Cruisin' Down the Coast (Kind Of)

After an impressive stint in Washington state, we were off to neighboring Oregon, where the "dream of the 90's" prevails. The first stop (well and pretty much our home base with an awesome friend for a week) was Mt. Hood. We got a chance to check out the massive snow-capped mountain via a quick six-mile hike with this precious pup!

Once we finally made it out to the city of Portland--a place where tattoos, vegans, strip clubs, hobos, and amazing food are ubiquitous--we had to see what the fuss was all about with Voodoo Doughnut. Waiting in line for an hour, for a doughnut? Ridiculous. But I suppose it was unique enough having a maple glazed bacon doughnut.

As per usual, we continued having great eats at the famous food trucks, Lardo, Tasty n' Adler--all incredibly delicious and suggestions from a former BK resident and pal.The Pacific Northwest definitely does not disappoint in the food department but beautiful landscapes and lush greenery are just as magical.

Making our way around Oregon we checked out Multanoma Falls, Crater Lake NP and drove along the incredible coast line where we (I) managed to get the car stuck in a sand dune on the beach. Apparently, when a sign says only rugged vehicles allowed...pay attention! It took over two hours of digging until an ATV with the kindest couple came to our rescue.

The next day we finally made it to California--Redwood National Park to be exact and home to the world's tallest, oldest and largest trees. Spending a night along a river bank among these giants really did put into perspective how small we really are!

We continued down the coast on the famous California Highway 1 but of course not without a quick detour to wine country in Sonoma and Napa Valley.

After a quick overnight at Point Reyes NP we finally made it to San Francisco, where  my phenomenal friend showed us the best time. We drove over the Golden Gate Bridge followed by incredibly steep streets, saw the Tanner house, went to ambient Dolores Park and had an insanely delicious authentic burrito near by in the Mission District.

And just when it couldn't get any better, whelp, my 22nd birthday happened to roll around our last day in Frisco (a term not liked by the locals but loved by me!) The day could not have been more spectacular. I had the best burger of the trip thus far, which is a really big deal for a ground beef patty accompanied by the perfect toppings and bun aficionado.

Then, the topper--a silent disco, on the beach, watching the sunset over the Pacific with the people I Iove lots. Thanks for making it all happen!

Coming up in the next edition, the Sierras!