Wednesday, July 12, 2006

Home Again


The long weekend is over and we're back home. We left Friday evening after deciding to just get out of town and see how far we could get before stopping for the night. That spot was the KMart parking lot in The Dalles, Oregon. All we needed was a level spot to sleep, so the parking lot suited us well for a quick night's rest.

After breakfast, we left The Dalles and decided to spend some time at Multnomah Falls. So often we're just trying to get to Portland or hurrying home from Portland so don't make the stop. We arrived mid-morning before the crowds, so finding a parking space for our long rig was easy. Also it wasn't too hot yet, just a very pleasant morning. The kids wanted to take the quick hike up to the bridge, so off we went, leaving DH behind to snap pictures.

Kirsten and I followed the twins, catching up with them at the bridge. Soon tho, they were ready to go on up the hill, as the trail winds it way up to the top of the falls. I gave permission. Kirsten and I took our time at the bridge, then decided to go after the boys. It's quite a hike! The sign says it's just a mile to the top, but it felt like ten and I didn't even get to the end. As we were still a little ways from the top, here came Kevin and Kyle. That was more than enough hiking for me and Kirsten and I thankfully turned around and walked back down the mountain!

After all that aerobic exercise, we made some lunch, then headed down to the RV park in Tualatin. Set up camp, which takes some time getting the trailer all leveled and everything connected. We finally set out to do a little exploring over in Oregon City, arriving too late to see the End of the Oregon Trail museum. However, there was a little art festival right there on the grounds so we walked around looking at the art booths and even sampling some local wine.


Sunday morning we went back to the museum to take in a little history, then rode the free trolley around Oregon City. We made a little stop to see another historical museum, then back to the car. After eating our picnic lunch, we drove into Portland to spend time at OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry). When they closed, we drove back to the trailer, first trying to find the G.I. Joe's store thinking we'd buy a griddle for the gas bbq. I knew we'd driven by one in our comings and goings, but just couldn't remember where. So we stopped to look in the phone book and we were right by the street it was on. Off we go, when we head into construction. Took the detour and never did see that G.I. Joe's. Lol!

Monday morning we relaxed at the trailer and prepared for Uncle Jack's memorial service. It was held in the spectacular stain-glassed, wood-carved 1st Presbyterian Church sanctuary in downtown Portland. It's the most beautiful church sanctuary that I know, acknowledging that my experience in old church buildings is not comprehensive. :D It was a nice worship service with several family members giving their remembrances and granddaughter Erica singing a song she wrote for this occasion which was very moving. We spent the rest of the day with the family.

Tuesday morning was breaking up camp morning. But before leaving the Portland area, I insisted that we drive down to Heirloom Roses in St. Paul. I bought nine new roses, a butterfly bush, and a clematis. Yay!

Now we're home, unpacking and cleaning the trailer and looking after the grandsons this morning! Another Yay! And I'll have to be catching up on my blog reading too. We had wireless internet at the camp, but limited time. Perhaps I'll take a few minutes to stitch - it's a nice, cool day here today!

12 comments:

Unknown said...

Glad to hear the update about your weekend, sounds like you had fun even tho the purpose of the trip was not so fun. Have you planted your new roses yet????

mainely stitching said...

Though the reason for the trip was somber, it sounds like you all enjoyed each other and the surroundings tremendously. I'm waiting for our kids to get older, so I can *finally* take that tour of the Oregon coast...

lena-lou said...

So glad your trip was good given the circumstances... that bridge over the waterfall...major vertigo!!! I don't like heights at all but your pics are great...happy laundry :-( and look forward to seeing your new plants insitu :-)

Karen said...

It sounds like you made the most out of your trip given the circumstances. The falls look spectacular. I hope you get your plants/bushes planted soon.

Unknown said...

I felt tires just reading about all that hiking Von. Those falls are gorgeous.

Your new plants sound nice too.

Anonymous said...

It sounds like you had a wonderful time with the family, taking the time to do the things you want to do. I'm glad that your uncle's funeral was a nice affair.

Wendy said...

Sounds like you and the family made the most of a rather sad occasion. I love the pics - that waterfall looks awfully good to me right now - its in the high 80's here.

Sharon said...

welcome back Von, despite the occasion you were able to spend some lovely time with your family.

Karoline said...

sounds like you managed to have a great family trip despite the circumstances

Leeland said...

Thanks for sharing, Von! It is stunning!
I love the way you tranform difficult events in positive things anyway: that makes you very special!
Lots of hugs!

Mylene said...

Such beautiful pictures, Von. Thanks for sharing and have a nice week.

Singular Stitches said...

I agree with another commenter, at least you were able to make the most out of a serious purpose to your trip.

I can't wait to see the pictures of your new planlife in their new homes. I love roses, but just couldn't subject such beautiful plants to my brown thumb!