Rarely do you meet people who radiate sunshine as much as these two. With autumn changing the color palette to an array of golds and the warmness of the high desert sun, this evening September engagement shoot was as perfect as they come.
Don’t get left in the dust of the dreams you’re too afraid to chase.
Clear your mind.
Push away the doubt.
Stop comparing yourself to everyone else.
This journey is yours and yours alone.
So,
instead of following the expected path,
wander off in search of something different.
The weird,
the strange,
the unusual.
Don’t be afraid to get lost,
the map you need is always inside of you.
Yesterday I was sitting on top of Stahlman Point in the sunshine with my dog and Doc Watson’s song Sitting On Top Of The World, came on my headphones. At that moment there were only a few clouds in the sky, the last of the fall leaves were shaking in the wind and the river was rushing down below. Things could not have felt more perfect.
I rarely feel this at ease, not conjuring up to-do lists, plotting my next adventure, thinking of bills or just stressing over life. So instead of hiking back down, I sat there in the sun and let it all sink in, enjoying the last views of fall and the simpleness of being alive.
A friend asked me recently if I considered myself an introvert or an extrovert, whether I felt more alive or gained energy by being around people or being alone. I had to think about this, and the more I thought, the answer was clear...
I am an introvert.
I am happiest when I am alone. Don’t get me wrong, I need the company of others and I thrive in a group environment but when I’m out in nature with my dog, listening to my favorite tunes, with no-one around I feel like this weight is lifted off my shoulders. My mind is clearer and my soul is happier. Life just feels so much more right.
I’ve spent so much time in my life searching for this feeling, this weightlessness. I’ve been on this search of becoming “myself”, experimenting with different versions of me, trying on all the faces, I didn’t see what was right in front of me.
It makes me laugh, that after all of it, I think the one I liked the most, was the kid version. The little girl who grew up in Gales Creek on a farm, who ran through the fields to play down by the river. The little girl who spent summers trying to read as many books as possible to win the library book challenge. The little girl who never stopped making crafts and believed each piece was truly art. The days when cares were minimal and life was simple.
I keep looking for something more, but I’m starting to realize that just maybe where I came from and how I began held the answers I’ve been searching for the whole time.
Turn and Face the Strange
Getting too comfortable with the life we live is all too easy. We fall into routines and time passes quicker than we are used to. We start to realize life is completely up to us, how to use our time, what thoughts fill our brains, how we treat others, who we decide to surround ourselves with, the list goes on. This all seems obvious but up until recently, I feel like I was just floating through, taking what came my way and was easy to reach.
This past year has come and gone. Sure, I’ve done a lot, (mostly climbed a bunch of mountains and frolicked in the wilderness) but with all these highs I was bound to hit some lows. These lows are now what are waking me up, making me realize I can live a more intentional life.
This next year I want to make some changes. I want to put myself in situations where I am uncomfortable so I can really grow. I want to stop worrying if I’m on the right path and start creating it instead. No matter the twists and turns and detours, getting lost is half the fun right?
Also, I need to remember there is no “right” way to live, although society sure does a good job convincing me otherwise. Everyone has the right to create their ideal world. For me, that means screw all expectations, use my morals as a compass and run with it.
I need a little bit of guidelines though. So, in this next year, I want to expand my photography business. I want to buy a house and make it a comfortable, welcoming home. I want to be around those who inspire me and I also want to make time to be alone. I want to stay healthy and motivated. I want to keep exploring and seeing new places. I want to maintain this chaotic and sometimes kooky brain of mine. I want to maximize the highs and embrace the lows. I want to trust what is, instead of filling my head with worries and doubts. I want to push aside the questionable thoughts, the “what am I doings”, the curveballs and tell myself it is what it is and I am going to make the most of it ALL!
This life is meant to be enjoyed as fully as possible and I intend on doing just so.
Summertime, it sneaks up on you with its' blue sky days and warm starry nights. The need to be outside is always and adventure is limitless. You make a list of all the things you're going to do these next months and believe you will do them all with the longer days and perfect weather. There are endless hikes, lakes, rivers, and mountains to get to know.
Then, without warning it's almost September and fall is coming in quick. You look back and wonder what you've been doing these past few months, how summer could already be over. Feeling panic because you're not quite ready for rain, snow and shorter days.
Don't get me wrong I love all the seasons. I love the cool days and leaves changing colors in the fall. I love the snow coming down and snuggling up inside next to the fire. I love the blooms of spring and the soft rains. But it is summer that I enjoy the most. Everything about it, is just so satisfying.
We have backpacked, paddle-boarded, danced, swam, hiked, fished, ran, sunbathed, drank beers, watched the sunset, watched the sunrise, read countless books, enjoyed each others company and enjoyed Oregon's beautiful views. Life doesn't get much better than this.
This summer has been one of the most adventure-packed, fun-filled summers of my life. I know my list is not completely checked off but that just means there are plenty of places yet to be explored.
One of the main reasons I moved back to Oregon from Colorado was the ocean. I love it so much and too much time away from the crashing waves, quickly changing weather, and scenic hikes makes me go crazy. Bend isn't in the ideal location to access the coast but at least it's not landlocked like Colorado.
Greg and I had a couple days off together (which is rare these days) and I convinced him we needed to do something different. Instead of going to our favorite default beaches, I had a new destination in mind. We put on a good playlist and made it to Sunset Bay by nightfall. Picked out a campsite and Greg set up the biggest tarp I have ever seen. I told him it was unnecessary, but he was sure while we were sleeping the rain would start. Sure enough-we both woke up in the middle of the night to dumping rainfall. Thanks to our tarp, the size of our house, we stayed warm and dry.
The rainstorm wouldn't stop us from having a fun-filled adventure day. I had a plan to stack as many things into the hours of daylight as possible. To start us off, we drove about an hour out of town to Silver and Golden Falls. We hiked amongst the mossiest trees and rocks I have ever seen, to find waterfalls that dropped over one hundred feet! It was a fairies' paradise, if I've ever seen one! With no one around Greg, Iggy and I scampered through the woods, taking in the all the forest had to offer.
Next we drove back to a beach I had seen in a guidebook and found the perfect spot on BLM land to come back in the summer and camp. We even caught some sun breaking through the clouds while Iggy raged the beach and chased flocks of birds. It's rare in Oregon when you find a spot you can actually camp on the beach (we were stoked!).
Initially we had planned to hike the coastline trail from our camp out and back but it was already after mid-day and we weren't going to have time, so we drove to the end and hiked around Cape Arago. One of the beaches was closed for Sea Lion pups being born and we even caught a glimpse of a few (what strange looking animals!). To access the other beach, we hiked down a steep trail and the views were breathtaking; rocky cliffs, big waves, a mix of sun and rain. I loved it! This area of the Oregon coastline is truly unique!
We then checked out Simpson's Reef and were going to tour Shore Acres Gardens but we were too early in the season for anything really to be in bloom. So, change of plans. We parked on the side of the road and did some of the coastline trail we wanted to do in the first place. It was unreal and there were no people in sight (added bonus!).
By this time the sun was setting, the rainstorm was back full throttle and we were getting hungry. So we headed into Coos Bay and went to 7 Devils Brewery. We drank some delicious beers, tried an oyster nitro stout (disgusting haha) and ate some Oregon Coast friend oysters. Then, we wandered over to Shark Bite Cafe and ordered the seafood platter-wanting to get a taste of all the best since we were at the coast. Apparently we didn't read the menu that well and what we received was a thirty dollar plate of all fried food. Not exactly what we were looking for-so next time maybe we will just stick to fish tacos or crab cakes to save us a stomach ache. Oh well, now we know.
Next stop, was our dry tent (thanks Greg for ignoring my scoffs about the tarp) and time to hit the sack. Both exhausted and extremely full of IPA's and fried food we all fell asleep to the sound of rain.
Morning came quick, cooked up a veggie scramble with big cups of coffee and drove back to Bend just in time for the both of us to unpack, shower and head into work.
Was the ten plus hours in the car worth it for one day of adventures? Of course! We not only saw some of the best waterfalls I have ever seen, but we have a whole new area in Oregon we know the general outline of so we can come back and thoroughly explore later. There's nothing better than using your free time to see new things!! Sometimes it's good to relax on your days off but I know I never feel fully satisfied with that. I would rather relax in my bed at the end of a great day out adventuring and be tired for a reason.
It's been a while since I've had a chance to blog! So much life has been happening, I haven't had time to sit at my computer and look back on all of it. I want to make time to keep this online journal up-to-date, because I really enjoy the process of it all. There's something different about adventuring and taking photos versus making a story from them for someone other than myself to see. Creating a collage of thoughts and snapshots makes it so that these memories cannot be forgotten.
Where to begin? There have been so many adventures in the past few months.
I'll start with our road trip in February to Lake Tahoe, where Greg's family has a cabin. We met a group of some of our closest friends for a week of nothing but good times. We were lucky enough to get warm-sunny weather the first few days, hanging by the lake and soaking in rays. Then, winter struck and a full blown snow storm hit stacking inches quick. It was fine though because it gave us the best of both worlds. Corn hole by the lake followed by snuggling up in front of the fire to watch movies. It doesn't really matter what you're doing when you're surrounded by your favorite friends.
Words can't describe how much I love these people. Whenever we all get the chance to reunite (which honestly isn't often enough) you can feel the love radiating out of everyone. So instead of rambling on about my best friends, I'll just post a little gallery of shots from the trip. Can't wait until next time!!
Work gave me a few days off this past week, Greg was out of town and I realized I hadn't seen one of my dearest friends in a while. So, Iggy and I packed up the car, turned on some Tom Petty and booked it to the coast.
We made it to Maya's in time for a walk on the beach with the pups before the sun set. I could tell Iggy was skeptical of the long car ride until he realized we were at the coast-his favorite place of all time!
Maya and I spent the night catching up, eating delicious homemade tacos and drinking beers. It's funny when you haven't seen someone in a while but you pick up right where you left off, no matter how much time has passed. Maya is that kind of friend for me, she's been my number one since we met back in college. So much life has happened since those days, both of us growing and doing our own thing but we are still somehow on the same page.
Tuesday morning came and we got an early start, grabbing snacks and coffees on the way to Ecola State Park. Checked out the view of the lighthouse and were lucky enough to be greeted with a rainbow and clearing skies. Walked around Indian Beach, watching the fog and clouds shift so the sun could come out. Then, we took a hike to a beautiful hidden beach. The puppies pranced around and chased each other in circles the entire time.
Every time I visit the ocean I don't want to leave. Maybe it's the moody weather, the endless horizon, or the vastness of it all, I don't know-but I love it! I think one day I'll live somewhere on the coastline, but for now the desert and the mountains are pretty perfect.(I could just be having one of those "you want what you can't have" moments-since Bend is five hours from the beach.) Either way, I'm pretty in love with the whole state of Oregon and I am so happy to call it my home!
To end our little rainy road trip, Iggy and I visited Short Sands for our last frolic on the beach. Walking through the old growth forest and across the hanging bridge brought back so many good memories surfing and camping here. It was a good pit stop.
From Shorties we got some groceries and a big coffee and drove to Saddle Mountain so we could stretch our legs a bit before our three hour drive to Silver Falls State Park. The weather on the mountain went from bad to worse and was not only dumping rain but extremely windy and at the top, snowing. The hike felt a little spooky with fog surrounding us and rain pounding down but we had a good time-as we always do.
Soaking wet and freezing cold we got back on the road and cruised to Silver Falls. We got there with a little light left in the day, just enough to hike to a few waterfalls. Then, we checked in to the little cabin I had booked for the night and got pretty cozy. Iggy slept while yoga, wine and reading were the only things left on my to-do list.
Here's to another great three days off! I have been realizing lately the value of time, and the importance of doing what you love. Everyday is a chance to create something new for yourself, so go out and do it!
New Year resolutions have never meant much to me, but this year I took them seriously and made a list of things I want to accomplish before the end of 2018. I've learned lately that nothing ever comes out of thoughts alone. You have to write about them, talk about them and act on them so your idea actually has a chance at coming to fruition. So, to start this year off right, we tackled one of my goals-to visit every backcountry shelter in Oregon.
My boyfriend-Greg, my dog-Iggy, and I went on a three day snow-backpacking trip. We left at sunrise Wednesday morning and drove a little over an hour to Salt Creek Sno Park. From here we did a 4.5 mile ice hike through the Douglas Firs to find Diamond Falls. One of the sketchiest hikes but hands down my new favorite waterfall!
Back at the truck, we packed up our backpacks and headed up Fuji Mountain to find our three-walled shelter for the evening. Being a trip planned by me, of course I forgot something, this time "it" being-the map. We had no cell service so we followed the vague directions I had written down from a blog. Since the snow was pretty minimal for this time of year this hike too rather than being snowshoed was an ice slide to say the least. After following ski tracks for a few miles we realized we had no idea where we were, so we backtracked and tried the other road we debated taking at the beginning. This turned out to be the right one and after a 4 mile icy uphill climb we found our little shelter. It was nestled perfectly in the trees with a breathtaking view of Diamond Peak. We shared the little cabin with a Eugene dude and his dog-eating snacks, drinking whiskey, exchanging stories by the fire as the sun set.
The next morning we woke up at the perfect time to see the alpenglow casting pink colors across the face of Diamond Peak. We heated up some breakfast burritos, drank some coffee and headed back to the car to start our next leg of the trip.
We drove six miles down the road to Gold Lake Sno Park and did a quick repack, this time remembering the map. Crossed the highway and began our even icier hike to Maiden Peak Shelter. After what seemed like 20 miles (actually 5) sliding and trying not to crash, we crossed the PCT to find our new night destination. This shelter comfortably sleeps 15, has a massive loft and is fully stocked with firewood, cooking pans, sleds, you name it. It is badass to say the least!
After getting settled in, the three of us set out on a sunset hike only to watch the storm clouds roll in. We bundled up and spent the rest of the night drinking wine and playing cards by the fire with our two new friends from Bend also staying at the cabin. Nights are called early when you've been hiking all day and it gets dark at 4:30. So, we were in our down sleeping bags before 10. Another great day!
Morning came quickly and this time we were greeted with a pounding rainstorm, so we packed up and began the descent back to the car. Learning quickly it's not the best idea to try to eat a breakfast burrito while hiking on ice. Ha! The 5 miles back in the rain seemed to last longer than it should, but we made good time. All three of us sopping wet, hopped into the truck and cruised back to Bend.
Currently, at home sitting by the fire reliving these past days, feeling satisfied, sore and thankful for Oregon's Forest Service setting up cabins for people to make memories in! Seriously, so grateful for this life! 2018 you're looking pretty great and we're only five days in!!
