Saturday, September 28, 2013

Borderlands















Top: Gap; Pants: H&M (similar spendsimilar splurge); Shoes: Sperry Topsider

This weekend we crossed the border into Washington, about fifteen minutes north. It's odd to me that I can drive for a few minutes and be in a totally different state, complete with sales tax and an entirely different sort of people than the downtown Portlandites. I think the scenery even changes, though that's perhaps just my perception of the states. We have been hunting for a good little wetlands location near Portland as it's one of our favorite hobbies and finally found the gorgeous Steigerwald Lake and Wildlife Refuge. After hiking about 1.75 miles out on a pretty dike bordering the Columbia River, we reached a gorgeous lake and by walking slowly and quietly saw a host of wildlife including an up-close red-tailed hawk, a little green tree-frog, a ton of woodpecker, some kestral, vultures, heron, and very cute wood ducks and mallards. We also encountered angry wasps and Ben locked the keys in the car, but all in all it was an insanely gorgeous day in the clouds and off-and-on rain.

Getting out of the city on the weekends is doing wonders for my work-week mood. I so appreciate the city after being out in the rain and weather walking around the gorgeous rural areas of the Portland/Washington area. It's nice to breath a bunch of fresh air and have some quiet time with Ben.  If you're trapped indoors this weekend with a cold or just due to the slanted rain, I hope these photos give you a glimpse of the woods as well. 

19 comments

  1. Gosh, love this outfit! Those boots are wonderful.
    The idea of getting out into the fresh air on the weekends sounds like such a nice idea. Little getaways are my favorite!

    Best,
    Danielle
    http://awriterinlove.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. You just solidified the fact that I need a new button up. Thank you.

    Sincerely,
    Dani Rose
    http://sincerelydanirose.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. You got some great shots. It's good to get away sometimes.

    I also really like your boots. I wish I could get a pair that didn't look ridiculous on me.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh no! I hate locking my keys in the car - at least you had fun and got a great hike in!!

    Loving your hiker chic look, too!

    xo, Nina
    afterthe40barfinish

    ReplyDelete
  5. wow. the backdrop is incredibly gorgeous! and i'm loving the cobalt blue beanie!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Your photos are absolutely STUNNING!! Even though your photos are great, I'm sure they don't do the beauty of the scenery complete justice!

    xoxo Jackie
    http://somethingaboutthatthing.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  7. Wow what a gorgeous place! I think I'm gonna have to take a trip down there. The scenery is just incredible. It's been years since I've seen a wild frog, too :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. These pictures are absolutely gorgeous! And I love your cute outdoorsy outfit!
    xo Dina
    Sweetest Somethings 

    ReplyDelete
  9. what a fun hiking day...so jealous u get to live near so much great outdoor stuff! u look great girl love ur beanie :)

    XO Meghan
    citrus fashion

    ReplyDelete
  10. These photos are so beautiful!

    xo Amy

    ReplyDelete
  11. Yay for getaways! Portland seems like it has such a diverse terrain and always is gorgeous. I guess that makes up for the bikes! Plus you are so close to Washington and this area is gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  12. A nice getaway is always refreshing! You captured so many beautiful photographs!

    Congratulations on your 1st tv experience!! SOOO amazing!

    Ashley

    xx
    http://www.GoldenDivineBlog.com

    ReplyDelete
  13. The hat!! I love the color! The scenery looks so nice by the way, and just by looking at the pictures I can tell that the weather was just the perfect crisp fall temperature. It looks like you had an awesome time!

    astro-aspirations.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. Love the fall look you've got! Such an awesome hat!

    ReplyDelete
  15. When we lived in the city, we use to love driving out into nature. So much so, that in the end we moved there!! ;) And these photos are absolutely magical - what a stunning place!!

    xo
    By The Shore

    ReplyDelete
  16. I love your boots! And this whole atmosphere is so beautiful.

    Xo, Hannah

    sweetsweetnoir.net

    ReplyDelete

© kelsey malieMaira Gall