These last few months have proven that Summer is by far the greatest time of year in the Northwest. Rainy Winters and Springs sure make you appreciate the Summer and the Sun like never before. It seems that most Oregonians spend as much time outside as possible during this season. Local restaurants bring out tables onto their patios and it's not unusual to see crowded patios next to a completely empty restaurant.
This season, Nick and I have been camping six times (including a backpacking adventure). We've floated down the Mackenzie River, waded in the Willamette on several occasions, picked berries, and had numerous barbecues. We've been to 3 concerts at the Cuthbert Outdoor Amphitheater (for an interesting blend of people: Garrison Keillor, Yanni and the Shins) a minor league baseball game, a concert in the park (with VIP passes and free, unlimited beer!), a couple tailgate parties, and our first Oregon Duck's football game. We also enjoyed several visits from friends and family, hosted a few shotgun tournaments, ran a Dirty Dash race full o'mud and celebrated both our birthdays.
Separate from Nick, I went on a couple additional camping trips to National Parks (Olympic and Crater Lake) with my friend Kristen and introduced her to the art of camping. I've driven to Portland several times, usually taking advantage of the weekends where Nick has Open Houses. I also went on multiple berry-picking quests and have canned two years' worth of jam and preserves. With the kiddos that I've been watching (aka my inherited niece and nephews), I have soaked up sun at the pool and the park, taken trips to the library and watched many a baseball, football & soccer game.
Yes, Pacific Northwest Summers are grand!
