Memorial Day in Hood River, Oregon
Memorial Day weekend feels so long ago now... Just a sweet, distant memory. Warm weather, camping, wine tasting, mountain biking, windsurfing, sunbathing, slack-lining, picnicking, babies... What more could one need?!
The Honda Element aka "The Toast" we bought a few years ago has really worked out so well for us. It was a cheap car we paid cash for that was in decent shape (lots of dog hair and sticky fingerprints from the previous owners' children), but Adam has taken such good care of it, so it's almost like a whole new car. I'm now very curious to know how many miles we've put on it! (I'm sure he could tell you.)
Anyway, we packed the Element full to the brim that weekend not only with all of our camping stuff including a large cooler, stove and our brand new queen-sized double sleeping bag (LOVE that thing - thanks Hans & Sarah!), but we also had Adam's windsurfing gear strapped to the top, his mountain bike secured on the bike rack, as well as Christian and Kristen in the back seat plus all of their camping stuff... oh, and Christian's mountain bike, too. We didn't think it would be possible, but it all fit! Adam is pretty good at car Tetris.
We camped just outside of Hood River, Oregon and spent the long weekend relaxing in the sun. Well, Kristen and I did a lot of relaxing anyway. Adam and Christian got their energy out by mountain biking and windsurfing all weekend while the two of us went wine tasting and shopping. There was a ranger talk one night at our campground, so Kristen and I got to see a Great Horned Owl up close which was pretty cool.
We ate fancy Mac & Cheese and S'mores (like you do when you camp) but Adam kicked things up a notch and went big with sprouts, peppers, and hummus.
The Gorge is famous for being one of the best windsurfing locations around, and its high winds lure in visitors from all over the world. Hood River may have that small-town charm that Adam and I love, but the riverfront can get pretty packed, especially in the summer months as kiters and windsurfers take to the water to play in the wind. If you do plan a visit, don't be surprised by the number of people packed on the grass to watch the show!
We met up with our Hood River friends, Maureen and Cully, and their squishy adorable baby and dog for a picnic and I attempted to slackline again. I'm getting better!
We finished off our weekend with a drive to Mount Hood where we ate dinner at the Timberline Lodge. It's a pretty sweet place. Shots of the exterior were used in the film, The Shining. Looks like I didn't take any photos of the inside. Sorry, sorry. There are massive fireplaces inside and the construction of the place is really impressive. We had an awesome spot by the window with a great view of the mountain.
*sigh* I have to admit something that I have probably admitted before. Hood River feels like home. As much as Adam and I love Seattle and our life here, we can't help but feel an ache in our hearts every time we have to pack up and leave that little city in Oregon we adore so much. Not many places I've visited have given me that feeling, but Hood River definitely does that for me, every single time. Is it a sign?? I guess only time will tell. As always, thanks for reading! xo