Call me crazy, but I have never been so anxious for the summer months as I am this year. Perhaps it’s because our delay of sunny weather has taken a toll on Oregonians. Or maybe it’s because I’m finishing up my degree in two weeks and moving on to bigger and better things. I have already developed a list of things that I am set out to do this summer.
First, (for my indoor time) I just purchased another domain for my photography & art blog. I’m very excited to get that going so I can finally showcase the work I have so far! The blog will contain a lot of landscape pictures including, of course, the Columbia River Gorge, the Sandy River, Mt. Hood, Downtown Portland, and Downtown Gresham. I’m also working on more portrait-like photography, especially since I am now the photographer for a band called Greenish Grey.
Secondly, I have committed to taking my bike whenever and wherever I possibly can. My old 1979 Schwinn is one of my treasured possessions, and it is truly apart of the equation for the perfect summer day.
The next thing I have decided to do is explore more hikes around the Washington/Oregon area. I have done every hike in the Multnomah Falls area, but I would like to venture out and actually complete a full-day hike that is about 12-15 miles. Especially since I just got my brand new, Dakine Apex Hydration Backpack, I’m ready to pack all my necessities and hike for a very long time. This backpack is equipped with everything a hiker could possibly need, no matter what length of hike they like to do. With a 100 ounce bladder, quick detachment for refilling, and comfortable bite valve, this hydration pack makes me even more excited to hike because of its features alone.
Other things on my list include: (but not limited to) wakeboarding, camping, running (and training for a July relay), work at the guitar more, write more songs, read more, take my dogs for more walks, visit the Hood River, Portland, and Gresham Farmers’ Market. I’m truly so excited for this summer! Hopefully the weather can behave and permit everyone to do what is on their lists too!
I’ve grown up in Oregon my entire life, and like most things that we have and are used to, I have not appreciated the northwest enough. Two things come to mind when I think of my home state: cold and rain. For someone who has experienced the infamous northwest rain their whole life, for some reason, I’m still surprised and so disappointed each spring and summer season that contains more rain then it should.
However, within the last two years, I have grown an entire new appreciation for my home land. Partly due to the efforts of my boyfriend, I have actually experienced the northwest outdoors! Whether it’s boating, wakeboarding, snowboarding, hiking, canoeing, or taking pictures—I am learning to accept and love the natural beauty of Oregon.
Nearly every outdoor activity that one would be interested in can all be experienced in the wonderful Columbia River Gorge. The Columbia River, Multnomah Falls, Hood River, and various other falls and landscapes can all be found within 50 miles of driving the Columbia Historic Highway. Don’t think the highway stops there though. It goes all the way to The Dalles, about 80 miles from the start of the Columbia Historic Highway. 
I have been hiking in California, Hawaii, and Idaho, but I still would say that Oregon’s northwest hikes are home to some of the best. Multnomah, Wahkeena, Horsetail, Oneota, Ruckel Creek, Punchbowl, and Tunnel Falls are just some of the mysterious, breathtaking trails located in the northwest. Obviously some other places will have some very exotic plants and interesting animals, (if you’re lucky enough to see them) but I believe that the natural essence of the greens and blues of the landscapes are enough to inspire.
Some of these locations have access to the crystal clear water for swimming, canoeing, and cliff diving. So for those of you who don’t settle for simply a hike and some pictures, there are some internal activities as well. I personally have overcame my fear of cliffs and heights at Punchbowl Falls, where many will go for jumping and swimming. Since that day, I have always been willing for even more of an adventure (if safety hazards aren’t an issue).
Not only has my adventurous side received its thrill from the northwest, but my artsy side has also thrived from the beauty of it. I have come to love photography and the fact that photos taken within the northwest scenery do not need a lot of editing and altercations. The best image of a Columbia Gorge waterfall or river view is the natural photo—the organic photo that has very minute (if any) editing done to it.
Whether you are from the northwest or not, whether you have scene an Oregon waterfall or swam in the Columbia River, it’s easy to be impressed by the photos and testimonies that we see and hear about the northwest. However, there is one thing that can never be compared, altered, or misunderstood. That is your own personal experience of what the northwest has to offer.
As you all know, I have access to a great hookup for hiking gear! You’ll need some good, efficient boots for all your hiking this summer. 
Save up to 55% on these hiking boots!
You’ve probably heard of it before, but there is a hot new workout that is making a lot of people talk. It sounds like a type of African soup, or even a wild fish specie off the coast of New Zealand. However, it’s simply just a dance. Or more specifically, it’s not just a dance. It’s an exhilarating, easy-to-follow, Latin-inspired, calorie-burning dance fitness-party that is moving millions of people toward joy and health. Zumba is expanding all across the country in dance studios, fitness centers, and even in the comfort of homes. And if you have never heard of it before and you have no idea what I’m talking about, consider yourself warned.
When I first heard of the Zumba class, my first assumption was that it was some sort of tribal dance. Similar to a belly-dancing class, I thought instructors were teaching the students how to perform some sort of African cultural dance. A few of my friends were going, but I had been content with not Zumba-ing at the gym.
Then, I kept hearing about it. More and more and more were people raving about the intensity, interesting, and very entertaining dance class. That being said, I finally caved. I went to my first Zumba class!
When I got there, I felt a few different things. One was that I was horrifically nervous; I figured everyone knew this routine except for me and I would look like a very big fool. Two, I still had no idea what kind of dance this was. I felt uninformed and inprepared for what was about to come next.
Then, the music started. Over everything, I heard stringy acoustic guitar that was quickly being picked at, I heard a drum with excellent rhythm, and finally, I heard a man’s voice speaking Spanish.
The Zumba class, people, is a Latin American dance inspired workout class.
Despite the insanity of the rhythm, the lack of instruction for each move, and the embarrassment I carried throughout the entire class, I can’t deny that I had a very, very good time. Nothing is funnier than seeing your best friends make fools of them self while pretending they are Latina princesses from Spain, then realizing you look the exact same way.
I go to Zuma twice a week now. I finally feel comfortable with most of the moves, I’m getting comfortable to go to the class alone, and I’m actually finding myself mimicking the moves at home to show my boyfriend what I’ve learned. (That last one can be considered moot since my boyfriend never has any idea what I’m talking about with this dance.)
If you’ve heard of Zumba but have been hesitant to try out the class, DO IT! It’s a little ridiculous at first, but you really just have to let go. I can honestly say that I’ve toned up and become more active because of this class.
If you’ve never heard of Zumba but want to learn more, visit Zumba.com to find out more about the class, where you can find classes, and more.
If you have or haven’t heard of Zumba but you are completely uninterested in the class, well, fair enough. But you’re the one missing out on this taste of the spicy, fun Latino culture .
Last year, my boyfriend bought me a vintage ‘79 Schwinn Cruiser that I literally went everywhere with. The warm months were filled with endless bike rides, maintenance projects, and good leg workouts, all while I looked old-school on my old Schwinny bike.
The colder months, however, provide a different story. We had an unbelievably chilly winter that actually extended quite a bit into our spring. Actually, we are just now seeing consistent sunny weather as of last week. Therefore, my poor old bike has been in my garage, looking at me each time I get into my car wondering if I had perhaps forgotten about him.
Well, let me tell you, I have never been so ready for this sun! I have my cute new Lucy hat, my new shades, and a lovely, polished cruiser that has been patiently waiting for my attention.
I also found out that the place I will be moving into this fall has an awesome little bike shop right around the corner that provides every bike service you’ll ever need, or the option to work on your bike personally at your own station. So guess what? My Schwinn will be getting the attention it deserves—almost nearly year-round! Not only is working on my bike a little therapeutic, but it also allows me to have an entirely new respect for bikers and their lifestyle of clean and active transportation!
