yosemite, part II.

{Part I here.}

I can't believe I've come to the end of my posts from this summer's trip...and we're only in December! :) As I mentioned in my previous post, Yosemite is a really special place. There's something so magically wonderful about National parks. To think about the people that have been visiting these places and admiring the scenery for so many years makes me feel really connected to history and I like that feeling. It amazes me that all those years ago, people had the forethought to mark Yosemite as a place to be preserved and that people still enjoy it today.

I hope you all enjoyed reading about our trip out to the Pacific Northwest. It was really exciting and fun to be a small part of Jeffrey's journey and explore new places with my family. xo, R.

{Read all the posts from this trip here.}

yosemite, part I.

1 // Half Dome

2 // Wawona camp site

3 + 4 // Breakfast at the Ahwahnee

5 + 6 // Yosemite Falls

I can hardly believe that I'm almost done recapping our trip to the Pacific Northwest. It seems like a really long time ago that we went on this trip, which I attribute to a very full and busy semester (that feels more like a year than a few months). We decided to finish our trip up in Yosemite, which I believe was a marvelous way to end a very special vacation. A lot of people say that Yosemite is a bit like an amusement park, which I completely understand — It was swarming with lots and lots of people, a large majority from Europe. However, I can't say I'm surprised that the park was so very busy. Yosemite is a sight that can only be fully appreciated with your own two eyes. I actually think it's pretty wonderful that so many people still come to take in all its glory. If Yosemite was a person, I think he'd probably feel pretty special. :) xo, R.

san francisco.

Jeffrey and Derek ended their bicycle tour in San Francisco. After crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, they would be finished. I think riding over the Golden Gate Bridge is probably the most spectacular way to end such a memorable event. It was such an honor and a pleasure to be there as they finished a tour they had been dreaming of and planning for for such a long time. As they crossed over the bridge, it was really cold and foggy. It remained that way for the rest of our time in the city. We spent a couple days sightseeing and popping into places my sister had recommended (Tartine, Ike's Place, Paxton Gate). We rode on the cable car, saw the sea lions (there was only one), stopped into City Light Books and enjoyed being a part of the hustle and bustle of the city. xo, R.

P.S. More posts from this trip.

point reyes.

There are scenes in movies that are so unbelievably beautiful that they seem as though they've been dreamed up. Or, in the very least, shot in Europe. There is one particular scene in Pride & Prejudice when Keira Knightley is standing at the edge of a cliff and it is so unbelievably breathtaking and beautiful that you want to be transported there right away, thankyouverymuch. 

Well, we were walking along the Point Reyes National Seaside — which was a sight to behold with views of the staggeringly ginormous Pacific and miles and miles of catgrass — when we turned a bend and happened upon a landscape which bore a very, very close resemblance to the landscape of that scene I often dream about. My heart warmed and I couldn't believe what I was seeing. It was nothing short of magic, friends.

There are many beautiful things in this world. So many, in fact, that it would be utterly impossible to list all of them. But, if I had to create a list of some of the most beautifully majestic places I've visited, this definitely would have been one of them.

Quiet and serene, I felt like we were in a different place and time. I wondered what it would be like to live out there, so secluded and isolated. I'm sure it would be lonely, but in a peaceful and lovely sort of way. If you ever have the opportunity to visit Point Reyes, I think you be silly to miss its National Seaside. xo, R.

california coast.

I remember when our car drove through the first stretch of Redwoods. They were so big, so gigantic that it was almost unbelievable. I felt like we were in the presence of human giants, almost as if they were alive and welcoming us. It was an experience I'll never forget. The kind of experience that makes you really thankful for the beauty of the natural world. I could have gotten lost in there.

It was so, so foggy that day. We went to a lookout to see a stretch of the Pacific and we were literally met with a wall of fog, so thick it looked like someone had tacked a sheet dangling from the sky. There was no one else at the overlook, probably because most people knew it would be unviewable. But it was almost more beautiful than seeing the ocean. Knowing it was there, but having to visualize it in your mind.

For the beauty that was surrounding us, I have surprisingly few photographs. It makes sense, though. I was too caught up in the majesty of the moment that I didn't even think to pull my camera out and snap some shots. Thankfully, the images are carved in my mind. xo, R.

Pictured: {1} One giant Redwood, {2} An overlook that was not too cloudy to see the mighty Pacific, {3} The Big Tree

around portland, II.

 

Giving Portland one post would not have done it justice. Above are some more photos from our time in Oregon! Sometimes I wish I had posted about this trip sooner, just to make sure I didn't forget any of the smallest memories. When I look at these pictures, though, I am immediately flooded back to the moments when they were snapped. I love that pictures can do that. 

Walking down those stairs, I remember talking to my parents about the names Jeffrey and I had picked out for our future dogs. Such a small and insignificant moment, but planted in my mind forever. Or, I look at the picture of my parents and I'm reminded of them quickly running inside Stumptown so I could snap a picture from the outside looking in. They later decided that the coffee there was overpriced and not as good as some of their other favorites. Remembering all these tiny details -- the small parts that equal one big trip -- is a joy that only photographs can stir within me. xo, R.

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{1} More neighborhood flowers (because Portland has the most beautiful flowers in all the land!)

{2} Secret stairs + Multnomah Falls

{3} Stumptown Coffee Roasters

{4} Curried soup at Pok Pok

{5} A breakfast lover's dream at Lovejoy Bakers

{6} Antique doorknob display at Old Portland Hardware & Architectural

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More of our Pacific Northwest adventures here. 

And, three vintage posts -- since it's been awhile. :)

* Little Snapshots (plus, all Little Snapshots posts here).
* Sunday Morning Doughnuts. 
* Friday Inspiration (plus, all Friday Inspiration posts here). 

pittock mansion.

Pittock Mansion is an absolutely gorgeous estate in Portland. After its inhabitants vacated the premises many years ago, it sat vacant for years and years. As it was about to be torn down, the residents of Portland gathered together to raise funds in hopes of saving the building. Their efforts worked and the building was restored to its original beauty. I looove hero stories like that — when a community can come together to rally behind something that means something to each of them. Because of their efforts, we were able to enjoy the lovely grounds on a beautiful, sunny day! If you're ever in Portland and these kinds of things are up your alley, I highly recommend you check Pittock Mansion out for yourself. xo, R.

a walk in portland.

While in Portland, we took a charming walk just outside the Pearl District to admire adorable upon adorable home. Then, we wandered into Forest Park, which was absolutely lovely and peaceful. xo, R.

P.S. I probably exclaimed about the perfectness of different homes at least 30 times. (This is not an exaggeration.) I know a cozy home when I see one!