Orcas Island – San Juan Islands part deux

Our second island visit in the San Juans was Orcas island, a much larger and busier island than Lopez. While we were sad to leave our fantastic beachfront campsite on Lopez, we were extremely excited to head to Orcas for one reason: Doe Bay Resort.

Back in February when we were researching and booking this trip I found Doe Bay online. We were taken back by the cost ($62 for a non-hookup site!), but we were drawn to the ideals of an organic, earthy, yoga inspired resort. The advertised soaking pools on a deck overlooking the bay sealed the deal! Continue reading

Lopez Island – San Juan Islands

The San Juan Islands, famous here in the Northwest and beyond as a haven for boaters, those seeking solitude, and hippies. Surprisingly enough, neither Jim nor I had ever traveled there before. We were told the week of July 4th was not the optimal time to to travel to the islands, with stories of 10 hour waits for the ferries and overcrowded campgrounds but we decided to take the chance. Continue reading

A Timeless Journey through Rajastan, or, what happens when you’re scammed in India.

Rajastan – The name along evokes images of camel caravans, bearded desert Bedouins touting sabers, and incense soaked markets. I’ve split our story of Rajastan into four separate posts, the area is too overwhelming to be confined to just one.

Camel carts in Rajastan

We arrived in India at midnight, the unfortunate time of many international arriving flights. After two hours in the dank, decrepit Delhi airport, we had our bags and exited the airport into the chill of the night. Shocked and discombobulated by the hundreds of touts and taxi drivers vying for our attention we chose one and were off to our hotel. Or so we thought. Continue reading

We’ve Gone to the Dogs

One of our favorite things is spending time with black dog. Whether it be camping, hiking, or just hanging out, things are always best when we’re hanging out with Maddy. In May we had two big doggie events which, as expected, proved to be highly entertaining.

Early in the month we participated, once again, in the Oregon Humane Society’s annual Doggie Dash. This is a premiere Portland event and is attended by over 2000 dogs and their humans every year with proceeds going towards the Humane Society.

Portland sign

The “dash” consists of either a 1.5 mile walk along the waterfront at Tom McCall park or the walk we always do, a 2.5 mile walk Continue reading