Our Pacific Northwest adventure began as we left sunny California, nursing our healing injuries and eager to make serious progress on our journey. We decided to skip our planned stop and embraced off-grid life with our new solar panels.
We found ourselves in a huge car park in the mountains, a winter sno-park that in the summer becomes a haven for travelers like us, offering free overnight stays. We took an evening walk along the Nordic ski routes, bundled up in extra blankets and layers, and braced ourselves for the near-freezing mountain temperatures. And let’s not forget the hundreds of thousands of caterpillar nests we encountered—bleurgh!
The next day, we limped our way to our home for the next few weeks near Sisters, Oregon. Tired but determined, we were excited to spend time with dear family and take the time to reset, heal and have fun. We spent two glorious weeks with family, making new friends, and attempting (unsuccessfully) to play in the pool without getting our injuries wet. We helped with the alpacas, righted fallen tractors, took a boat ride across windy lakes, and took cold plunges in freezing mountain rivers to kickstart our days. Morning coffees with Grandpa, delicious meals, and attempted to row a boat on crystal-clear blue and green waters.
What’s our adventures without a few more mishaps. Alice managed to acquire some spectacular bruises after a fall on the ‘washboard’ bumpy ride through a forest path on her way to town for coffee. Our tow hitch took a hit when the trailer brakes were triggered unexpectedly, although demonstrating that these brakes do in-fact work.
As all good things must come to an end, our time in beautiful Sisters did too. We left with heavy hearts but were excited to see more of the state and celebrate Alice’s 22nd state ! Our next stop was a free spot right on the Columbia River, the natural border between Washington and Oregon, under the watchful eye of the great Stonehenge—well, the US version. The scenery was beautiful as we continued on our way to Lance’s cabin, not forgetting the thousands of wind turbines or “tablet chargers” as Tilly calls them filling every inch of the horizon, we couldn’t quite believe how many there were!
Fast forward a week, and we had fully embraced cabin life by the river. The men (Grandpa, Lance and Will) spending an entire day building a dam in the river watched closely by the bosses (Maggie and Tilly). Which was shortly put to the test by Tilly and Maggie’s paper and egg carton boats, with Tilly quickly learning the effects of putting rocks in boats and how even sunken ships can be more effective racers as submarines. Even more tasty food was consumed, we explored the local town (Cle Elum), and discovered underground tunnels between buildings, complete with a jail! A popular hotspot had a spittoon running underneath the bar where they held small boat regattas!!
We also took a quick trip into Seattle, embracing our full tourist we got in line to the original Starbucks, watched the Fisherman throw the fish in the market and ate delicious fresh donuts. Tilly and Alice went up the Space Needle, Tilly loving the lift all the way up and down and showing no fear on the glass floored top.
Will and I have loved this part of the US. The mountains, trees, lakes, and streams were stunning, and the people were incredibly friendly and welcoming. Lance’s hospitality spoiled us, allowing us to truly experience and fall in love with these states.
As we continue our journey, we’re eager to explore more of the Pacific Northwest, add to our state count, and embark on a few hectic travel days in the name of more adventures, another National Park and making our way into Canada!
See you soon,
The now healed motley Jaeb crew xx
Our Adventures in Frames 
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