The Oregon Trail

Felix is aspiring to change careers for photography. (Photo in Smith Rock)

We had to go back for 2 more days in Yosemite before leaving CA to knock off some climbs on the list and also to knock down our confidence.. (Moby Dick I will be back for you, and Felix will be back to make it up more than 6 inches on Ahab).

Me showing Felix how to properly relax and rest.

The BEST re connection with friends from Sacramento and the final final CA goodbye!

Another great re connection with an old roommate of Felix's from 10 years ago in Grants Pass.

My sweet friend Maryn that I met in Sacramento just moved to Eugene for her PhD, she helped up fall in loved with Eugene rather quickly!

Spent a day wandering the University of Oregon and their museums. 

Second famous person we have seen on the trip so far! New friend Chris gave strong Kenny G vibes and we were diggin it :). 

Who else didn't know The Simpsons town of Springfield was based in OREGON?

A quick unprepared snow hike to Blue Pool on our way to Bend, OR.

A cute selfie. 

Then we realized Felix's head looks 3 times bigger than mine.

Some of my favorite nights are the quiet ones full of stretching and chill vibes. 

"So about those E-bikes..." - Felix every single time we bike uphill.

The day I discovered I have Speluncaphobia (a phobia of caves..)

Sad face for Bend being expensive.

Happy face for good food and beers. 

Frozen toes and hands on a very chilly  but fun ride in Bend (Phil's ride). 

Much warmer ride the next day along the Dechutes river. 

SO Felix has had this dang t-shirt forever and he has had no idea where it came from or what the logo was from, but he has always loved it. Felix and I had spent 2 days in Bend, drove 30 min north for a bike ride and were heading to Smith Rock filling up at a gas station when Felix looked down at his shirt and recognized the word Deschutes (the river running through Bend) and it CLICKED. The shirt was from a local brewery in Bend, so we immediately drove 30 min back and checked in out. Felix even got a local bar guy's compliment on his cool "vintage" shirt. 

SMITH ROCK - We arrived, planned originally to stay for 4-5 days and stayed for 8, we absolutely loved it. 

Every view was stunning. 

Felix has a new career ahead of him. We met some amazing people from all over throughout the week which made it extra special. (LJ from Squamish was belaying me while Felix took some photos). 

Top out of Zebra/Zion- 4 pitch climb. Took Felix and I awhile to get comfortable on different terrain for placing gear. 

Explorin the park. 

We happened to be there the same weekend there was an event with free food and a showing of Reel Rock! We loved envisioning the set up they had and comparing it to the wedding we are planning on the Ranch. 

Showers courtesy of CRMC :)

Nighttime views. 

Just putting this picture here for your enjoyment. 

Felix fully embracing the rugged look!

Took a day off of climbing and hiked throughout the park while Felix scoped out future climbing spots. 

Smith had the best parking lot views. 

Friends! Maryn and Kenny G (Chris) came for the weekend to join in on the climbing fun. 

Shortcut.

"Yeah yeah you're on belay"

Felix got sick for a night unfortunately, this was his morning after returning to the world face.

Monkey Face! Before we climbed it. 

Inside the Monkey mouth. 

Felix joining me at the top (notice the awesome silhouette of the Monkey Face)

Top out views!

I MEAN COME ON - Felix somehow ran up and snapped these photos of me rappelling straight down from the top, probably the coolest part of the whole climb!

I spy a grizzly Swede. 

A friendly hiker snagged a photo of Felix rappelling while I am still at the top waiting for my turn. 

Figured this must be the beta. 

Selfie time while Felix quickly ran up Pure Palm (40 min ... bolt to bolt). 

Sign told us to point at the view..not sure why. 

Short morning hike to some falls. 

Beautiful spots along the drive to Hood River from Smith Rock. 

A young sweet girl waved us down with a flat tire on the side of the road, we stopped to help her and I mistakenly said "Man it's been a really long time since I've changed a tire". Felix quickly responded with "Oh Man, well it's your time to shine!" He supported from the sidelines while me and the girl learned (re-learned) together with success! 

This one is for Papa Burns! (Doug). 

Hood River feeling like a slice of paradise. 

YUH.

Stumbled upon some great breweries with views. 

"This photo will be terrible" - Felix

Muddy but super fun rides in Post Canyon. 

Showers courtesy of Mother Earth :) 

Oregon has really taken our breathe away. It it FULL of beauty in every direction. We had a really hard time leaving Smith Rock but hope to return some day. The only thing we are adjusting to in Oregon is some weird wet drops that keep falling from the sky? Not sure what to do about it yet. It hasn't really been too bad until this week so we are finally catching up the blog and taking it slow. We have 1 more week in the Hood River/Portland area until we get to Tacoma to see my good friend Carly and fly out to Texas for my Brother's wedding! After than we have a full month in Washington before we head for Canada.