SvenAndJen

June 22 It was highly recommend by a friend that we rent Vespas, so we did! Steven joined us and we toured the city via Vespa loaded with gps. Was by far one of the funnest ways to see the sites. Since Sven and I had decided diving a car in the city was a bad idea, this was the perfect alternative. The three of us toured all the way to the top of the city, to Tibidabo cathedral, a few minor wrong turns which we like to blame on the gps, stopped for yes more tapas and sangria at Mira Blau, and followed the tour through the city and down to the city's edge and ended in a botanical garden. The views were gorgeous and the sites were incredible. We sadly returned the Vespas and ... read more

June 17 Our first actual day in Barcelona started with a Cooking class! It was a class of the local cantalonian/spanish cousine consisting of 9 other people And a wonderful spanish chef. It started by taking us to la boqueria market where our instructor lead us around explaining different food items and teaching us what to look for in good products. We gathered all the ingredients and started cooking. Together we made traditional Spanish gazpacho, Spanish potato and onion omelette, Paella de marisco (seafood paella), Pa amb tomaquet (tomato bread), crema Catalana, and drank lots of wine. It was a great class and very beneficial. (Thanks Ali for the fabulous recommendation!) After, we explored La Rambla and some other stores/markets and street art. Due to our previous day traveling, we needed an afternoon siesta. After our ... read more

Day 33 and 34- Packed up quickly and headed east for a family reunion on the Hood Canal in Belfair,WA. First things first, it was so great to have a long hot shower after five days without one! Shortly after, my dad, stepmom Vicki, and more family arrived. It was a lot of fun to see everyone. We kayaked, paddle boated, ate, drank, and enjoyed each other's company. The next morning, we ate a delicious breakfast and waited for even more family to arrive. While waiting, some of us dug for clams while the tide was out. Nothing better than harvesting your own fresh clams and enjoying them with family! Fabulous tradition ;) Sadly, it was time for our adventure to take the turn back towards home. Sven and I packed up the car and some ... read more

Day 28 and 29- We loaded up and met up with Sareena-another nutrition gal and her boyfriend for brunch downtown Portland,OR. It was great to catch up and discuss life as a registered dietitian with another friend. It's so close yet so far for me! After, we headed north to the Olympic national forest in Washington. We didn't really know what campsites we were looking for or which area to start with so we decided to take a gamble on a side road noting the entrance to the national park. Hamma Hamma, It ended up being one of our favorite spots! The next day I was feeling a little rundown so we went driving on some dirt roads in the back country that led us to this beautiful little lake with only a small hike to ... read more

Day 23 & Day 24- Made our way to Swimmers Delight campground about 45minutes south east from my sister's house. We got camp set up and went exploring. I had so much fun watching Galena run around, climbing, exploring, swimming, and helping cook campfire meals. We spent most of the day swimming in the river and creating campfire masterpieces. Sausage and pepper sandwiches, toasted s'mores, bruschetta, campfire biscuit "quiche", etc. Like I said before, we never go hungry when with these guys. Yum! Day 25- Packed up camp, slowly. Rolled my bad ankle while loading up the roof rack which hurt pretty bad, more than the actual sprain, but luckily after a few hours it was back to "normal". We followed my sister and her family back to their house for a quick shower before heading ... read more