Exploring the Pacific Northwest in the Spring

It is our desire to relocate to the Pacific Northwest. We try to visit the area at least twice a year. In April we managed to spend several weeks on the west coast dividing our time between Portland and the Seattle areas. Despite the wet spring weather we were able to enjoy some beautiful hikes. We always enjoy exploring the Pacific Northwest.

Our first hike was in Cape Disappointment State Park on the coast of Washington at the mouth of the Columbia River. The weather cleared up just as we arrived and the walk down to the water was stunning. We stopped by Dead Man’s Cove and my grandson was intrigued by the name!

We also had the opportunity to return to the Portland Japanese Gardens, which are just beautiful. Despite the fact that you are in the city when you enter the gardens all you fell is the peace and quiet of the surroundings. The Camellias were in full bloom everywhere as were the cherry trees.

The highlight of our trip was visiting our children and our grandchildren, but it’s always fun to explore the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. I also discovered a wonderful nursery in Portland. I would just love to work there. They even sell Venus Flytraps!

Our last hike was to Crescent Lake in Washington. It was a bit of a drive from my daughter’s house, but worth every mile it took to get there. The color of the lake was incredible. More like the colors of the tropics. The hike itself was along an old rail bed which ran right along the lake. There were eagles soaring above us as we hiked and every now and then you would glimpse the lake through the trees. It was the perfect hike for our eight-month-old granddaughter.

All too soon we were packing up and heading to the airport. We look forward to the day when we can call the Pacific Northwest home and spend many days each year exploring.