Day 1 - After driving through the night - Harrison began to explore his new surroundings and got a much needed little trim...
Then off to Lithia Park for some good playtime with his Papa...
Love my boys...
We ended the night with tin foil dinners and fresh corn cooked on the fire pit off the side patio. I LOVE that fire pit and can't believe I still don't have one in MY back yard....another project that might have to wait until next summer...anyway, dinner was truly delicious.
Going home is such an awesome treat now. There is something wonderful about being home with your parents and being taken care of again. My mom put on some pretty amazing spreads during the week (Jordan was in heaven), making sure we returned to Salt Lake well-fed and happy. Thanks mom!
Day 2 - Crater Lake
Confession: I HATED going to Crater Lake growing up. Let's be honest. The drive seemed WAY too long and WAY too curvy to just get out of your car, eat a picnic lunch, LOOK at the water and then drive home. Torture to a kid - you couldn't even swim!
However - many years have passed and I can now appreciate how incredible it is. The water is A-MA-ZING, the trees are gorgeous, and the air is to die for. I am so glad Jordan finally got to see it. But for the record - I still hate the drive, I still get car sick, and I still secretly wish we could swim in the water. Harrison lost it on the way home - but we survived!
Going home is such an awesome treat now. There is something wonderful about being home with your parents and being taken care of again. My mom put on some pretty amazing spreads during the week (Jordan was in heaven), making sure we returned to Salt Lake well-fed and happy. Thanks mom!
Day 2 - Crater Lake
Confession: I HATED going to Crater Lake growing up. Let's be honest. The drive seemed WAY too long and WAY too curvy to just get out of your car, eat a picnic lunch, LOOK at the water and then drive home. Torture to a kid - you couldn't even swim!
However - many years have passed and I can now appreciate how incredible it is. The water is A-MA-ZING, the trees are gorgeous, and the air is to die for. I am so glad Jordan finally got to see it. But for the record - I still hate the drive, I still get car sick, and I still secretly wish we could swim in the water. Harrison lost it on the way home - but we survived!
Day 3 - Redwood National Forest and the Oregon Coast
Since Jordan has only ever been to Ashland for weddings and Christmas - we really tried to dive into Oregon and see the sites. My mom was soooooo wonderful and took Harrison for the entire day while we headed out to the coast. I must admit, it was weird to leave him. We haven't been apart for more than 5 hours in an entire year - but I would be lying if I said I didn't really enjoy myself!
We stopped to see the Redwoods - I had forgotten how incredible they are and how I felt INSTANLY healthier breathing such awesome clean air.
Note to self: must camp there next summer for sure!
Now the Oregon coast......Brookings to be exact. I pictured a quaint little town similar to Bandon by the Sea perhaps....not so much. It began with a search for a local oceanfront seafood restaurant. Not too much to ask of a coastal town we thought. After driving down several streets that led to the ocean and seeing nothing but storage units, paint supply warehouses, and Tranny-Man (WHAT??!!), we ALMOST gave up and went to KFC. However disaster was avoided when we asked three ladies on their mid-day walk where the local hotspot was and we were promptly sent to the HUNGRY CLAM. Perfect. Jordan loved the Fish & Chips, and we were able to soak up a little of the local culture before heading up the road just a bit to Harris Beach.
Since Jordan has only ever been to Ashland for weddings and Christmas - we really tried to dive into Oregon and see the sites. My mom was soooooo wonderful and took Harrison for the entire day while we headed out to the coast. I must admit, it was weird to leave him. We haven't been apart for more than 5 hours in an entire year - but I would be lying if I said I didn't really enjoy myself!
We stopped to see the Redwoods - I had forgotten how incredible they are and how I felt INSTANLY healthier breathing such awesome clean air.
Note to self: must camp there next summer for sure!
Now the Oregon coast......Brookings to be exact. I pictured a quaint little town similar to Bandon by the Sea perhaps....not so much. It began with a search for a local oceanfront seafood restaurant. Not too much to ask of a coastal town we thought. After driving down several streets that led to the ocean and seeing nothing but storage units, paint supply warehouses, and Tranny-Man (WHAT??!!), we ALMOST gave up and went to KFC. However disaster was avoided when we asked three ladies on their mid-day walk where the local hotspot was and we were promptly sent to the HUNGRY CLAM. Perfect. Jordan loved the Fish & Chips, and we were able to soak up a little of the local culture before heading up the road just a bit to Harris Beach.
I think I can count on one hand how many times I have seen the sun at the coast - lucky for us, that day was one of them. The weather was perfect. We walked along the waterline, took a nap in the sun on a bright blue blanket, watched about 100 Japanese exchange students attempt to brave the waves, and waded in the water until our feet actually hurt from the cold. Everything was just right.
As if the Hungry Clam, Tranny-Man, and our little nerdy friend weren't enough, Brookings just kept on givin'. The same ladies who sent us to the Hungry Clam also told us where to find super delicious ice cream - so on our way out of town we made a little stop. Commence unbelievable small town kitsch.
The Slugs 'n Stones 'n Ice Cream Cones was no ordinary run-of-the-mill ice cream shop. At first I thought we were in a really bad curio shop - and then noticed the ice cream counter way at the back. Walking to the counter was like a trip back to the 80's. There were beauty queen pageant pictures, old prom pictures from every couple in town from the last 20 years, and high school sports newspaper clippings stapled and taped to every inch of available wall space. I loved it. The menu was hand-written by someone (most likely a teenage girl) with very bubbly and almost illegible handwriting - I couldn't figure out what to order. Everything was named after a local resident with slug thrown somewhere in the title like 'Norma Sue's Banana Slug Split' or 'Tanya's Delicious Dirt, Worm and Slug Sundae' etc., etc. We ended up with regular old cones - but as promised, the ice cream was delicious! Check out the sign hanging in the window - we had to take a picture.
On our way out of town, we stopped to fill up with gas at the local Chevron. One of the gas station attendants (below) was giving a back rub to the lady in camouflage. I rolled down my window as our gas was being pumped just in time to hear this disturbing conversation:
Camo Lady: Well......what time to you get off?
Chevron Employee: Around six.
Camo Lady: Well......I guess I will be back then. My husband died last week - just keep rubbin' and I will be here at six.
Chevron Employee: OK.
Disturbing on SO many levels - so of course I had to take a picture. Unfortunately, the back rub had ended, as well as the conversation about the deceased.
As we drove out of town we couldn't help but smile. Brookings may not be the seaside retreat we were dreaming of - but we had a few hearty laughs, met some great folks, and soaked up lots of local culture!
We even looked into how much properties would be to buy.......and of course in the local real estate pages was the woman we would trust without a doubt....
Day 4 -
Finally a day with no driving. We played with the cousins next door, took naps, Jordan went shooting, and Harrison got to experience life on the 'farm' with Grumpa. They mowed the lawn (front and back) and then fed the grass to the neighbors cows. He loved it.
And then we realized that in every culture around the world, the jocks are
still forcing the nerds do all of their manual labor.......
still forcing the nerds do all of their manual labor.......
As if the Hungry Clam, Tranny-Man, and our little nerdy friend weren't enough, Brookings just kept on givin'. The same ladies who sent us to the Hungry Clam also told us where to find super delicious ice cream - so on our way out of town we made a little stop. Commence unbelievable small town kitsch.The Slugs 'n Stones 'n Ice Cream Cones was no ordinary run-of-the-mill ice cream shop. At first I thought we were in a really bad curio shop - and then noticed the ice cream counter way at the back. Walking to the counter was like a trip back to the 80's. There were beauty queen pageant pictures, old prom pictures from every couple in town from the last 20 years, and high school sports newspaper clippings stapled and taped to every inch of available wall space. I loved it. The menu was hand-written by someone (most likely a teenage girl) with very bubbly and almost illegible handwriting - I couldn't figure out what to order. Everything was named after a local resident with slug thrown somewhere in the title like 'Norma Sue's Banana Slug Split' or 'Tanya's Delicious Dirt, Worm and Slug Sundae' etc., etc. We ended up with regular old cones - but as promised, the ice cream was delicious! Check out the sign hanging in the window - we had to take a picture.
On our way out of town, we stopped to fill up with gas at the local Chevron. One of the gas station attendants (below) was giving a back rub to the lady in camouflage. I rolled down my window as our gas was being pumped just in time to hear this disturbing conversation:
Camo Lady: Well......what time to you get off?
Chevron Employee: Around six.
Camo Lady: Well......I guess I will be back then. My husband died last week - just keep rubbin' and I will be here at six.
Chevron Employee: OK.
Disturbing on SO many levels - so of course I had to take a picture. Unfortunately, the back rub had ended, as well as the conversation about the deceased.
As we drove out of town we couldn't help but smile. Brookings may not be the seaside retreat we were dreaming of - but we had a few hearty laughs, met some great folks, and soaked up lots of local culture!
We even looked into how much properties would be to buy.......and of course in the local real estate pages was the woman we would trust without a doubt....
Day 4 -
Finally a day with no driving. We played with the cousins next door, took naps, Jordan went shooting, and Harrison got to experience life on the 'farm' with Grumpa. They mowed the lawn (front and back) and then fed the grass to the neighbors cows. He loved it.
Later that evening, Jordan and I went out to dinner to Munchies downtown, and then to a play at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. I haven't been in years, and Jordan had never been - it was incredible. We saw 'Comedy of Errors' set in the Wild Wild West - from the seventh row. Spit was flying into the audience, guns were blazing, and we laughed and laughed. It was a perfect evening topped of with pie at the Oak Tree Restaurant (of course)! Thanks Mom and Dad for watching Harrison!
Day 5 - Happy 4th of July!!
You haven't lived if you haven't seen the Ashland City 4th of July parade. Forget the floats and beauty queens - we've got middle-aged belly dancers, loin cloth clad pooper scoopers, political candidates passing out flyers, and the naked lady on roller blades blowing a conch shell. Yes, Ashland marches to the beat of its own drum. As the parade was coming to an end, Jordan leaned over to me and in the nicest possible way said: 'Honey, this parade isn't just weird, it's GROSS.' And although that was hard to hear, I have to say it was pretty true this year. I saw too many grown men in fairy costumes and tutus, and too many body parts on people that shouldn't be showing body parts. It was a good time filled with lots of laughs - mainly thanks to my dear cousin Marla who cheered every entry! We had a great time. The pics we took are on the camera in Ashand, so you will just have to use your imagination.......
The afternoon was spent next door at the Hassell's (along with their 26 grandkids) having a delicious BBQ and watching the kids go crazy on the water slide. Games were played, food was enjoyed, old friends and family were seen, fireworks were watched, and it was a beautiful, amazing day.
Day 6 - Home again we go
My dear friend Jessie and her 2 kids came over in the morning - it was so fun to see them, catch up, remember old times, and be grateful we weren't in high school. Isn't is wonderful not to be a teenager anymore?
What a great place Ashland was to grow up. I am excited for Harrison to visit in the future and have even more fun (if THAT is even possible)!
Goodbye's are always hard for me, and this one was no different. We had had six wonderful days of relaxation, sightseeing, and wonderful food with the people I hold dearest to my heart. Thanks Mom and Dad for a wonderful vacation - WE LOVE YOU!
Day 5 - Happy 4th of July!!
You haven't lived if you haven't seen the Ashland City 4th of July parade. Forget the floats and beauty queens - we've got middle-aged belly dancers, loin cloth clad pooper scoopers, political candidates passing out flyers, and the naked lady on roller blades blowing a conch shell. Yes, Ashland marches to the beat of its own drum. As the parade was coming to an end, Jordan leaned over to me and in the nicest possible way said: 'Honey, this parade isn't just weird, it's GROSS.' And although that was hard to hear, I have to say it was pretty true this year. I saw too many grown men in fairy costumes and tutus, and too many body parts on people that shouldn't be showing body parts. It was a good time filled with lots of laughs - mainly thanks to my dear cousin Marla who cheered every entry! We had a great time. The pics we took are on the camera in Ashand, so you will just have to use your imagination.......
The afternoon was spent next door at the Hassell's (along with their 26 grandkids) having a delicious BBQ and watching the kids go crazy on the water slide. Games were played, food was enjoyed, old friends and family were seen, fireworks were watched, and it was a beautiful, amazing day.
Day 6 - Home again we go
My dear friend Jessie and her 2 kids came over in the morning - it was so fun to see them, catch up, remember old times, and be grateful we weren't in high school. Isn't is wonderful not to be a teenager anymore?
What a great place Ashland was to grow up. I am excited for Harrison to visit in the future and have even more fun (if THAT is even possible)!
He will get to ride in these cool cars again...
Swim in pools just his size.........and have cute, fun cousins like this to play with!
Goodbye's are always hard for me, and this one was no different. We had had six wonderful days of relaxation, sightseeing, and wonderful food with the people I hold dearest to my heart. Thanks Mom and Dad for a wonderful vacation - WE LOVE YOU!
9 comments:
what a great trip- sounds like you packed in eveything- we didn't do all that in our 6 months! Oh I REALLy want to get on sidestep right now and book a flight home. Ahhhh! Miss you! H is adorable.
You know, even with H safe in Grumpa's arms, my heart stopped when I saw MY DAUGHTER driving the car! EEEEEK!!
I wish we'd gotten to visit more (at all?). But it was fun to see you all the same!
Wow Anne- what an awesome trip. I can't believe you saw and heard all that funny stuff at the coast. I bet H had fun feeding the cows and mowing the lawn. Miss you guys!
It sounds like you had such a great time. I have not been down to the Ashland/Medford area for a while. It was fun to see your pictures.
I love the Brookings bit. I always think it's better to see REAL America, kitsch and all. Tourist spots feel too sanitized. You're a great writer Annie.
I'm bummed I missed you guys and a good old fashioned Ashland 4th of July. It sounds like you had a blast. Hopefully we can see you soon!
looks like you all had fun on your trip...we have been too busy with things in CO to get away this year but we are heading to HB on Wed...can't wait. So Jen Anderson intorduced herself to us at our ward party last night...cool person...i guess they just moved in. She told how you all were roomies at school. We look forward to hanging with her and her family.
i'm so glad i discovered your blog, and then to read this post! OH how i miss atown, OR, the clason..the whole bit. Thanks for sharing your trip and for including all the fun things about OR. You and your family are darling.
You should be a travel writer! I am so ready to hop on over to Ashland! You think Mom and Pop Clason would be up for watching my two? I didn't think so. What an amazing trip. Glad you were able to have such a relaxing and fun-filled time! H... adorable, adorable, adorable! What more is there to say?
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