These are a few snaps from Fourth of July weekend last summer. My family rented a cabin in the woods with my grandparents and our cousin from California. It was a grand time and memories of it bring a smile to my face. We saw lots of elk and spotted many marmots, heard some strange noises at night (explanation: Bigfoot), took in some breathtaking views, and laughed a lot. Making a trip to the mountains every now and then is so good for the soul -- God's creativity astounds me. Like DO YOU SEE THAT MOUNTAIN. Too much beauty. I'm beyond thankful to live here.
Last month my family and I road-tripped down to Bend, Oregon and stayed for a few days to explore. This particular spot we went to, Fort Rock, was definitely my favorite. The entire surrounding desert used to be a lake thousands of years ago, and this massive crater was a small island in the middle. I believe it was formed by volcanic activity, and over years and years of the wind pushing the waves against it, one side of the crater eroded. Native Americans once lived in the caves and walked on the island shore; ten thousand year old artifacts have been unearthed since and can be viewed in a ghost town/museum down the road. Something about the incredible history and raw beauty of this place left me speechless and made me fall in love with Jesus just a little bit more.
Another notable memory from this trip - on the way out of the mountains we stopped by a birch grove in nearly the middle of nowhere to take photos. The trees were unreal, but the ground was a bit more swampy than we had anticipated. We snapped some photos and swatted prolific mosquitoes to little avail - the next day I discovered that I had collected a total of one hundred and one bug bites on my legs alone. Remind me to wear mosquito repellent next time.
Earlier this summer my family drove to Cannon Beach, Oregon for a of couple days so that my brother Isaiah and I could hang out at the much anticipated "That PNW Instameet". We had the chance to meet some friends and inspirations that we'd previously only known online through the Instagram app. It was an incredible day taking photos and enjoying good company, not to mention the beautiful sunset and perfect bonfire we all sat around afterward!
The relationships I've formed just by meeting people online and bonding over similar passions are incredible. And the feeling of meeting those friends in person is just unreal! It's always a party. (as long as no one is secretly an ax murderer)
Thank you to those of you who have filled out my blog survey! Your answers have been really helpful and fun to read. The survey is still open if you haven't had the chance to do it yet. Thanks for all the love as I'm hopping back into blogging, you all are the best. I love you and hope you're doing well, friends!
The view at the top of this hike was entirely worth the trail which had confused itself for a creekbed. Emerging out of the forest and into the open air surrounding the lake felt something like entering the world of Narnia -- or perhaps a snowglobe, kept in a silent stillness of white. As we wandered amidst the snow engulfed landscape, it rapidly faded into nighttime. We hurriedly descended the trail amidst the shadowy forest, and thanks to some kind hikers who came back to accompany us down, we arrived at our car shortly thereafter. Our souvenirs include some snowy photographs, a few pairs of damp socks, and a lesson learned to leave for hikes earlier in the day (or at least bring along a flashlight).
Last summer consisted of long afternoon naps in the hammock, many days at the lake, a couple mountain hikes, and an incredible west coast road trip. I have many photos to edit and share from the road trip, but in the meanwhile here is a video!
Yesterday we went on an outstanding hike to Eunice Lake with our friend, Anna. It is by far my favorite hike to date - the lake and surrounding cliffs and forests provided endless adventures (and photos). Watch out for an adventure video coming soon!
God sure knew what He was doing when he created alpine lakes.
