Summer 2025 Trippin'
UPCA Bryce Summit & Girl's Camp, Moab June 9-13
Ward Pioneer Trek, Wyoming, June 23-26
Youth Bryce Summit June 30-July 2
So Cal July 2-July 6
Bear Lake Taylor Family Reunion July 10-13
Pac Northwest Family Road Trip July 18-27
Callie in Kauai & Oahu July 27- August 12
Aside from researching a few things for our So Cal trip, the other trips during the summer were pretty much planned by someone else. Our big summer vacay, however, was my baby. A bucket list trip for me. These things take time, research, and reservations. I have a love/hate with it. I love the exploring that goes along with it. I hate how much time it takes.
I wanted everyone on the "same page", so I emailed the itinerary ahead of time, as well as having a copy, in a page protector, in the back of each seat. You are welcome.
You are reading that right, our trip would take us through: UTAH, NEVADA, OREGON, CALIFORNIA, WASHINGTON, AND IDAHO. Estimated driving time, 40 hours in ten days.
I was glad Ava was able to get work off to join us because that is a long time for Callie to be with just the parentals. Grayson had no interest in such a feat, and I don't believe Graham would have either, had he been home. It was time to take advantage of no wet blankets and hit the road;)
Grayson was, however, part of the itinerary, giving us a ride to pick up the rental car. (The car we reserved was in Salt Lake, which turned out to be perfect since Matt and I had some additional business to attend to downtown as well.) There was no way we were going to drive the Venza all that way. The back windows are so darn tinted you can scarcely see out of them, and this was to be a scenic road trip. We had reserved a minivan, but upon arrival, we were told they had been recalled. Instead, the employee seemed excited to "upgrade" us to a big ol' SUV. A gas guzzler. I explained that we were road-tripping, and that would not do. He took us to the lot and let us choose. I have been curious about a Hyundai Palisade, so we picked that since we needed plenty of storage space. Not only would we be feasting out of a cooler for most of our meals, but I was bringing Katrina's trunk. Matt wondered if I should ask first. However, she has expressed wishing that she had it, and so now was the time. Besides, it wasn't an option. Basically, "Here is your stuff. If you want it, great. If you don't, figure out what to do with it." He agreed, and into the back it went. We had some weight in that Palisade!
Bonneville Salt Flats
This trip was a reminder to enjoy the beauty. Just because we have passed something a dozen times, it is now part of our sightseeing adventure. We stopped for lunch at the Bonneville Salt Flats. We were happy to have our cooler during the ten-day trip because the places we stopped did not offer any services...
I saw to it.
As I opened the cooler to rummage, Callie noted all of our favorites, "You know just what we like to eat!" Yay! (Let's see if she is still saying that on day ten.)
On the first leg of the journey, a semi passed us and kicked up a rock big enough to put a nick in the windshield. The smack was so loud! Wondering what to do, I took a photo of the truck, the chip, and the mile marker. Just in case we need to testify in a court of law in front of a grand jury.
"Your Honor, we were in Crescent Valley, at approximately 1800 hours, Friday, July 18, 2025..."
We stopped in Elko to say hello to the Gouldings and see their recent renovations. I marvel that my siblings are in a constant state of reno. Both the upstairs and downstairs baths had undergone a complete overhaul. Wow. So beautiful. We showed them our itinerary, and there was no arguing; chop-chop, we had a schedule to keep.
Dinner was at one of Brent's recommendations in Winnemucca, NV, Sid's diner. Matt loves a diner.
I love a good sunset! This one showed off perfectly. We rested our heads for our first night.
Our lodging in Winnemucca was the last familiar place we would stay for a while. The rest of the way, we would be off the beaten path, with no Marriotts. I gave a heads up that the motels may be a bit sketch. "It's good for ya," I told them.
Klamath Falls, OR
We were happy that the Shilo Inn, though outdated, was not too bad! I believe it was Ava who researched the hike for us that evening. What was not in the reviews was that it was covered in spiderwebs. My black leggings, by the end of the hike, were white striped.
The view was lovely as we wound around Klamath Lake.
Fifteen years ago, when we were in Oregon, we ate at Abby's Legendary Pizza. As much as Matt loves a diner, he equally loves a pizza parlor, and he loves me, so we had to go! The pizza lives up to the name; it is legendary. Klamath was a quaint town.
I decided my roots were bugging me too badly, so I went to Walmart, bought some dye, and touched them up that evening, right in the hotel room.
Crater Lake, OR
Did you know that this is the last summer to hike down to the lake for boat tours for the next several years? I did not realize this till I began researching tickets, which made me all the more determined that this was the year!
The drive took 45 minutes through Crater Lake National Park. The first glimpse of Crater Lake is awe-inspiring. I was GIDDY.
After parking and confirming our tickets on the roster, we began our 1.1-mile hike down the Cleetwood Trail. Up close, the lake is just as blue. Royal blue. I haven't seen anything like it. It was the same color as the sides of the boat. Feeling rightly selfish, I went ahead and took the side seat for the best views.
We learned of the Old Man of the Lake. He is a sun-bleached log that has been bobbing along vertically for the past 120 years, though he is roughly 450 years old. He creates a Where's Waldo experience for both tourists and guides.
As we sped along, the wind picked up and took Callie's hat. Lucky for her, it only flew a couple of rows back. Uh-hm, you will note on the itinerary that it explicitly states to bring a hat "that won't blow off your head" (another good reason Graham wasn't there, I could wear his hat. Callie would go on to lose her hat eventually sometime on our trip).
Our shirts.
As a top contender for one of the cleanest lakes in the United States, there is a place on the lake, away from the dock, where you can fill your water bottle straight out of the lake.
Photos with tourists, and without the tourist.
But they were there, they were there.
I don't know if it was the elevation or what, but the hike back to the parking lot killed me. I can see why they are closing the trail to improve the switchbacks. Not sure if you can make them out from this photo.
We made it!
The girls climbed to the top with no problem, but didn't want to wait at the car due to the vultures looking for a spot to park.
Matt found us a nearly perfect spot for lunching, albeit a bit close to the loo. As dreamy as the Crater Lake experience is, the loos were equally opposite. For that reason, we chose the forest over the loo.
Forests for dayzzz.
Matt took my itinerary and turned it old school by mapping out our route in an Atlas he picked up at One Stop. The road would next lead us out of Oregon for a spell into California.
Crescent City, CA
We spent an ample amount of time outdoors that evening...anything to keep us out of our room:/ Upon checking in, there seemed to be a line of people complaining about one thing or another.
Lighthouse Jetty
At the motel, the sign out front read, "Sorry."
Not "Sorry, No Vacancy."
Just, "Sorry."
I guess they know they are falling short and don't plan to do anything about it.
At the beach, Ava etched out the words: SORRY, into the sand.
What they did not need to apologize for was that sky!!!! This was more than a sunset, it was a phenomenon.
Matt mighta could've apologized for being a John Candy in the bathroom:)
We checked out first thing and headed to...
Redwood National Park,
which was just a hop-skip. As soon as we entered, we were immersed in the morning fog. The girls requested Folklore on the stereo, which was perfect, and finally something we could all agree to listen to.
The forest was indeed a folklore moment.
Above: Taylor. Below: Ava
One of the trails that Ava had looked up promised to take us to the BIG TREE. We kept asking Ava, "Is this the big tree?"
"Nope!"
"How will we know???"
"You'll know."
My neck actually got tired from looking up.
We spent the day exploring the forest.
Elk in the meadow.
At first, we could only see the tops of the elk's antlers, then they treated us by standing up. Passerby's hushed in awe.
We drove up the coast to Brookings, OR, to spend the night. As soon as we settled into our room, we realized we again wanted to spend as much time as possible out of it. Thankfully, there was another jetty nearby.
We also found an amazing fish n' chips pub. A hot meal tastes amazing when one has been feasting from a cooler. I was certain we had ordered too much food when each decided on the fish n' chips, but we gobbled all of it. I have an image in my mind of that dinner. Warm and glowing, laughter and chatter.
Chatter like logs being tossed up from the sea.
We wandered the Marketplace till we were sleepy. I will say that for the sketchy places we stayed in, I sure slept hard. This was great for feeling like a champ during the day on our adventures. Also, so I could take my turn at the wheel from time to time. I drove the Oregon Coast so I could stop and take a peek as my heart desired.
The Oregon Coast
Sea Lion Caves
I hadn't planned on it, but the signs along the way directed us to Sea Lion Caves in Florence, OR. I am so glad we stopped! Seeing animals in their natural habitat is a hundred times more thrilling than any zoo setting. As I purchased tickets, I asked, "Are there seals in the cave today?"
The lady said, "There are about 50 inside the caves and as many outside as well. Is that enough for you?"
"That'll do!"
The worker in the elevator taking us down seemed as though he would rather be anywhere but there. I couldn't even catch his eye for a smile.
The caves! We could see sea lions galore. If one was sunning itself in a spot that another sea lion wanted, it would climb up the rock and holler in the face of the resting sea lion, till it would get off the rock. That's one way to do it.
Seeing them all nestled together down on the rocks was giving the girls the creeps a little bit, like they were rats or something.
Up the road, only Matt and I opted to get out at the next stop. Was the coast starting to look the same?
We stopped in Tillamook and ate at their version of the Beaver Creamery. Ava picked up a sweatshirt for Tate. Clarification, for Alivia to give to Tate.
We drove nearly the entire coast of Oregon on our way to Seaside on July 22nd, stopping at Haystack Rock.
Cannon Beach, OR.
Seaside, OR
The colors of the hostile immediately made me say, "It's the colors from Caps for Sale," a family favorite (and I've always loved the color combo!)
Furthermore, out front was a character painting rocks that looked exactly like Luna Lovegood's father, Xenophilius.
I kid you not.
We befriended him. I left with one of said rocks.
At the hostel in Seaside, OR, we shared a community fridge and convo with the other tenants. Some were just passing through, others had been there, with no immediate plans for departure, such as Xenophilius.
To Seattle!
Katrina and Michael's House
Nestled on a quiet street, with big trees, their rental is just as quaint as can be. They have only been in it since May.
Their house is downtown, making the city walkable. We just did that and walked around the corner to a delicious Mexican restaurant for dinner. Matt said to me as we brought up the back of the pack, "Look at them." He loves to see his kids enjoying each other.
Kat was glad I brought her trunk and started looking through it right away. On top were the paper dolls that my mom made for her years ago. She lifted the box, "Ahh, Granny." We were going to find a Laundromat but Katrina and Michael were gracious and offered their washer and dryer. I've never seen a set with a 15 minute wash cycle. We were able to do all our laundry, washed and dried, in probs an hour! We played a game while we waited. It felt so great to be in with them in their darling home. Katrina can also walk to Seattle University, where she will begin a master's program this fall.
The cats, Cookie and Biscuit, have a pretty sweet gig as well.
We were able to check into our hotel room before dark. Our room was right downtown and had a great view. It was nice to be somewhere swankified again. Though people are quite comfortable, men in particular, with having their curtains wide open. The hotel had a delicious breakfast in the concierge lounge every morning, which we had access to, as well as hors d'oeuvres in the evening, should one be able to eat that many chicken nuggets.
Oft, when I pillage Matt's phone for vacation photos, I see that he and I have taken similar shots. I seem to like his better! I won't tell you whose is whose. And now Ava has thrown her hat into the ring!
Public Market Center, Seattle, WA, July 24, 2025
We walked just a couple of blocks to the market the next morning to meet up with Katrina and Michael for shopping fun.
Matt bought himself and Katrina matching Algis rune necklaces for a birthday gift. "You are now under my protection."
There was something for everyone. We showed Michael a book titled The Joys of Getting Older, which was full of blank pages. Hey, maybe you can fill it with your own joys! We all laughed hard enough that he bought it for his dad's birthday. Ava and Michael are both middle children. They share a sense of humor.
I had my heart set on buying a cannoli at the market. I wanted it filled with ricotta cheese, but all they had was cream cheese. The sign said, "Ours are made with cream cheese, don't even ASK!"
Okeeee. I went on my way.
The never-ending flower bouquets always take my breath away, as well as the rows of produce.
Ava, being corny as always.
The day was sunny and warm and lovely. I have actually never been to Seattle when it is rainy or even cloudy. We visited the gum wall. And yes, we added our own contributions. The wall is just around the corner from the fish market, but it feels like you have entered Knockturn Alley. Ozzy had just passed—it seemed a good place to commemorate that.
Once back out on the street, we could see our next destination,
the Space Needle
We rode to the top for a 360° view of the city. It took me a hot minute to realize the spiders were only painted to look three-dimensional.
We spent our 20th Anniversary in Seattle, 11 years ago.
Chihuly Garden and Glass
We saw things on this trip that we didn't see last time. I was happy to see glass-blowing. The entire Chihuly museum is beautiful.
We had plans to ride the ferry to Bainbridge that evening for dinner, but during the film at the end of the tour, Katrina said she was feeling beat, and they would see us the next day. We walked to the pier, but once we saw the sun set, none of us felt like riding it either. I was happy for the flexibility.
,
There is no way to get down to the water, we discovered.
That must have been the reason Katrina chose to drive north, to a beach, for her birthday, the next day.
July 25, 2025
Katrina's 29th!
We each brought our own lunches and books to read. We walked to Target earlier to fulfill that assignment. I wanted a good home mag, but those are hard to find nowadays. Instead, I bought a big, clunky home decor book, which made Kat and Michael laugh. Ironically, the designer is from Salt Lake City. I dozed as I read, and when I woke up, I saw that many had done the same or were reading. What a delightful day.
And just for the heck of it, at one point, Katrina did a polar plunge. She knew it would be cold, but it was much colder than she anticipated!
From there, we went on a lovely hike. The photo would make our Christmas card '25.
Katrina loves to hug trees, too!
Michael made a cherry pie from scratch—amazing. Instead of whipped cream, I used cottage cheese. The girls noted that I am on a cottage cheese kick lately.
We ate on paper plates right there in the parking lot. It was perfect.
Katrina found a good one. Michael has a kind heart, he likes cats, and he bakes!
We love that we got to spend so much of her special day with her. They had plans with friends that evening, and we headed back to the city. I suggested the girls ride to Bainbridge without us since they haven't done it, but they opted to join us at Mod Pizza. It had been a long day, and as I mulled over the menu, I heard a guffaw at my possible decision process. I pulled Matt ahead in the line with me to pretend we were on a date—just the two of us.
We all walked to the pier for our nightly sunset. Dreamy.
The walk back required more stairs than we could count. Though I believe Callie
did count them.
After spending a few days in Seattle, I very much wanted to watch "
Where'd You Go, Bernadette?" It wasn't playing on streaming services at the hotel, but Matt figured out how to play it on his iPad (I knew he could do it). Callie and I huddled around it to watch. It worked out okay because Ava had a phone call she wanted to take. Callie agreed, the movie was a perfect Seattle movie.
We brought Callie to Katrina the next morning so they could take her to the airport, while the three of us, Matt, Ava, and I, continued the last leg of our journey to Boise.
The drive out of Seattle towards Idaho isn't the show-stopper that coming into Seattle from Oregon had been.
We had some funky chicken at a place attached to a gas station. The guy looked at us like the guy at the counter on Seinfeld when Kramer orders the hot dog that has been sitting there for who knows how long.
Boise, ID
Matt reserved us a room in Boise for the night. It had been a long day of uneventful driving. A good eight hours' worth. Wowza!
We attended Alivia and Tate's ward the next morning, where they were speaking. They both did such a great job, and it was good to get to know Tate a little better. They fixed us brunch at the home they are staying at for the summer. We visited longer than we had planned on. I don't think any of us were very anxious to get back on the road....again!
The church was adjacent to the Boise Temple, which we could walk around after services. I had wanted to go to the Seattle Temple as well, but it was not meant to be. I need to lean into the phrase, "If it's meant to be, it is up to me," a little better.
Our Pac Northwest trip was prodigious!
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