Time Away

 On this Thankful Thursday,

I am thankful for time away at the beginning of October.

For the past year,

while we could have gone away,

we felt a responsibility to be near in case we were needed.

 

We enjoyed day trips to the coast a few times,

a trip to the Tillamook cheese factory in May,

and some shopping trips in neighboring towns.

But between Covid shutdowns and responsibilities,

we had not had a vacation.

At the beginning of October,

we took a little getaway to see 2 well-known West Coast sites.

We went to Northern California to see the Redwoods,

and then traveled to see Crater Lake here in Oregon.

We first went to Mystery of Trees - highly "touristy,"

but the suspension bridges through the trees was fun

and there was a gondola ride through the trees as well.
Both were a little bit of a challenge as far as a fear of heights.

We also just hiked through the national forest on a rainy afternoon.

The great thing was - the forest was pretty dense and we stayed mostly dry.

We are always drawn to the coast.

The first picture is the California coast on a stormy afternoon.

And a pier and a lighthouse in Crescent City, CA.

We also enjoyed Chick Fil A for the first time since leaving NC 2 1/2 years ago.
There are sadly only 7 in Oregon and the nearest is right outside of Portland
which we don't like to visit.

And Crater Lake was just beautiful.

When we left home, we thought we would be visiting in snow and icy rain,

but just look at the skies.

We had talked of going to the Redwoods when we lived in Washington,

but just never had.

Come April or May, it is likely that we will not be back to this area of the West,

so we wanted to take it in before we move again.

I am thankful because we had the time to take the trip.

I am thankful because we had the resources to make the trip.

I am thankful because the weather was cool and comfortable (and only a little rain one day).

I am thankful because our car developed an issue on the trip but never left us stranded.

I am thankful because God created such magnificent beauty.

I am thankful because I have someone to share my adventures with.