Flying to Seattle was like going on a blind date! I had only met Jasmin once, when she was visiting South Carolina, and we instantly became best friends. I don't think she really knew that when she asked me to come out and visit her... I would! So, two months after our first meeting - I found myself on a plane flying across the entire country to stay with this girl, I literally met ONCE. For all I knew, she could potentially be crazy, kidnap me, kill me, I literally had no clue BUT I was willing to step into that unknown- so maybe I was the crazy one ;)
But the one thing I have learned about life is that when an opportunity comes, take it, just dive straight in - HEAD first! Worst case scenario, it ends up being a bad experience, so what, you learn from it, and move on. And then there is the best case scenario - the one I always think of - you have the most amazing adventure - filled with laughing until you cry, seeing breath-taking wonders in a new backyard - and gain a forever friend.
Jasmin and I at Panther Creek Falls
Itinerary - DAY 1
You guys won't believe that our adventure occurred in 2 1/2 DAYS!! And let me tell you, those packed 2 1/2 days were so worth it because of the VIEWS! Don't get me wrong, I love and 100% support a relaxing vacation, but it doesn't take long for me to get cabin fever. When Jasmin showed me our itinerary for the weekend, I thought, wow I finally found someone who likes to adventure as crazy as I do.
After landing in Seattle- we went straight for Cannon Beach, Oregon
After staying the night at Tolovana Inn, which is right on the beach - highly recommend by the way :) we traveled into Portland, and explored the Saturday Market.
We walked around the Market for a bit, grabbed some food and then found ourselves exploring nature for the rest of the afternoon, and you guys - the views!! We visited Oneonta Gorge, La Tourell Falls, Rowena Crest Viewpoint, and ended our first day at one of the largest waterfalls I've ever seen: Panther Creek Falls.
Panther Creek Falls - see if you can spot me ;)
Itinerary - DAY 2
Like they say, the early bird gets the worm! Early on this morning, Jasmin and I hopped in the car so we could get to the place I was dying to see - Palouse Falls.
The one thing I loved most about Oregon and Washington was that no matter where you are, everything around you contains so much beauty. So of course on the long drive to the falls - we found ourselves in a sea of canola fields!
4 hour car rides.... ;P
After taking in all the sights from the drive, we made it to Palouse Falls - my favorite waterfall of ALL TIME. I had seen pictures and had very high expectations, and this place met every one of them! Palouse Falls is a definite must-see spot if you are traveling the PNW.
There was just something about the grandeur of the falls within the canyon that is completely captivating. For me, it was just a nice reminder from the Lord of how small we are and how great He is!
After taking in the views at Palouse Falls - we booked it back to Bellevue (where we stayed) to make a fashionably late appearance to a 'Hampton's' themed roof top party.
At this point I am pinching myself to make sure this isn't all a dream! So that Monday morning, we checked sailing off my bucket list before I had to catch a flight to head back down south!
It was amazing all that Jasmin and I got fit into this weekend getaway! I would say this is by far the best 'blind date' I've ever gone on, but our journey as friends didn't end there, as I left the PNW hungry for more ... ;)
I made a Bucket List of my PNW must-see spots! If you have ever been, let me know, I'd love to hear your stories :)
xx Brook
PNW Bucket List
1. Cannon Beach
2. Portland, Oregon
3. La Tourell Falls
4. Panther Creek Falls
5. Canola Fields
6. Palouse Falls
7. Bellevue
8. Sailing