The Inside-Out Mountain - Crater Lake {Wanderlust}

Once upon a time a volcano erupted and then collapsed in on itself leaving a beautiful lake with another volcano emerging from it. In my mind, I imagine a glorious mountain getting too big that it swallowed itself whole and in essence, flipped itself inside-out. The five hour drive to Eugene wasn't quite long enough for us, so we decided to sit in the car for five more hours to explore around this mysterious lake, more popularly known as Crater Lake.

It was a balmy 24 degrees when we got out of the car, strapped our snowshoes on and started tromping away from the crowds. It didn't take longer than a mile to get away from the tourists, who looked at us quizzically as we walked into the snow with giant backpacks on.

There was a sign in the visitor center- an advertisement to rent snowshoes and it said "Explore Crater Lake like Few do! Rent Showshoes!" We had our own snowshoes (thanks to bae for the Christmas gift :) ) so yes, we were going to explore Crater lake like few do. Check!

But we decided to take the adventure one step further and stay overnight, because why not?! We had all of our snow camping gear and decided to set up a little home right on the rim of the lake so we could appreciate it's loveliness for a few hours longer.

Rich dug a tent-sized hole for our double walled tent so the winds wouldn't be so obnoxious/freezing hitting the sides of the tent where we "sleep".

We set up our temporary housing and dozed on and off for a few hours while temps dipped below 18 degrees, got up early, had some coffee, and went for one of the most pleasant and gorgeous morning strolls I had ever been on.

Pictures as proof that it was all worth it:

I'd say that was a pretty great last adventure for 2016.

Christmas in Eugene {Ragamuffin Diaries}

I'm a few days behind, considering this is a Christmas post and it's now January 1st, 2017. TWO THOUSAND SEVENTEEN... (when I was ten I thought everything past 2000 was just a made up year because it sounded so surreal and straight of a science fiction movie.) Anyway-rewinding to Christmas Day. Rich and I drove down to Eugene to celebrate Christmas with Mumsy and Daddio. Sarah & Brother, Tiny Mister Samuel (for his very first Christmas ever)! A cameo was even made by my Aunt - so we were really only missing a few people on my side of the family. I can't even remember the last time we were all together for Christmas. Needless to say, I felt pretty grateful.
We opened presents, had a scrumdiddlyumptious Christmas dinner (and more than a belly full of desserts) took family photos, played with the babe - who is now on the move, climbed a butte, and indulged in hot toddys while playing dice games.

Merry Christmas!

I've got Gadgets and Gizmos a'plenty {Ragamuffin Diaries}

Fact: You are never too old to go to see The Little Mermaid (or any other princess play for that matter) with your mom. Since I work in Downtown Seattle I began seeing ads for this play all over town, plastered on busses and in the newspapers starting in July- so I called up my mommy dearest and said this: "Dear Mommy Dearest, I'm not sure if you have thought about my birthday yet, but in case you were wondering what to get me for my birthday, if anything, I thought I would inform you that The Little Mermaid is a play I have always wanted to see and I would like to see it with you."
... or something along those lines.

SO for my birthday, that is precisely what we did! It was a great day hanging out with my parents - my dad had presented me with his recent garage saw-dust creation project which was a beautiful bedside table to accompany my amazing new lodge-style bed (more on this later). I tickled the ivories while my mom got gussied up, we went by my house to visit Blaise, and then off we went into the emerald city. I was curious how they would do this play- since obvi the mermaids live underwater. All I can say is that there was a lot of swaying and body rolling. Those mermaids will have abs of steel by the time the show moves on...

Mailbox Peak {Wanderlust}

Within four days we traveled from a small 6 car ferry on the sea to the summit of one of the most popular hikes in our area, Mailbox peak. While this is considered one of the most popular hikes in the I-90 corridor, we had it completely to ourselves. Waking up early before first light to get there, starting before we felt completely human, had it's payoff  at the top. One of the first snows started just as we hit a clearing, high winds and icy stinging on cheeks was shockingly, a pleasant welcome to the summit. We climbed up and down the old route and could both feel it in our bones the next day since this was our first hike since Guye Peak. Worth every ounce of soreness.

Islanders {Wanderlust}

To celebrate my twenty eight rotations around the sun Rich got us a little cabin on a little island that was full of these fury creatures! Deer and baby crabs outnumbered residents by huge quantities. The crabs were cute, but the deer much cuter. We lounged a lot, walked the entire island, played on the beach and fed the deer (AKA our new puppies), overturned plenty of rocks looking for baby crabs, chatted with the locals, ate yummy homemade food, and repeated that sequence for three days. *bliss*

So grateful for a relaxing, somewhat-local getaway before the holidays.