Quarantine
Adventures in self-imposed isolation with two young kids in the Pacific Northwest. Do we make it out alive? Find out!
United States
Traveling to the U.S.?
Here, you’ll find all of our USA travel tips, posts on family travel, hiking, national parks, road trips, train & rail adventures, and top sights.
Focusing on the Pacific Northwest (Oregon & Washington) and Central Coast & Southern California.
Things to do in cities like Portland and San Diego, off-the-beaten-path places to visit, and more.
Wallowa Lake Tramway: First-Hand Guide
Wallowa Lake Tramway offers a quick and easy ride to the top of Eastern Oregon’s majestic Wallowas. How to visit and what to expect.
Carmel Mission: Why Visit & What to Expect
Mission Carmel, final resting place of Father Junipero Serra and 18th century masterpiece near Monterey. Here’s why you need to visit.
Why La Purisima Mission Needs To Be on Your Road Trip Itinerary
La Purisima Mission is quite possibly the most evocative Spanish mission in California. Why you need to visit and what to expect.
Portland 4T Trail: Trip Report + What to Expect
4T Trail is a Portland hike like no other. Go by Trail, Tram, Trolley & Train as you see the city in a fun and sustainable way! What to expect plus tips.
Pittock Mansion Hike: Pure Bliss in the Heart of Portland
Pittock Mansion hike via Wildwood Trail & Lower Macleay Trail offers exceptional hiking in the heart of Portland (OR). Here’s how to do it.
Hiking Tom McCall Point & Rowena Plateau
Rowena Plateau and Tom McCall Point hike offers Gorge-ous views year-round an hour’s drive from Portland. Our trail report & what to expect.
Conquering Portland’s Alameda Ridge Stairs: Our First-Hand Guide
Alameda Ridge of NE Portland boasts 400 stairs spread out over 30 blocks, making for one heck of a workout. Here’s what to expect & more.
Portland’s Lan Su Chinese Garden: Guide for Visiting
Lan Su Chinese Garden is a peaceful and evocative oasis in the bustling heart of downtown Portland. Here’s what to expect plus helpful tips for visiting.
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden in Southeast Portland is a local secret that is worth the time and effort to visit. Here’s what to expect plus tips.
Complete Guide to Staying in Interrorem Cabin
Want to escape the rat race? This historic stay just outside Olympic National Park might be your ticket! Essential tips and info for staying at Interrorem Cabin.
California Coast Road Trip
Planning a California Coast road trip? Here’s our 10-day itinerary and 2,200-mile trip report for planning your own road trip adventure!
LL Stub Stewart Cabin Camping Trip Report
Thinking of booking a cabin at LL Stub Stewart State Park? Check out our trip report first! Helpful tips for planning your own cabin adventure.
Mirror Lake & Trillium Lake: Hike Report
Our Mirror Lake & Trillium Lake Hike report — a worthwhile alternative to Columbia River Gorge hiking at the foot of Oregon’s majestic Mt. Hood.
Leach Botanical Garden: Ultimate Guide for Visiting
We set out to explore historic Leach Botanical Garden, a hidden living-wonder in Portland’s less-trodden Outer Southeast.
Breaking-in Baby (Pt.1): Riley’s First Flight
40 hours, 3 flights, 9,000 miles, 10 pieces of luggage, a 2.5-year-old, and a 3-month-old with his first cold. Here’s the first leg of our journey as a newly-minted expat family of four.
Welcome Riley Ernest
Yep, that’s right! The wait is over and Baby #2 is finally here. And — surprise, surprise — IT’S ANOTHER BOY!
The Waiting Game
With Lori’s brother’s wedding behind us, the countdown begins until Baby #2 decides to grace us with his/her presence. But not before daddy reclaims his own birthday for himself.