On The Road Again

Good evening friends! I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend. As I previously mentioned, I arrived home today from a trip to Vancouver, WA/ Portland, OR for my friends 21st birthday!  I am a nut when it comes to exploring and learning so we went to Fort Vancouver.  Does anyone know what that is?? Because I sure didn't before venturing to to this little gem!  It is a historical site that primarily focused on fur trade and later housed military families for 150 years.  We could have gone into the fort, however it cost $3 but we were too cheap to consider paying.  If you would like to spend more time than we did learning about Fort Vancouver, then this is the site for you.

We then ventured on and discovered this tree.  We figured this tree was of great importance because it was alone... fenced off by a chain link fence... and blocked by pillars and chains.  Oddly enough it was not important enough for someone to tend to the abundance of weeds.  After further investigation, we discovered that this tree was the first apple tree at Fort Vancouver and is the oldest one in the territory (I mean, that's cool right?).  Finally we made it across "the land bridge", a walking bridge that takes you over the freeway to access the Columbia River.  The river was stunning and calm and you had a great view of the bridge WA/OR bridge.  Aside from seeing way too much skin from some unfortunate over aged people who were tanning, I had a ball of a time.

We went to the greatest place on God's good Earth: Powells!  It is a massive, multi-story book store.  It carries every book (new or used) that you can image.  This is a MUST to have on your bucket list!  I can spend hours here pawing through all the books.

To begin the evenings festivities and celebrate Mallery's 21 run, we started off at swanky rooftop bar called DEPARTURE.  The view of Pioneer Square was incredible, and from what I heard, the drinks were sublime.  Unfortunately, they were outside of the price point (even for 'well drink') so I decided to enjoy the breeze and the atmosphere.  I would definitely suggest that you at least stop by and give this place a shot.  I honestly did feel like I was in a snazzy movie living the high life for the ten minutes we were there.  The architecture surrounding Pioneer Square was stunning.  I fell in love with the Courthouse pictured below.  The 360 degree view from the middle of the square was nothing less than flawless.

On our way home, I caught this amazing picture of Mt. Rainier. And lastly, my father has this preconceived notion that everyone who drives a Subaru hatchback is a sandal wearing, tree hugging, hippie and is required to have canoes or kayaks strapped to the roof of their cars.  Much to my dismay, I came upon this beauty and I couldn't help gather evidence for him.  Needless to say, he was satisfied.  Stay Posted friends.

With Love

              Traci Lee