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.

Star-Spangled Field Trip

2014 is the 200th anniversary of our national anthem, and the sacking of DC by the British (for some reason, the former part is commemorated way more than the latter).

On Flag Day, I visited the flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to pen The Star-Spangled Banner with some friends. It's permanently housed at the American History Smithsonian, and in honor of the anniversary they were lent Key's original transcript of the poem; it was probably the first time they were displayed together in over a century.

So it was only proper that we visited the fort where it all took place, especially since we live so close to Baltimore. The battle took place in September, but we visited a little early before the masses came for the full celebration. There was a great museum and interpretive center, and historical re-enactors helped us understand what life was like at that time in Baltimore, this battle's significance in the War of 1812, etc..

exploring the ramparts and feeling patriotic

drawing up battle plans in the officer's quarters

cannon at Fort McHenry

historic artillery demonstration = BOOM!

Plus, I finally purchased my NPS Passport and got my first stamp. Full of patriotism, we celebrated afterward at a nearby eatery serving local crabs.

I loved this quote about Francis Scott Key:
"Enthusiasm was a distinguishing trait of his character; and, as he always identified himself with his subject, he was able to enlist on his side, the feelings of his audience."
from Francis Scott Key's obituary in The Baltimore Sun, January 13, 1843

The Secret of Smith Island

I first heard about Smith Island on a radio cooking program and was instantly intrigued: a small island in the Chesapeake continually occupied for centuries, and the home of Maryland's state dessert. So when I heard a friend was going I felt fortunate to tag along. We drove a few hours south to catch the ferry boat, and enjoyed a gorgeous day on the Bay as we sailed to the island.

Arrival dock at Smith Island, and some of the best crab cakes.

the state dessert of Maryland: Smith Island cake

After lunch, we had a few hours before the return boat left and rented bikes to explore the island. There were a few dozen homes, some for rent and some that appeared vacant. With so many centuries and a small group of people, you knew there were secrets and intrigue that happened here. This place was a Nancy Drew mystery waiting to happen! The island was so flat that as the island has sunk (or as sea level's risen), parts of the road were submerged at high tide.

biking around Smith Island as the tide comes in

looking for adventure

Our short time there was more than enough to see everything, but it would be a great place to spend a weekend away from it all.

enjoying the return cruise

One Weekend, Two Capitols

Soon after Ohio, I was on the road again. This time it was due south, and I was flying solo to a singles conference in North Carolina. It was a great excuse to finally visit some old DC friends who'd moved there, including a surprise reunion at the conference.

drinking from the Old Well at UNC

surprise reunion with Dee at the conference

Raleigh, NC LDS temple

Duke University's chapel

Geography nerd that I am, I used the drive back to visit the state capitols of both North Carolina and Virginia.

Confederate monument at North Carolina's state capitol

Three US presidents hail from North Carolina

Virginia's state capitol

statue at Virginia's state capitol--I loved the quote

Kirtland road trip

Summer brought a chance to visit Kirtland, Ohio and interesting architecture along the way. Never heard of it? It's an important site in LDS church history, though I didn't realize how significant until we visited.

"Along the way" was Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpiece, Falling Water. Wright built this house over the waterfall, and while I prefer more traditional styles, I was so impressed by the thought that went into every element of the house. Design was important, but it also had to be functional.

Just as stunning in person

Checking out the overlook with Kara

Kirtland was one of the earliest gathering places of the Mormons, a place where numerous revelations were received and our first temple was built. Today, the temple is owned by another church that split from the LDS church early on, but they were gracious enough to allow us to hold church there. It was important in their early history but appears to be less so now; it's my hope that the LDS church can eventually acquire it to fully restore it. What I didn't realize before we visited was how many times we believe that Christ appeared in the Kirtland area. How did I not know that?

Sunday morning at the Kirtland temple

Our visit was brief but great, and while we never made it to Cleveland we drove to the next town so I could see Lake Erie, and enjoy a restaurant we'd heard about that made incredible grilled sandwiches.

Perfecting my swinging skills overlooking Lake Erie

Lunch at Melt

We broke up the drive back with an overnight near Pittsburgh, allowing us to see the Cathedral of Learning. I'd never heard of it before, but imagine an imposing gothic skyscaper with a great hall like Hogwarts, and with every classroom fitted out in tribute to a different country to celebrate their great scholars. You could go around the world without leaving the building, which is exactly what we did for a bit.

Cathedral of Learning, Pittsburgh

Cathedral of Learning main hall

Chinese classroom

Germany's classroom had windows portraying their fairytales

A lot to cram into a weekend, but a great start to summer.

Wedding hoedown

My last day in Utah included more DC reunions, beginning with one at BYU. Even more than my visit on Friday, going there today reminded me how unique that school and the surrounding area are with all the bridal and engagement ring shops, religious bookstores, etc. I'm glad I attended BYU, but it's certainly not for everyone and especially at certain ages and marital statuses.

Speaking of which, the day concluded with the wedding reception of another DC friend at the state fairgrounds. I was too busy dancing and eating delicious food to take any pictures, apparently, but the bride looked radiant and it was good to see more friends.

All in all, a great trip that has me excited to return sometime soon.

Friend, Family, and Scouting

Today started with a visit to my old roommate, Aubree's new business. I'm sad she moved, but so excited by the possibilities in her life and hope she's able to help many people through it.

Next up was a visit to Great-Aunt Erma. She's a bit like a grandmother and a role model to me. Erma raised a large family in a relatively small house without a dishwasher, and remains one of the happiest people I know. Her Jell-O salads are also famous. We had a lunch date at a nearby Chinese restaurant, and I got to hear about how she and Uncle Dick met (apparently he thought she was "too churchy" at first).

with Great-Aunt Erma

After lunch I made a quick trip to downtown Salt Lake to visit the Church's History Museum and their Scouting exhibit. It included some of Norman Rockwell's paintings of Scouting, and a comparison of the Scout Law over the years

I think we should bring back some of the old ideals like "Be manly" or "smiles and whistles under all circumstances."

That night we held "FHE" by having a gathering of most of my cousins that live nearby. It was fun hearing what they've been up to, and made me miss living closer.