Last week we had a mini vacation where we took a few days off to just rest, see the sights, and regenerate. I like to call this my "creative release" time, as I think it's essential to take a little time from always being "on" (you know, always thinking of what's next, continuously planning or working on something, going from task to task...) and to switch gears and allow the engine to cool just a bit - meaning to turn my brain to "off" for a few days. :) I don't really turn it "off", per say, but I do try to allow "non-work" things to enter. :)
We spent a couple of days traveling to see my mother-in-law in Bandon (southern coast of Oregon) for the 4th of July, and I just had to share a few photos of her lovely and exquisite garden.
It's like something out of a story book really - there are endless trails through the woods (each landscaped to perfection), with so many types of plants and flowers around every turn. This is just one of those trails. Do you see the Foxglove peeking out on the left?
We then made our way through southern Oregon and into Nevada - oh yes, Nevada. Where things are quite desolate. That little line you see though the center of this photo...well, that was the road we were on. Now you might ask yourself, why is this photo taken from above? Well, because we made our way up that road,
and up the side ridge on the right to here...
Launch pad? A launch pad for what????
That's right! It's a hang glider launch! What better way to give ourselves a break from the hum drum of every day life, right?
Just 1/4 mile down this dirt road...
you can see 2 other groups down there already...
and we pull right up to the launch point...
now this doesn't look so high, but let me tell you, it's crazy high, crazy scary, and intimidating as...well...a hang glider launch should be I guess. I assumed there would be rails ore something, safety signs, maybe a posted note saying "are you sure you want to do this????", but no, just a huge drop off here where you glide out into the open canvas of what's below.
And here you thought we were going to jump? No way! Getting this close to the edge of something is as close to danger as I will go. I felt rejuvinated just being that close to a place where I could jump if I wanted to. :)
So...we made it through southern Oregon, Nevada, and then into Idaho, where we stayed a couple of days in one of the most beautiful places on earth - Sun Valley.
During the summer in Sun Valley there's countless hiking, biking, swimming, and other activities to keep you busy, not to mention the beautiful scenery...
During the winter season this area is known for it's fabulous skiing; however, during the summer, you can actually take a lift up to the top of this mountain and ride your mountain bike down. Quite amazing!!!
Abby even enjoyed herself quite a bit while we took a few days to chill...
Here she is checking out the area behind our house in Sun Valley...
Making sure there aren't any predators around. :) I'm so glad I have my schnauzer watchdog.
Of course, I spotted this tree in our backyard that appeared to be making sure we were under good surveillance too...
I felt as if this tree had eyes in the back of it's trunk...
All in all we had a fun week, a relaxing week, and the best part? We arrived home rejuvinated and refreshed...AND I finished (and started) a couple of knitting projects...
Remember this?
It's now this...
Beautiful Annis in Pink Mocha Serenity 20 from Roxanne at Zen Yarn Garden. I wouldn't have chosen it any other way.
More on other completed projects in the near future, but a sneak peek of what's on the needles now...
Oh, and be sure to check out a few Grab Bags that we posted in the shop today.
Hope you're having a wonderful Tuesday!
Welcome home! What a great way to document your trip. Your mother's garden is GORGEOUS! How does she do it? I have a small veggie patch that is in constant need of care and attention that barely gets done.
Your knits are FABULOUS! I can't WAIT to see what you are making with the green yarn. That edging is very interesting.
Posted by: Rani | July 14, 2010 at 05:53 AM
that shawl is gorgeous!
Posted by: Rockymoreno | July 20, 2010 at 08:32 PM