road trip.

Road trips were always an annual event with T and one that we always looked forward to. We'd been camping in Bend, the Olympic Peninsula, Boise, Whitefish- always finding a new area to explore. As we are working our way together, this year marked the first road trip in three years. I've had a plan to go to the Oregon coast this summer for a while now; I've lived in the Northwest for 17 years and never made it before.

We spent the first few nights camping outside of Lincoln City. A little farther south than I wanted to be, but the only campground available to make advance reservations, which is critical on busy summer weekends. The town itself left a little to be desired- a little too big with little of the quaint small beach town vibe I was hoping for. We did an amazing hike on Cascade Head; 3 miles up a bluff to overlook the stunning Pacific Ocean. The days were filled with tasty meals, local beers, great campfires and even kite flying on the beach. On our third day, we headed north to our next stop in Gearhart. We stopped along the way, going to Tillamook Factory for morning ice cream, stopping off for walks in Manzanita, and a beach walk in Cannon Beach to marvel at Haystack Rock. In Gearhart, we were able to drive the car on the beach. Seems so wrong, but it was so much fun!

After Gearhart, we were heading east inland to Willamette Valley to spend a few days wine tasting. The drive into the valley, going through farmland and vineyards is just stunning. Nothing makes this girl happier than sunshine, delicious wine, and good old farmland. Channeling my Asheville friends, we dined at Thistle the first night, and merely asked the chef to feed us. And feed us, they did. We had an incredible meal of local goods, all beautifully prepared, while being taken care of by Emily- one of the owners, who was without a doubt one of the most personable chicks out there.

There were some grand discoveries of new Pinot Noir's- Willamette Valley is THE area for Pinots; they are such a fragile and fickle grape that it's a challenge to find one that suits your palette and your wallet.