Smelling the roses (and maybe caulking the wagon) in Oregon

August brought another trip out west for another birthday, but this time it was my aunt's birthday in Oregon. My cousins were excellent tour guides, and it was great to see them again while visiting sites familiar and new.

catching up with family (and meeting their chickens)

 We took a trip to the Oregon coast.

At the end of a hike through temperate rain forest we reached this overlook of the Oregon coast.

A must for any trip to the coast: visiting the Tillamook Cheese factory

And spent another day in Portland.

Portland Rose Garden

Koi pond at the Japanese Garden

Ready for adventure!

A Portland landmark: Voodoo Doughnut

their signature item--complete with a stake of pretzel

I inherited my love of classic movies from my aunt, so it was a no-brainer to spend her birthday watching old movie musicals with her.

the birthday girl

Our last epic day started with a session in the Portland temple, and continued to the Lewis and Clark National Historic Park so I could get a stamp in my NPS Passport.

at the Portland temple

It was a great reminder of the importance of teamwork, and the strengths that both men brought to the expedition. We heard some great stories, like their encounter with a grizzly, but what really surprised me was learning what became of Sacagawea's baby. He went on to befriend a prince and visit Europe before returning to the Wild West, where he was a scout leading the Mormon Battalion to California. Who knew?

these medallions were placed along their trail for the bicentennial

the Columbia River

I hadn't expected so many opportunities to play tourist, but it was great to return to places I hadn't been to in years and discover new ones while reconnecting with my cousins. And if the weather was always that nice, I'd gladly move there.