let me tell you,  cherries grow in abundance in the Columbia River Gorge and this is what we saw on our drive up to the nature preserve

How can anyone resist and not stop to buy at least a pound of cherries for each person? Well, I may have bought ten pounds something I shall call planning ahead :)  Back home, they were pitted, placed on cookie sheets in the freezer, then moved to freezer bags and I am happy to report that we now have lots of cherries.  We use them as ice cubs in water and lemonade, and in this German style Cherry Cheesecake…Since we are not going to Germany this summer, I have to bring Germany to us.  Käsekuchen is one of my favorites; dense, rich, full in flavor with little hints of lemon. Unlike the American Cheescake a German style Cheesecake is made with Quark. Neither of our girls have had Käsekuchen before so this was a challenge that I had planned to tackle for a long time.

Take a look…

What do you think?

German Cherry Cheescake {Kirschkäsekuchen}
Crust

• 1-1/4 C flour
•     1/4 C  Sugar
•      1 tsp vanilla 
•      pinch of salt
•     1 egg yolk 
•  1/2 C  Earth Balance or other vegan "butter"

Filling

• 3 eggs, separated
• 2 pack soft silken tofu 
• 1/2 C sugar
• 1/4 C lemon juice (or more to taste)
• zest of 1/2 untreated lemon, grated
• 1/4 C corn starch
• 1-1/2 C fresh or frozen pitted cherries

1. Combine all the dough ingredients and bring together until it forms into a smooth dough.  Roll out the dough on a floured work space.  Place it into a parchment lined spring form pan. 
2. Place dough in spring form pan for about 30 minutes into a fridge
3. Preheat oven to 400 F
4. When the dough has chilled and the oven is preheated bake the dough for about 10 minutes.
5. Remove from the oven, and turn down heat to 335 F
6. Make the filling -
7. Beat egg whites until they are firm.  Set aside
8. Place tofu - drained as much as possible - into kitchen stand mixer. Beat until all lumps are worked out and it is smooth.
9. Mix in sugar, lemon juice (add more to taste), egg yolks and corn starch.  
10. Gently lift egg white under the filling
11. Pour filing into pre baked crust.
12. Place cherries on top of the filling and gently push them down
13. Bake for about 60 minutes until golden
14. Remove from the oven and let rest at a cool place for about 45 minutes before serving

Enjoy!

     

Happy 2014 - Fun at Mt. Tabor & Tryon Creek

Happy 2014!!!  Did you all have a great start into the New Year?

We have started the New Year with a couple of family walks at our favorite spots in Portland;  Mt Tabor Park and Tryon Creek. Well, I should note that three out of four people in our house love to go on walks out in nature.  Do you know who really is not that excited about going out into nature?  Can you guess who?  - Okay it is our youngest MiaRose is just not so excited about at first but in the end she likes it as well.

So here are just a few pictures from the first, and second day of 2014

MiaRose walking up Mt. Tabor

Alena at Tryon Creek

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?

It's Trillium season at Tryon Creek State Park

Spring has sprung when the Trillium is in bloom. At least that is what I think since moving to Oregon ten years ago.  One of the best places in Portland to observe these amazing flowers in full bloom is Tryon Creek State Park.  Now, you may - or may not - know that this this is one of our favorite hiking spots in the city.  You can be in the middle of nature, yet it is in the city - true there are many parks in Portland offering this, but to me Tryon Creek is one of the most accessible with children.

Yesterday, we went on our Tryon Creek hike to admire the Trillium's - just in the nick of time.  They start out in a beautiful crisp white,

then the color turns slightly pink, and finally turn into a dark shade of pink.  They are amazing!

We like to hike at Tryon Creek quite a bit, and so far thought that we knew every trail...was I wrong!  The girls wanted to take the trail to the Red Fox Bridge yesterday and it was a completely new trail to us.  A little longer than the other trails we usually take but less busy and just perfect.  We saw fairy ponds, and this watershed where you can just imagine that the water fairies live there.  Right?!

Can you find the water fairies? 

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....

#DairyFree Blueberry Cobbler & Sausages w/Pepper

So, are you all ready to hear about our Friday night dinner this week?  Okay, okay - as Alena & Mia Rose say - I get it let me move on.

Yesterday was a Teacher Planning Day at Portland Public School and you know what that means?  Yes, no school...Alena went on an urban hike with our friend Martin and his son Sebastian.  They hiked up to the zoo, stopped at the archery range and had a fantastic time.  Yes, they hiked over three miles and most of it uphill at Washington Park.  Mia Rose on the other hand spent the day with me.  Taking a mid morning bath, stopping at the grocery store, and some playground fun...

And dinner...yes, this is what you wanted to know...Sausages & Peppers the recipe is from my dear friend Larissa {and Martin's wife}.  It is such a good, easy, no fuzz, and fun dish.  Yummy!!!  I followed Larissa's recipe and added two more peppers.  For baking - as the sausages did not brown up as much - I ended up increasing the heat on my oven to 375F.  I should have waited for the sausages to become all brown before topping them with the veggies...oh well next time.  It was delicious. Perfect dish for a Friday night :) - Again, not a great picture...

Here take a look at Ron and Martin....{yes, the girlies ate these too}

Since this was such a easy dish, I decided that we had to have dessert.  Remember when we went blueberry picking last summer?  Well, we still have a lot of those delicious Oregon blueberries in our freezer.  So, time to make a #DairyFree Blueberry Cobbler

#DairyFree Blueberry Cobbler adapted from Blueberry Crisp Recipe
Filling

• 4-5 C of fresh or frozen Blueberries
• 2 tsp. lemon juice
• 1/2 C sugar
• 1 Tbl cornstarch

Topping

• 3/4 C rolled Oats {not quick cooking}
• 1/3 C flour
• 1/3 C light brown sugar
• 4   Tb Earth Balance {or other vegan margarine}
• pinch of salt

*Preheat oven to 360F* Prepare a baking dish
1. Mix blueberries with sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Place into the baking dish
2. Mix Oats with flour, brown sugar, and Earth Balance.  When all mixed up pour topping over the
    blueberries in the baking dish
3. Bake for about 45 minutes

The picture is not perfect as I thought about it too late...{how could that be?!} here it is - it is delicious.

Wonder what Mia Rose is #thankful for?

Here it is all documented on video - and would you please let her know what you are thankful for?  Just leave a comment :)

Oh, and yes that is Alena in the background....

#Thankful for #Newbornscreening {#video} by Alena

Here is Alena telling us what she is thankful for this 2012 Thanksgiving Holiday.  We took the video at our hike at Tryon Creek :)

Alena would really love to hear from you :)  Thank you!

Cauliflower & Tomato Curry - Vulcano Walk

How is everyone doing this Thanksgiving week?  - Ready for the big day? You, know with or without turkey but with friends or family?  I know we are ;)  The girlies are out of school this week so it is a lot of Mommy and us time.  Today is my baby, little sister's birthday... we are scattered all over the world.  I live in Portland, she lives in Helsinki so there are no birthday get togethers. However,  first thing we did this morning is wish Kati a Happy Birthday.  I really, really enjoy it when the girlies are home and it is generally all fun and games;  yesterday I was able to work some...today was a slightly different story.  Yes, there was some Public Television time, and we also made some crafts {whoo-hoo} there was however also some defiance from my older girl.  That  my friends, was not fun...I do not think it was fun for either of us. Certainly, I know it is all usual kid stuff and she is getting older, gaining her voice, but truth be said it was quite hard on this mothership...

Anyway, enough of the complaining. After everyone cooled off, we headed to the playground on Mt. Tabor.  Mt. Tabor is an extinct volcano that is in the middle of South East Portland.  It is an amazing city park, and walking distance from our house.  We took a different way today, walked through the woods {collected a bunch of greens for Xmas decorations}, took the extra loop and stopped at the playground.  Yes, it did rain but we had fun.  We took another walk back down; headed back home took a break to enjoy the view....

and then walked back home where we enjoyed Peppermint Hot {Soy} Chocolate with marshmallows.  The walk and the hot chocolate really did make everything better.


For dinner, we had Cauliflower & Tomato Curry which I made out of my other favorite cookbook from Mollie Katzen - Vegetable Heaven, with a side of rice, and oven baked tofu.  I changed the recipe a little by adding a small can of coconut milk as well as a squeeze of lemon.  The girls absolutely loved this meal - Alena had seconds and finished all of it; it was however {at least that is what I think} not Ron's favorite.  But you know, the girls loved, loved, loved it...

#Family #Hike and #Fun at the Oregon Coast

Fun at the beach...

Finally a well deserved long weekend get away for us.  This past week was so busy, and we were all due for a break.  The girlies did not have school on Friday so it was the perfect time to go to the beach for a long weekend.  We generally go to the Northern Coast, but this time we went to Pacific City which is on the central Oregon coast.  Ahhh,  it is so relaxing just to be at the beach.  The air, the sounds, it is so rejuvenating even with the rain....  We have had unseasonably dry weather and it actually started to rain for the first time in months on Friday our first full day at the beach.  Rest assured, we still had a ton of fun...

Beach fun - October 2012 in Pacific City

On Saturday we went for a nice long hike out to Cape Lookout.  It is a cape that reaches 2 miles out into the Pacific Ocean.  It is a beautiful hike through the mystical forest, and along the steep cliff {yes, we did "white knuckle" the girlies along those passages}. The sound of winding roaring through the woods, and the ocean crashing against the beach...it is really, really mystical and you just know for a fact that faeries live there.  The girlies referred to the puddles we saw along the hike as "fairy swimming pools". Take a look at this cute snail - it seems like she is seeking shelter underneath the mushroom....

It was beautiful - both kids did a great job as it is 2.4 miles out to the cape, and another 2.4 miles {uphill} back to the trail head.  Our kids are good hikers, Mia Rose did start to fuss before we reached the cape but did a great job on the way back.  She really deserved the piggy back ride for the last 10 minutes of the hike :).

Family hike to Cape Lookout

The large plate of french fries and root beer for each girl at the Pelican Pub was well deserved :)
After lunch the girls and I have our energy back to climb to the top of the dune and play in the sand Let me just say it was sandy, but so much fun....

Having fun in the sand...

Before heading back home on Sunday we walked on a stormy out on the beach...oh yes, our batteries are now recharged...

It is windy out...can you tell?