Well Earned Vacation

After about 4 days of work I joined my brother's vacation time and we cruised around Oregon and camped for several days. Although we originally discussed heading down to Crater Lake, the first day we took our time and after stopping in Estacada at Fearless Brewing for a beer, pulled up to a campsite about an hour away from Portland. We camped in Mt. Hood National Forest at a site right next to the Clackamas River. Below is a picture of the setting 20 yards or so behind our site



After a delicious oatmeal and green tea breakfast, we headed South, stumbling quickly upon Breitenbush Hot Springs. We looked at each other in the car, and without hesitation, followed the signs to enlightenment. After a quick look around and a discussion with the personnel about the 7 natural hot springs pools and steam sauna, the organic vegetarian buffets, and the serene setting, we decided to stay most of the day.

I dont think I can adequately describe this place in words. It was an incredibly relaxing and rejuvenating day. To understand the power that is Breitenbush I suggest you check it out one day.

We found a sweet spot (one of the remaining few) along Detroit Lake, and camped there Thursday and Friday night. The pic is what we walked 30 feet from our campsite to indulge in early morning.



We took an amazing hike Fri in Silver Canyon State Park called The Trail of Ten Falls. And yes, it was as cool as it sounds. Below is just a glimpse of what we saw. I'll wrap it up here so you can end on pictures of beautiful waterfalls. We looped down to Eugene Saturday, checked out their Saturday Market and The University of Oregon, among other things. All of the amazing things we saw and did were within two and a half hours from Portland.







Many more sick pictures in Picassa. Thoroughly edited this time too...I promise