Our great little escape

A few months ago, there was a deal on Living Social for a 2 night stay at Zion Ponderosa Resort. It was 50% off, so I didn't waste any time to get it. We went down there for the weekend at the end of April. It was so much fun, especially since it was our first time visiting Zion National Park in Utah. We totally fell in love with everything down there. The sight-seeing was breathtakingly amazing. I can't believe there are so much things to see and learn about this place. We don't have to worry that there's nothing to do in Utah anymore. The fact is there is too much to see; I worry I might not live long enough to see everything. (Editor's note:  Chummy isn't dying, merely being dramatic.-Brett)


It took us about 5 hours to drive from/to our home in South Jordan. Although I must point out the 80 mph speed limit was pretty awesome. It cut down our time quite a bit :) The view was very nice as well even when it was stormy. During this time of year, it didn't get way too hot yet so we could hike during the day.

The terrain


These pictures really can't do it justice because the view is so much more magnificent in person.




In just a few million years, this will become a great arch



The drive through the canyon was so much fun, some people probably get seriously car sick though.



The view of Bryce canyon

 

 Waterfall at Emerald Pool hike

I was so sad to leave our little cabin suite, such a nice place to stay. I couldn't wait to go back another time.



Ok, so Brett and I both thought this was pretty funny :) Who would actually name a road 'End of the' haha

Pittock Mansion and Portland

Flowers from Pittock Mansion. They are so beautiful, I just couldn't stop taking picture of them.

Other collage of the pretty flowers.

The front view of Pittock mansion. It must be nice to live here :)

View of downtown from the huge front yard

My cute second cousin and me

 

My hubby and me

 

Portland at night, we took a random route on the way to my aunt's house for dinner and found this wonderful spot that overlooked downtown Portland.

The street y our hotel (6th ave.) While we really enjoyed staying at the Marriott downtown, we were not happy with the valet parking charge of $30/day. It was so inconvenience with a car if you stay downtown.

Interesting name just like Cooterville, OR

View of Multnomah Waterfall from the parking lot. We actually didn't make it inside because it was so crowded that day. The parking lot was so full.

The drive to/from Oregon

This post is dedicated to all of the places we stopped by while driving through Oregon.  It took us about 11 hours to get there from Salt Lake City. It would have taken less time if Oregon changed their speed limit to 75. Also, it wouldn't have taken that too long if we didn't have many scenic stops. The drive was beautiful in some areas mostly in Oregon and got somewhat boring in Idaho and Utah.

While Brett drove the whole time, I took pictures of the beautiful drive so we have something to look at and share now :)





On the way there, we saw a lot of trucks carrying oversized load looks like pieces of the windmill. They don't look too big in pictures and from distance. I know they're not small, but were very surprise to see how huge each little hand is



I think this is Bonneville Dam



This is by Memaloose overlook of the Columbia River, that divides Oregon and Washington. It was kind of rainy and cloudy when we got there. The weather was so nice, mostly in the 60s and low 70s. What a nice break from Utah summer, eh?



Fun drive up the lookout point



Not sure what this area is. It looks fun though, like little pond by the big river. Not so intimidating to go swimming here.



The whole area up here is cover in this little blue flower.



Here is our lookout spot



Now here is an island in the middle of the big river, where we want to build a house and live there. I think it would be nice :)



This is a historic lookout near Idaho border.



As we were driving up to this point, we almost hit a little Bambi trying to cross the freeway. I'm so glad Brett was driving and not me. I would probably kill the deer.



And this is one of our few pictures of us together. You probably notice we don't take a lot of pictures of ourselves. Yeah, I like landscape pictures and Brett doesn't like to get his pictures taken.

Cannon Beach - Oregon

During our trip to Portland, Brett and I took half a day to go to a beach nearby. Cannon Beach is about 1.5 hours from Portland, so we decided to go there. I've heard a lot about how beautiful it is and was so excited to visit for the first time.

Since it's a pretty short drive it's a very decent half day trip from the city. The drive there was very beautiful. We really enjoyed the rain forest, scenic drive in the Pacific Northwest. Everything about it is beautiful: the huge green trees, the moss growing everywhere, the fresh cent of the forest, the variety of wild flowers, etc... It just felt so fresh and good being there.



The water was really cold, and I actually dipped my toe into the water once to test it out.



We were somewhat lucky because it rained 3 days out of 4 days we were there. The day we went to the beach happened to be mostly cloudy; the sun would come out for a minute, then disappear behind those thick clouds. Also, a perfect day for horseback riding. Looks so much fun!



Cannon Beach is known for the haystack. It's very unique and reminded me of Halong Bay and the famous view of the limestone.






Yes, I'd love to have a beach house someday. This beach house is just steps from the sandy beach with a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. One day we might have the money to buy one. I like the colorful paint of this cute one.



Brett loves the water... look at him enjoying the view :)



The view of the town. This is such a cute little town. It didn't take us much time to walk back and forth from the beach to the stores downtown. As I recall we walked back and forth about 3 times. First, we were so excited to see the beach we walked down there after lunch. The second time, I realized that I wore the wrong shoes and left my flip flops in the car. The third time we got to the beach we forgot to bring our beach towel.



We went to this store to buy our beach towel that we forgot to pack, haha.



Did I mention that we had a great lunch at Ecola Seafood Restaurant? They have the best fish and chips I ever had in my life.



Inside view



Can't forget the food. It was so tasty. We ordered halibut, salmon, and a cup of clam chowder. Love every single bite of this meal. Just wishing we have fresh seafood in Utah. I guess we just have to come back more often.



Ahh, it was a fun trip. Goodbye, Cannon Beach! Hopefully, we'll see you again soon!