7.23.17 So. Oregon Lavender Trail

Hi Everyone,

My new job has me spending time in Southern Oregon. Today, I had a relaxing day smelling lavender at 2 local lavender farms. Both are west of Medford and allow you to pick lavender while eating lavender inspired snacks enjoying views of the Rogue Valley.

 

 

Pics above taken at Lavender Fields Forever

These 2 farms also offer many classes to learn to make wreaths, wands, and oils. They also sell a lot of lavender inspired products for the home, including jams, sugar, satchels, and body products. Lavender beard oil anyone? 

 

 

Pics above taken at English Lavender Farm

And to beat the 100degree heat and to cap off a relaxing Sunday, I munched on some lavender strawberry ice cream and lavender lemonade.

 

Until next time,

Cutiee23

Links:

Lavender Fields Forever

http://lavenderfieldsforever-oregon.com/

English Lavender Farm

http://www.englishlavenderfarm.com/

Southern Oregon Lavender Trail

http://www.southernoregonlavendertrail.com/

 

07.20.2013: Sauvie Island, OR

After the suggestion of some friends, I was excited to find a beach within close driving distance from Downtown Portland.  I guess its the Cali girl in me. Sauvie Island is only 10 miles Northwest from downtown, but takes 45 min to get there. After crossing the bridge into the island, there are only a few streets on the island, many with bicyclists. With no bike lane, they can hold up the traffic at times.

 

 

Sauvie Island Bridge/ Photo from Wikipedia

Sauvie Island is home to farmland and wildlife. It offers a quick escape to a rural setting. As I drove by, there are many U pick farms, where you can pick various kinds of berries and other produce. I also saw a sign for a lavender farm, which I must go to another time. Because its rural, there are only 2 or 3 stores on the Island and no gas station. In order to park at the beach, you need to buy a parking pass, about $7/day. They also offer monthly and yearly passess.

Sauvie Island Farms/ Photo from Wikipedia

 

 

 

Island Cove Market is one store you can buy your parking pass from/Photo form Yelp

As for the beaches, there's a handful: Walton beach, North Unit, and Collins beach that are available to the public. Our party went to Collins beach, that has a nude, clothing optional beach on one side. We chose a spot, not knowing we were at the border between the clothing and clothing optional beaches, and could see a few people in their birthday suits walking into the water. Strangely, a very tan gentleman keep walking slowly in and out of the water, then looking at the general direction of the clothing beach. I don't know what he was thinking, but maybe showing off? who knows.... According to the Wikipedia article, the north end of Collins beach is a popular LGBT party spot. Unfortunately, no party when I went =(  Maybe next time.

And by the way, it seems all beaches here are dog friendly...

Until my next adventure,
Cutiee23


Links:
Sauvie Island Community Association
Wikipedia: Sauvie Island
Island Cove Cafe and Market

Cannon Beach, OR: June 2013

As a California girl, summer means going to the beach, so I had to scoop out where the local beaches are. Lucky for me, within 1.5 hour driving distance from Portland on the 101 are a few beaches that can satisfy my beach craving.

My husband, fur babies, and I made the quick drive to Cannon Beach, OR.  The Pacific Ocean is cold, and the water temperature is not too far off what I experience in Southern California. However, the air temperature is much cooler here, making the water seem relatively colder. Yet, I love how this beach is less busy, quieter, and more secluded. Dogs are welcome on-leash, and you can put them off leash in areas with few/no people. My dogs loved running around in the sand, but were a bit timid when it came to the water.

Our Kirin enjoying the tide pools

Our Gidget wades in the water

 I love nature and both the mountains and beaches, so it was amazing to see the juxtaposition of mountain & beach all in one view. I love the mountain background. A friend told me that there is forest-type hiking and camping at neighboring Ecola State Park. When I go back, it is on my must-do list.

Below are pictures of Haystack rock, the landmark that Cannon Beach is known for, with its surrounding tide pools. Many birds call the rock home.

Below are pictures from Tolovana State Park, southern end of Cannon Beach.

Mo's Restaurant: What a view!

What is equally amazing about my trip is the friendliness of the people we meet. As my husband and I ate dinner, we enjoyed chatting up with two separate parties at our shared table. When another guest was unable to finish her steak, our doggies were offered the remaining pieces. And, as we finished drinks at the firepit table, we were joined by two servers who told us about there gypsy-type lifestyle, bouncing from various vacation spots, working and enjoying life.

Cannon Beach "Graffiti"

Bonus points if you can identify this compound, and no I did not do this.

-Until the Next Adventure, cutiee23


Links:
Cannon Beach
Ecola State Park
Tolovana State Park


Land's End Inn : Amazing place to stay~affordable, dog-friendly, ocean front
Puppy by the Sea: Friendly owners~ dog-friendly, great place to stock up on treats while on vacay


Yummy places for chowder:
Mo's Restaurant 
Driftwood Restaurant 
Ecola Seafoods: great place to buy fresh fish & prepared food to bring for a seaside picnic