*this is last night’s post because we had no phone, wifi, TV or AC ❤️

We woke up for the last time in California this morning. Before we started a 3-hour drive into Oregon, we had breakfast and let the boys swim for about an hour. Apparently every parent in the hotel had that same idea because the pool was overflowing with kids 😀

Anyway, we loaded up about 11am and headed north up Highway 101, the Pacific Coast Highway. It was a beautiful view and took us through Redwood State Park in northwest California. I think Mike and I said “I cannot get over how big these trees are” at least 3 times each! I just cannot explain how monumental these things are!!

Along the way, we saw beautiful roadsides… 

And some little towns that were a little scary (think deliverance in a tall forest). We just kept on rolling 😜…

We did stop to see a big herd of mother elk and their babies 

Seriously, how cool is it that along a major highway, a herd of elk are just chilling out?!?!?

We kept going and came to beautiful beach entry so we stopped. Because when are we ever going to have this chance again? Boys did a little wading into the Pacific Ocean. Two major differences with Atlantic Ocean: the sand is dark, like pepper; and Brrrrrr! This ocean is cold!

Your mom says turn around for a picture📸

And boom! Your shorts are wet 😜🌊

And of course, had to make it a family photo op 📸😀

And finally – we made it to Oregon! 🎉

We are staying at the Chateau at the Oregon Caves. We couldn’t figure out why our directions (and extremely spotty cell coverage) kept saying we were only 18 miles away but it would take up about 45 minutes to arrive… And then we started driving up the mountain to the caves… It started as a regular 2-lane road, and it got narrower and narrower and narrower! 

They don’t even try to make it look like a curve because the turns are that sharp!

By the time we arrived, the only way 2 cars could be on this alleged “2-lane road” would be 2 mini-coopers! And we are not driving mini-coopers! Yikes! 😬⛰😬⛰😬⛰

But the Chateau is amazing! It is an 82-year old building. No TV, no Wifi, no AC, and no telephones (other than old school pay phone in a phone booth) But it is just gorgeous! 

 They do close from November to May, and the halls do look a little like the Shining…

Wish I had tricycles for the boys to sit on at end of the hall 😜

But how cute are these rooms 😍

After we got checked in, we met Katie, our Park Ranger, for our tour of the Oregon Caves. WOW!

These are the longest continuous caves in the United States, and we climbed it all – including the 500 stairs! And it is always 43 degrees in the caves no matter what the temperature outside. When you get near the opening, it’s like standing in front of your fridge.

The whole thing was breathtaking, but when you think of the original explorers who climbed into these caves with flashlights and proper gear! 

The boys really liked the scavenger hunt, and learning a whole new vocabulary of stalagmite (katie said to remember you might trip on these) stalactites (Katie said to remember these are holding on tight), a cave kiss (Michael got 9 and Leo got 8 during our tour!), columns, drapery, Flowstone, Igneous, Sedentary, and metamorphic rocks, as well as the history of the caves. 

They are now officially Jr. Park Rangers!

When we finished the cave tour, we had about 90 minutes to kill before dinner and 2 boys – remember I said no wifi or tv – so we decided to hike to the top of Big Tree Trail on Mount Elijah – almost 5000 feet up. I am so so glad we did! First, we saw a doe who clearly had no fear of people! 

And then, we saw the view! 

Oh. My. Word! 

There is no way you can see this and not know that there is a God. Wow! 

Look at these 2 heartbreakers!

And of course, family pictures!!!

This was a really awesome day! The no phone, wifi and television thing really made us all slow down and take a breath! Even the boys said “I like this old timey place!” Me too boys❤️

Now we are off to Eugene, Oregon, home of the Oregon Ducks, to do a little trout fishing! 🎣