I have wanted to visit Geraldine in Oregon for years but every time I went to plan the trip, it just never came together. But this year, the stars aligned! I was so excited to see where she lived and also visit a new state. I knew from her description it would be beautiful but it exceeded my expectations. In fact, I think the entire family was blown away. It was magical. We saw all the best places, toured with the best guides, and had the best time.
We flew into Eugene and drove down to Crater Lake where we met Geraldine, Allen, Gideon, and Eliza. Surprisingly, they had never been to Crater Lake (it's a bit out of the way) so it was a first for us all.
Crater Lake is a volcano that erupted and collapsed 7,700 years ago and the caldera filled with water from rainfall and melted snow. It is the purest water and deepest lake in America. It is known for its dark blue color and it was definitely that.
The trail down to the water was steep switch backs through the moss covered trees. And there were tons of mosquitoes the size of small birds.
There is a small island in the middle of the lake and there are still remnants of snow even in July.
The rim of the caldera.
We stayed in a VRBO for the night and the kids had a blast playing foosball the next morning.
It was great driving around the state visiting with Geraldine and Allen. The kids got in the car with Gideon and Eliza and had a blast getting to know them and talking politics and we enjoyed our adult time. Gideon (affectionately named Gibbins by Aislin, who couldn't quite get his name right) and Eliza were so incredibly nice to the kids and instantly became the big brother and sister they never had. Hanging out with them became the highlight of the trip for the kids.
The next morning we headed to the Oregon caves. It was beautiful driving up into the mountains and the caves were expansive and impressive. It was fun exposing the kids to this new experience and they loved it. Raegan even said it was her favorite part of the trip.
These are signatures still remaining and entombed in the rock from visitors of the caves many years ago.
There were lots of interesting cave formations.
Walking through the caves.
Then we drove down across the border into northern California to see some majestic Redwoods.
The kids tried to make a human ring around the base of the tree.
The tree is the size of our family.
This forest was so tranquil. The floor was covered with ferns.
The trunk of this fallen tree was massive. The kids look so small up top. This was the best climbing playground.
All the kids in and on the trunk.
There were many trees growing in mysterious ways.
Curved tree grew out of the base of another tree.
One tree grew into three...and twisted.
A fallen tree started growing little trees upwards.
Nature never gives up.
Nearby was a breath taking river.
The kids skipped rocks in the crystal clear water.
The sun highlighting the green on the trees.
The biggest tree in the park- bigger than our families combined!
Every turn an adventure!
We hit the road for a scenic 2 hour drive to Geraldine's house in Coos Bay. The cliffs meeting the ocean was dramatic the entire way. Incredible.
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