Another October has come to a close; trees are ablaze in golds and reds, trick or treaters are off in search of their next sugar rush and sweater weather is here. I think October is the perfect month to travel and while past years’ adventures have taken me to far flung destinations like Lisbon, Marrakech and Florence this year I stayed stateside to explore part of the US I don’t spend nearly enough time in and while I was at it took my very first river cruise! While I was cruising the PNW I also got to meet up with a few friends and after I got home I had just enough time to host a family brunch with a few of my favorite littles dressed up in their Halloween finest. Let’s take a look at what I did this past October.
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I went on my very first river cruise!
I don’t consider myself a cruiser but when the folks at Uncruise offered me(and Steve) a chance to explore the Snake and Columbia Rivers through Washington and Oregon I couldn’t refuse. I’ve heard nothing but great things about Uncruise’s small ship sailings that focus on adventure (with amazing food at every meal)and I’ll have a much more detailed post about my cruise soon but suffice to say both Steve and I had a great time. I also got to check off two more states (bringing the grand total to 34) on my goal to visit all 50 states by 50. Oregon was a new state for me and I loved it every bit as much as I thought I would. I’m also counting Idaho as we took a jet boat ride through Hell’s Canyon which borders Washington Oregon and Idaho and we spent an hour at Garden Creek Ranch, a Nature Conservancy property on the Idaho side. There are certainly worse ways to spend a week than hiking, biking, sipping and paddling my way through the PNW.
Meeting Up with Old Friends
While we made our way west along the Columbia we were lucky enough to meet up with a few friends. First up I was thrilled that my friend Tamara of Globe Guide was able to meet up with us in her new home of Hood River, Oregon. We first met up during a winter trip to Quebec City a few years ago and I catching up over an afternoon of coffee and wine.
A few days later we spent the afternoon exploring Portland with our friends Amy and Ross, whom we haven’t seen since our days in the Navy (15 years if anyone is counting). They are also recent transplants (are all of my friends moving to Oregon?) and we had a great time catching up while exploring the Portland’s Japanese Garden (it is absolutely breathtaking in the fall) and indulging in craft beer and donuts (2 things Portland does VERY well).
Adorable Kiddos in Halloween costumes
If you thought that I would write an October round up post and not include pictures of my favorite tiny humans dressed in their Halloween best then you would be mistaken. I hosted my monthly family brunch and my house was invaded by cuteness in the form of Daniel Tiger, a blue dragon, one very shy Pikachu(not pictured) and an adorable 3 month old acorn.
Things I’m Loving
My friend Jessica of The Dining Traveler shares five tasty reasons to venture beyond San Juan.
These pumpkin cinnamon rolls from Smitten Kitchen were a hit with kids and adults
It’s rainy season here in Virginia and these Evie tall boots from Blondo are waterproff and go with everything in my fall closet.
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