Pristine. Wild. Beautiful.

We traveled on an oar-rig raft for three days down the Grand Ronde River. A winding path with stunning canyon views around every bend. The water offered just enough excitement to splash Annabelle in the face when desired,  and at other times, enough calm to rock both children to sleep in the front of the raft. Greg guided us down the river, remaining blissful the whole time. He and our friend Jeff tapped into their deep knowledge and love for white water, which brought them both such joy and offered both our families a dreamy escape into the wilderness of Eastern Oregon. We felt like guests on the land, teaching our children not to leave a trace, connecting with and tending to the earth in ways we always should but rarely do.

Camp each night was filled with good conversation, delicious food and a rushing river to lullaby us to sleep. Jeff, Shawn and their baby Eliza were delightful company and it was a joy to get time together. As we were packing up camp on the last day Ryan sat down and said, “what a lovely day for a sit by the river,” which summed up our trip beautifully.

Prior to the time on the river, Greg, Annabelle, Ryan and I got a couple days alone in the woods, camping around Olive Lake. It was lovely to get so much time together.

Unplugged. In nature. Present with one another.

When we returned to cell service we tried to connect with an old friendship who lives in Joseph, OR, a beautiful town, nestled in the Wallowa Mountains. During the drive Annabelle asked me why I kept saying, “wow, look at that view.”  Honestly, every time I looked up I was awestruck. The mountains offer a majestic power that gives me pause.

And while we did no pre-planning we got to connect with our friend Lindsay. We had just finished shopping at Safeway in her town, prepared to eat an odd assortment of dinner snacks in the car as we drove into the wee hours. Not having properly showered in a week, we tried to mentally prepare ourselves for a long drive in our filth, when Lindsay saw our missed call. She was 5 minutes away at a brewery featuring a small river perfect for kids to play in and a great selection of local beer. We briefly met her colleges and started to get caught-up before she brought us to her cozy home where we got to meet her family.

This couldn't have been a more perfect landing place after a week of seclusion. Their home is welcoming, kind and gentle. Nearly two years ago their family expanded rapidly as she gave birth and they became foster parents to a 5 year old, all within a few months.  Dillan works with people in the community who struggle with addiction providing them council. Lindsay works for a non-profit committed to keeping this rural community’s economy local and sustainable. We enjoyed the ease and comfort of resting in their beautiful town for a night before turning around and beginning to head East.