The Last 20ish Years...

I recently got back in touch with a roommate from when I was about 19. She asked what I had been up to for the last 20 years. Great question, what have I been up to? So here is a little summary of my life for the past 20ish years!!! 

From Eugene Oregon moved to Utah. Worked in some pizzerias, made some lifelong friends, decided to serve a mission, received endowments in Manti Utah Temple.

Served mission in Manchester NH mission. Served some amazing people, Learned how to love all men, fell in love with church history (and Ben & Jerrys ice cream!).

Lived in Utah along university ave near BYU. Served in Relief Society presidency in various positions and became a temple ordinance worker in the Provo temple.  Went to cosmetology school and then worked in a couple salons. Made more lifelong friendships. Learned to value all people and tried to make sure they felt included. Another random calling I had was the co-chair for group dates. Yes, my ward experimented with having us randomly match everyone up on large group dates. The point was to get everyone comfortable with just dating. (I did have a wedding come out of it though- great story!)

Lived in Coos Bay Oregon. Worked at a craft store and another pizzeria! I'm still not sure the purpose of this move or what I was to learn. 

Moved to Chelan Washington. I got my CNA license working at a long term care facility. I loved the dry summer days! I did a lot of country line dancing and served in the YW. 

Back to Utah. This time I lived west of University ave. I met some great people here. Intelligent, caring. I did hair at a salon and picked up the hobby of genealogy. I got to teach this class and really enjoyed the seeking of ancestors. Served again in the Provo Temple as an ordinance worker. 

Maryland! I became a nanny. Worked with one family for a little over a year, then took some time off for a college math class and sold health insurance. I then worked for a family full time for over a year, then part time for 4 more. I went to college and got an associate degree in science and license as a RN. I served in YW, stake YSA, and was the 4th year leader at girls camp for 3 yrs. I got to explore our nations history, as well as continuing my love for church history. I served in the DC temple as an ordinance worker, and kindled friendships with some amazing people. 

Family called me home to Oregon and I lived in Coburg for a couple years working first as a RN in cottage grove, then in Eugene in HH/hospice. 

After my dads death I moved to coos bay and worked at the hospital there. Even after my mom sold the family farm and moved to Beaverton I stayed in CB and had a great time learning to preserve food, hiking, exploring, and living life. Got my bachelors of science RN through an online college. I expanded my nursing skills as a clinical educator for the local college nursing program. Taught Sunday school 16-17yr olds and more YW! 

Seeing that my nieces would be gone before I knew it I moved to Portland almost two years ago and am working at Portland providence. I love being close to my immediate family and participating in the last years at home my nieces have. 

Adventuring: 40:40:11 Whiskey Run Beach

 

Not far from the lovely coastal town of Bandon Oregon is the well known beach Whiskey Run. It is really near the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort and is well traveled by locals and visitors alike. Access to this beach can be used by off road sand drivers, horseback riders, agate hunters, kite surfers, and beach walkers. There is generally a large wind blowing so prepare yourself with a hood and glasses. The views are spectacular though and you never know what the windy tide will bring ashore! After your beach adventure swing by either the Bandon Dunes for some amazing comfort food at McKee's Pub. Or head into Old Town Bandon for chowder at the Minute Cafe, or fish tacos at Tony's Crab Shack !

The Fabulous 40- Cruise Time!

My big-bash-birthday event was a Carnival Cruise to Catalina Island and Ensenada Mexico! Planned by my sister and ultimate trip planner Darilyn May, and accompanied by my mother Marilyn, we sailed off the end of April to enjoy the food, festivities, relaxation, and seeing new places.

The Inspiration ship itself was one of the smaller ones, but did not lack any amenities or lounge chairs! We got a few good hints from some other people that have cruised previously. One of the best ideas was to bring your swim clothes in your carry-on bag. This way you have them accessible and can enjoy the sunshine and hot-tubs while everyone else is waiting for their luggage.

The Ship had multiple bars and entertainment rooms with names like, "Blue-Rhapsody Piano Bar", "The Violin Bar", and "The Paris Lounge". The casino was the hot spot for the night time cruisers.

We enjoyed our evening meals with our assigned guests. We laughed, we ate way too much food......

On our day trip to Catalina we played total tourist and rented a golf cart to explore the island. The views from the top of the island were amazing. The Island is full of old architecture, mosaic tiles, and even a pet cemetery.

Ensenada was a shopping delight of folk crafts, knock of purses, jewelry, and food! We watched the water spray from La Bufadora, shopped the alley, walked in Al Capone's steps at the Casino, and won the right to say, "I was were fish tacos and the Margarita was invented!"

A great time, perfect for a first time cruiser.

The Fabulous 40- In Astoria!

Knowing that this year the big 40 loomed over my head I knew I just needed to get out of town. My sister and mom graciously planned a celebratory cruise for me in April, but what about the actual day.... In contemplating my choices, and knowing that funds are tight I decided a little adventure up the Oregon Coast would fit the price and time frame. In discussing this with a friend I learned that she (Joanna Hiigel) would be in Astoria that week. All fell into place and I was able to spend my birthday week adventuring along, and spent my actual birthday with a wonderful friend. I felt spoiled, relaxed, energized, and thankful for such a wonderful time!

The Astoria-Megler Bridge (view from the Cannery Pier Hotel)

Pained buildings create the historic feel to Astoria.

The Sea Lions have taken over the docks!

A fun chauffeured ride to dinner treated by Joanna!

The Fabulous 40!

Yes this year I was inducted into the "40" age bracket!! In truth, besides being excited that it was a birthday I could promote and make a big deal out of, it really wasn't a big deal. Turning 40 wasn't a big deal I mean. I did not magically age and grow excessive gray hair. I did not add more wrinkles overnight. And now when I proudly tell people I am 40 I get a kick out of the "no way"! "I thought you were closer to 30"! Yes, you can keep those comments coming! Reality though. I do have moments of a little despair when I think of the things I have not accomplished by the age of 40, but that is life!

To celebrate I took a drive up the Oregon Coast, hiking and exploring the beautiful countryside.

The morning started with an early morning foggy hike to the backside of Heceta Head Lighthouse.

 Next was a hike around Cape Perpetua near Yahachts.

 The first day ended with Lincoln City where I luckily found a collectors glass float!

 Day two started with a beautiful, yet eerie hike of Cape Lookout near Tillamook

 Followed by exploring the ruins of the Peter Iridale at Fort Stevens State Park.

This day ended with meeting up with friends in Seaside to watch them surf and to play with the starfish!
After that my birthday adventures head to Astoria. I'll post about that in another post!

Lighting the Way...

I have a fascination for lighthouses. Their history, their beauty. As much as I love that there is technology that can aid ships around the shores, it also makes me sad that this technology is making lighthouses more and more obsolete. Whenever they are mentioned in songs they are strong and immovable. They represent safety and guidance. Plus.....

They're so pretty....

Coquille River Lighthouse, Bandon Oregon

Heceta Head Lighthouse, Florence Oregon

Cape Meares Lighthouse, Netarts Oregon

Yaquina Head Lighthouse, Newport Oregon

Umpqua River Lighthouse, Winchester Bay Oregon

Yaquina Bay Lighthouse, Newport Oregon

Cape Arago Lighthouse, Charleston Oregon

Only four more to go till I see all of Oregon's!!!
For more information about Oregon's lighthouses click here!

Adventuring: The North Spit

I had this adventure on my list for a while. After reading the description online and pulling into the parking lot I was sooooo excited. Sand, water, paths, equals prettiness. The beginning brought no disappointment. Then the trail ended.

Lower path North Spit

  I circled around to follow a different trail that had a bridge, and I love bridges. Then after a few feet, that trail ended. Finally, after wandering around the lakes, and making my own trails, I found the actual trail.

 The directions can be found here. Remember to go to the top of the road. The trail will then start in the back. It is all sand dunes. So be prepared.

Adventureing: New River

 

New River is a Wetlands area just south of Bandon. There are paved trails mixed with a few well traveled paths. The distance can range from one mile, to about 3. You can walk out along the marsh for some beautiful New River views. Along these paths there is an old natural cranberry bog that is being reclaimed by the natural regrowth. There is also Muddy Lake, a small, but serene lake you can sit in a little hut and bird watch, ect. There is another trail along the other side of the Greeting Center. I haven't done this one yet, but am looking forward to it!

  New River

                     New River Marshes
Tracy at Muddy Lake
Muddy Lake

Adventuring: Blacklock Point

Blacklock Point Trail is an easy to moderate trail that ends at a breathtaking view of the Ocean, a Historic Lighthouse, and some pretty spectacular cliffs. The trail directions HERE are really accurate to follow, except for the waterfall, couldn't find it.

This trail starts on a pretty boring note, being level and nothing particularly entertaining to look at. After the first intersection you start entering all the bogs. Here there are plenty of frogs, salamander, and fun little paths to cross. Even on a sunny day I would plan on wearing your waterproof shoes. After these you are more in a forested area with plenty of green-life. You eventually see a bit of sky and emerge out onto the cliffs. These cliffs are amazing. Ranging from black, to clay, to green. There is a trail along to the right that leads down to the Point. A little daunting especially with the wind, but worth the experience. I followed the trail towards Floras Lake till it merged again with my return trail. On this section I entered such diverse landscape. Truly enjoyed it!

The Beginning

Choices

Bogs

Forests

Emerging from the trees.

What a view!

The Point

Black-rock Cliffs

Floras Lake Trail

Floras Lake Trail

Adventuring: Bolon Island

Bolon Island Trail is a short walk with a rewarding end. The trail is attainable and kept till the end where it empties into an unkempt meadow.  If you are into birdwatching this is one for you. Bring a blanket, sit, and watch. Access information HERE.

I had my eye on this one ever since a friend told me about the birds on the other side that, "nest and destroy the trees". I was appalled at these birds until I READ UP on them and informed myself better. The "hike" itself was a little disappointing since it was really a 4 minute walk to the end of the Island. The birds though were pretty impressive. I tried to catch their sound on video, but its kinda hard. Ignore the pretty normal bird sounds and listen for the deep melancholy sound.

Well, you may just have to go see them yourself.
The trail beginning:

 The trail ending: