I don’t mind dirty fingernails, damp mornings, coffee in a tin cup and salty cheeks.
Sometimes my favorite noise in the quiet crunch of a wooded pathway.
I love finding new ways of seeing light through trees, leaves and moss.
Therefore, days spent exploring nooks and crannies of the Pacific Northwest are some of my favorite.
Two years ago I dreamed of visiting Seattle and Portland for the first time.
Funny how I said a lot of prayers about new adventures, opportunities to see new places and someone to love–and God handed over a woodsy city boy from Washington state.
This week marks my FOURTH trip to the PNW over the course of the last year.
In the funny rhythms of life, last Wednesday when I touched down in Portland it was also one year to the day since I first touched down in Seattle. August is a good time to visit the Northwest.
In the midst of seeing Andy’s new life in Portland, I’ve also already trekked back up to Seattle this past weekend, and am looking forward to next weekend on the Oregon Coast.
While I don’t have pictures QUITE ready to share. I do have some tips that I have learned over the past year if you’re planning a trip to the PNW any time soon (but honestly, I think these tips can go for any travel adventure):
- Do not pack an umbrella. The locals will laugh at you. Opt for that lightweight North Face parka instead.
- Do bring a lot of layers because it’s not rare to have a week where there are 90-degree days followed by 60-degree ones.
- Go see the tourist spots; but don’t make them your die-by priorities. That always gives you a reason to come back.
- Wander into neighborhoods you’ve never heard of fearlessly. Odds are that you’re going to find something you’ve never known you were looking for–and it makes for a way better story when you get back anyway. Hello, we’re explorers here — not just visitors.
- Take notes of the places that you visit. That wine bar that had the BEST view? Write it down. You’ll want to remember one day and there’s no guarantee that you won’t forget to take the receipt out of your pants pocket before those babies go through the spin cycle.
- Find a good camera. Yes, our iphones are a gift to on-the-fly photography. But you paid a good buck to be here. Take photos worth putting in an album.
- Ask a stranger to take your photo. I know that sounds weird. But your kids don’t want to see all your selfies one day. They may however like to see a nice photo taken of you in a scenic or historic place — where you can actually see you + the background in good proportion.
- Don’t eat out for every meal. Not only do you feel like a whale by the end of your trip; but you maybe miss some of the nice al fresco parts of the city you’re in. For example, find a farmers market — get something local. If you don’t have a kitchen accessible, eat something that doesn’t require cooking. Picnics are a fun excuse and if you don’t want to cook or make your own; find a good local grocery store that likely sells pre-made food. You’re doing your stomach, wallet and overall experience all favors.
- Read the fliers on light poles. Not every evening of your trip may be jam-packed (and honestly, even if you love itineraries like me — try to avoid it — I PROMISE you that you will still have fun and not waste time) and for those evenings you have more time; what better way to spend it than to walk down the street to the Viking Boat Festival you had never heard of? Or maybe that adjacent neighborhood is having free family movie night down by the Willamette River. Find experiences you wouldn’t otherwise plan.
- Prepare yourself to want to return. You’re never going to get to do everything you want. All of the hikes, wineries, breweries, festivals, shows, attractions, ‘hoods. You’re never going to do it all in your trip like you plan. So instead, just plan for this to be your FIRST trip. Do and see as much as you can; but don’t make your itinerary make you miss an experience in the place you’re at. Stay longer if you need to at a restaurant. Wander further down a road. Add an extra stop on your hike. And then just find a way to return later. Because, let’s face it. When you visit, you’re going to fall in love anyway.
No matter where you’re going, when or why–take a deep breath–and if you’re just BEING. Odds are, you’re doing it right.
That’s what vacation is all about!
I can’t wait to show and share the most MAGICAL hike I’ve ever taken later this week. (Thank you, Oregon.)
But before that, I need to go find some Portland tacos….
/\^/\^^/\^/\/\*
actually on the line 
Great advice for sure. I was pleasantly surprised to return from my Northwest trip last month lighter than I was when I left. So much good food, but so much HEALTHY good food.