Oh Mylanta! I actually have a day off and a moment to write! I took a few weeks off from the blog at the beginning of this month while I was working extra hours at my full-time job before traveling and then of course a week off to enjoy said travels, so it’s nice to finally play some catch up.

So let’s get to it!

Any time the seasons change I feel like we have a need for change as well. Whether it’s a tattoo, hair color change, exploring a new hobby, or traveling.. there’s just something we need to shake up a little bit so we feel like we’ve evolving as well. I opted to stick with the tattoos and hair color I have and instead booked a trip back to Oregon for a quick visit.

Since the trip was short we made sure to make the most of it and packed in several of my remaining Oregon Bucket List items and then some. Within 72 hours I had been to the ocean, hiked through the Painted Hills, hiked Smith Rock, explored a mile long underground cave, hiked to Paulina Falls, walked through obsidian filled trails around a lake, and then sat in hot springs so hot they could poach an egg! I had one full day in Portland to see friends and then flew out the next morning.

When I flew into Oregon I had this sense of coming home. It felt like I had just been on an extended trip and was finally returning, but that’s also how I feel now when I fly into Iowa. Neither place is better or worse, they each have people that I deeply care about, and they both hold memories that have shaped me into who I am now. They’re both just home to me.

It was bittersweet to leave, but I know I’ll be back again soon and hopefully for a longer period of time. Next up on the adventure list: The Grand Canyon! All that hiking around the high desert in Oregon got me excited for hiking the desert around the southwest. I’ll keep you all updated on my preparation for the trip and of course you can follow along during the journey on my personal Instagram!