Packing for vacation has never been my favorite thing to do, but now with two kids the focus I needed to remember everything was tremendous. The end result is always worth the time and energy preparing for a trip, but I’m usually exhausted before we leave. We traveled by car, taking 2 days each way, a total of 1,600 miles. We brought fun new games and toys for Eva to open throughout the journey, stopping regularly for breaks and stretches. Jeff and I love taking road trips because we always have the best time listening to music, and talking for hours.
The weather was peaking at around 90° when we left Long Beach the week of our vacation. This was our second time back to Brookings, Oregon and our third time to the Redwood Forest. Most people jet for tropical climates, white sandy beaches and palm trees, yet we usually opt for any place with cool temperatures, forests and trees. Don’t get me wrong, put me on the beach with a Mai Tai in hand, and I’m your girl. But, there’s something so amazing about this part of California and Oregon that I love. I’ve traveled to many places in the U.S. and around the world, and the Redwood Forest and Oregon Coast has to be two of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen.
We stayed at the Loft at Duley Creek, we found on the VRBO (Vacation Rentals by Owner) website. The owners made us feel right at home for our week stay. We had a pot belly stove, two rooms, a full kitchen, our own laundry facilities and more. It was great traveling like this with little kids. We ate most of our meals in, and Jeff and I enjoyed our evenings together after the kids were down. The owner is an angler (fisherman), fishing freshwater salmon, mostly on the Rogue River. He brought us his fresh catch two nights that week, and we enjoyed the most amazing salmon one night and brought the rest home to enjoy.
Here’s the loft with a few pictures of the property and some fun details.
Kids, I cannot believe I really did get on to this. (I never have.) I so enjoyed seeing pictures doing so many different things. Little Emma seemed to enjoy it too…even taking naps on Dad’s back ! I am sure Eva enjoyed a lot more now that she is older also, and the place sounded and looked ideal for having kids along. Even laundry and fish supplied.!! Long drive, but you could share driving.
Heard about your day at Disneyland too from Jim’s. Hope you got my check for Eva and can get her what she wants. Just had to comment…and maybe I can see more in future. I am having one heck of a time with new cell phones and new ones around house as well. Just cannot get the hang of it. ! Love to All, G,G, Reed
The pictures of Emma are so cute!!!!