I always swore that I would graciously accept our grandchildren's preference for independence, adventure, and friends when the time came. My children's grandmother never did. (Jeez Ada, it's adolescence, not personal! *) They didn't need adults to play games, ride bikes, or go to the Sunriver mall anymore. Although they still required some planning and transportation support, the annual family vacation went away and the 'friends' trip became very different. The kids weren't the only ones to plan a 'friends' trip. Earl and I were going to meet our long time friends this year in Sunriver and then join Heidi and Michael at the end, thinking that, although the grandkids and their friends were teens, they were still children. We thought the Tenisons might need some help with four kids. Spoiler alert: They didn't. Turned out, our friends couldn't make it. So Earl and I adjusted and joined Heidi and Michael for a laid back getaway...
Yes, the PNW (Pacific Northwest) is truly charmed - but not for everybody! As a tourguide of NW Oregon, and a Portland native, I find the visitors I see daily from around the world are love-it or leave-it. But from my *slightly* slanted perspective, like you, Tam, I am completely in love with my home environment, and that's what I can't help putting across to my tour guests.
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos! All are quintessential of the parks and wild spaces around the region.
I'm glad you are out-and-about getting filled up with the local scenery. The scents in the air are really transforming. How fun to have welcoming neighbors.
Now, your "Out of Power--Adventure #3" needs to be linked!