Revelation 12:11: Cherries and Redwoods

Post from Thursday:

I didn’t have a chance to write yesterday because by the end of the night, both cherries and a two-mile run had plumb wore me out. I know what you’re thinking… two miles? Really Amy? That’s pretty pathetic. But combine the run with eating almost an entire pound of cherries I bought at Pike Place Market in Seattle yesterday morning, and you’ll figure it out.

We had a lovely morning exploring the market yesterday before we left Seattle. Layla came with us this time, as we were told dogs were welcome in most parts of the market. As mentioned before, I indulged myself in fresh fruit (white cherries, raspberries, peaches, oh my!), and we both got piroshky’s from this amazing bakery for breakfast. And yes, I did the cliché thing and bought a coffee from the original Starbucks location… blah blah blah.

We marveled at the beautiful, cheap bouquets of flowers and Jordan promised me that if we weren’t traveling on the road right now, I’d be getting one of those bouquets. I’ll just have to take his word on it. And watching the fish get thrown was a highlight, too. Layla really enjoyed all the smells.

However, we learned something new again about our cute, furry little traveler… she does not like golden statues of pigs. Jesus doesn’t either, kid. Amen.

Before we left town, Jordan decided to get his hair cut at this place next to the campground. No worries… his facial hair will remain untouched until the end of this 5-week leave (yippee!), but his hair needed some attention. $21 and the Worst Hair Cut Ever later, he left very unhappy and uneven. We ended up spending more money in Eugene to get it fixed. Don’t go to Hair Masters in Bellevue, WA. You’ve been warned.

After Jordan’s hair issues were dealt with (I swear he’s usually not this HM*), we browsed through the University of Oregon’s Duck Store, bought a tee, and strapped on our running shoes. When we were here two years ago, Hayward Field was closed for repairs. A devastating day in Jordan’s life, for sure. But this year, some people setting up for a meet were kind enough to allow us to run a few laps around the famous track, thus fulfilling and checking off one of his “dream sheet” items. And after our run, we even got pizza. He was one happy man last night.

Today, we are on our way to Redwood National Park, where we will briefly set up our camper for one night and enjoy the sights.

We made it to Redwood State and National Park this afternoon! All I can say is, WOW. We are sooo soo small, and our God is soo soo big to create such massive beauties. I am completely breath taken. And our pictures will not do these trees justice.

We are camping at Elk Prairie Campground, a beautiful little place with huge Redwoods surrounding every site. It finally feels like we are camping after over a week on the road. No more parking lots for us!

We enjoyed a nice steak, broccoli, and mac ‘n’ cheese dinner, and then took a short walk on one of the trails. We had plans to enjoy the rest of the evening by a campfire, as we haven’t had a chance to burn any of our wood yet. Alas, as soon as we got back to the site, a thunderstorm took over our fun and rained us out. Jordan still made a fire though to burn up the wood, as we don’t have room for it anymore.

Why, might you ask? Well, my woodworking hubster of a man just couldn’t resist stopping by a place that was selling chunks of Redwood and he purchased a couple LARGE pieces. He has plans to make a table out of one of them, and bowls out of another. I can’t wait!

Tomorrow we go to San Jose and spend the weekend with my oldest, bestest friend Megan. We’ve known each other since we were 3, and it’s been a year since I’ve seen her. I can’t wait to explore San Francisico with her and eat yummy food!

*High Maintenance (adj.): describing one who takes excessive amounts of time, energy, and resources to please and even then, is probably not fully satisfied.