spontaneity

I usually wouldn't consider myself the spontaneous type, as I am more of a planner. However, this weekend that may have all changed. As the Portland heat crept in and hit the 100's this past weekend, I needed an escape. We were sitting in houses without air conditioning throughout the day and slowly soaking through our clothes. I couldn't even pretend sitting on the couch was satisfying. Then I mentioned the beach to Erik as he quickly shut me down. Understandable considering it was 3 in the afternoon. I sulked on the hardwood floor. About half an hour later in a moment of silence, he murmured "the beach house is available." I jumped for joy as he informed me I had 10 minutes to grab my things. I'm not sure I would have survived this weekend if we hadn't headed west. As we drove back into town on Sunday and slowly watched the thermometer rise, all we wanted to do was turn around. Thank you for being spontaneous with me, Erik.  

cape perpetua

"Yachats, Oregon, what's that?" A question I was often asked after I mentioned to people that's where we were headed for our weekend getaway. A place I had no idea about until one weekend at the coast, Erik and I drove south down 101 and through Cape Perpetua. This beautiful cape is the reasoning for our trip to Yachats, Oregon. Well, besides the A-frame cabin. This cape is where we spent our Saturday morning, and this view is how we decided which hike we'd take. If you've never had the chance to see this part of the coast, it's a must. I still need to head back, as we couldn't see everything in the short weekend. So much green. 

another weekend, another a-frame

Yachats, Oregon was the getaway this past weekend. The reason? This amazing cabin. It was also a great reason to escape for some time with these girls.  I think I got them hooked on my A-frame cabin obsession while we were there, as they were excited to find the next to visit. Here are a few photos from our stay. The majority of the time we spent at the cabin enjoying card games, but we got the chance to go on a beautiful hike (which I'll post later). We were also able to enjoy the beautiful beach since we were blessed with gorgeous weather.

Oregon Coast

When I think of the Oregon Coast I generally think of a rain and wind, sweaters, and game board type of escape.  However, when the ladies and I headed west last weekend, we experienced nothing of the sort.  We arrived and went straight to a local restaurant to enjoy its seafood offerings.  I was able to satisfy my clam chowder craving, as we watched the fog slowly dissipate over the hills. The beach was ready to deliver as we walked along its sands and basked in the sunshine while reading the novels we had on hand.  Later in the afternoon we decided our best option was to stay until sunset.  We traveled to the best onlooking points as we waited for nightfall's countdown before heading back to the city.  This kind of day trip only made us want more, as we left feeling like it was not enough and promised to return soon.

Ocean Shores

This is Ocean Shores, Washington...

What I would give to own this beach house...

When I opted out of going to Vegas with my dad and brother, my dad's girlfriend offered me a weekend getaway at the beach.  Needless to say, it was one of the best decisions I've made.  You can't go wrong with the beach.  It's enjoyable whether/weather (see what I did there?) rainy or sunny and in this case, I got a little bit of both.  Relaxation took top priority as I read by the fire and enjoyed multiple movies.

I arrived just in time to catch the last glimpse of sun the beach was going to offer for the weekend.  We walked along and talked about the excitement of life lately, and what we hoped for in the future, as I near graduation. It was the perfect setting. 

Days should always end like this. 

Saturday we went into town, and walked through these shops which are offered in every color. Too cute.

We enjoyed amazing dinners at a budget set way beyond our means, with portion sizes way beyond our means.  We struggled to spend it all, after being informed that alcohol could not count towards our spending. 

This forced us to order dessert. *Eating it in bed was not forced*

I read somewhere that before you turn thirty, you should travel alone.  Although it was referring to traveling alone in another country, I think the six hours I spent alone in the car with my music (most of it country for this trip), was amazing.  I enjoy the time I get to spend alone, maybe even too much (if that's a real thing?).  But unattaching myself from everyday life and exploring what this world has to offer, is exhilarating and leaves me with moments that I will never forget.

I noticed this wall on my way, and decided I needed to stop on the way back for pictures.  I let Megan know how disappointed I was that she wouldn't be with me for it, but she said "Do it! Use your tripod and just remind yourself that it's for me because I love you and America." 

Right after, I text her to let her know the task was complete.  She informed me her day was the best day as well as she was able to spend an afternoon alone reading, cooking, and being in her underwear. Oh, how I miss her. 

Peace and love from America, my dear. 

#stephsbeachbachbash

This weekend was spent at the coast in my favorite beach house. What better way to spend celebrating Stephanie's bachelorette party?  I think she had the right idea when getting us all together in this comfy little home to karaoke, dance, and eat for the entire weekend.  I mean, these are all of my favorite things.  We were all a little bummed that the weather wasn't more stormy like we heard it was back at home, but that didn't stop us from layering up and starting a fire. I guess that's how you know we're from the northwest when we're wishing for bad weather in the middle of August.  Now I'm aching for fall attire and debating whether it's too early to start baking pumpkin goodies.