Portland, Tillamook, and Netarts

I love the drive to Portland.  The Harston family drove up a day before we could and hiked the Colombia River Gorge ... we missed it. But we made it for the Voodoo Doughnuts.  They were lovely.  

As soon as we got to Netarts we headed to the Beach to check out the rocks.  

We stopped at Tillamook to try some cheese and ice cream.  

We stopped at the Rose Garden in Portland.  

 

Grandma Elaine Tucker Harston

June was a happy month.  I am sure my Grandma would agree.  She had lots of family visit her before she passed on.   I saw her art work hanging in the nursing home and found the same picture of her sitting on the bench at her home.  

My cousin Scott came in town and since I didn't want him to leave Utah without at least one adventure I took him rappelling down a waterfall.  He doesn't love heights.  Ella and Abby both brought a friend.  It was a good learning experience.  The water was too powerful for June.  We may try it again when there is a low flow.  Thanks to Scott for saving the day.  A BBQ that night with my parents was great.  Scott spent the next day by our Grandmas side.  I was glad he took a break for dinner and a quick hike to the suspension bridge.  

My Grandma died on June 12the and was buried on June 19th.  On the 12th there was a large Briggs/Harston reunion that I hope she peered in on as she headed to Heaven.  She loved family gatherings.  Scott and his family came back out for the funeral.  We took them hiking and rocking climbing.  

The night before the funeral I hosted a party so my cousins could have a place to visit.  I hope I will still see these cousins now that my Grandma is gone.  

The funeral was nice.  I do not want to be buried in the ground.  Cremate me and through my ashes in the wind.  We had a fun cousin swim party after the funeral.  Taking in all the family time possible.  

 

Peru Day 10: Cusco - a day of favorites

 We had one last day in Cusco.  We wanted to hit up all our favorite places.  I wish we could have more time and more belly space to eat more good food.  We stopped at the most delicious bakery.  The Pages got their favorite popsicles.  The San Pedro market was great for souvenirs.  We tried to see several museums and ruins but they were closed due to COVID.  We were all trying to recover from our massive mosquito bites.  We ate one last meal at Jacks.  I wish I could have eaten more.  We got some tres leche cake and chocolate cake for the road.  It was a beautiful trip with lovely people.  

Peru Day 9: Machu Pichu

We woke up really early to make it to Machu Picchu.  We arrive just shy of 6:00 AM.  Due to.... COVID... we had to walk a certain way with a guide then exit.  No lingering.  We had hoped to hike up to the Sun Gate and Hicchu Picchu but both were closed due to....  

We had perfect weather for the entire trip so we had to have one day with sad weather.  Our view of the city never cleared up.  As we got closer to the ruins we could see things but not the normal standard view. We were glad that it stopped with the total down pour for an hour so we could see things.  

Our guide said you need three days in Machu Picchu to do it justice but we had 2 hours.  We had a few hours to kill in Augus Caliente and then jumped on a train back to Cusco.  We were able to call in an order from Jacks before it closed at 8:00.  We picked it up and raced back to our place to get COVID tested.  We needed a negative test to get back into the USA.  The test was so silly expensive.  

A few favorite from our guide. 

We were his "Primos"- " Lets go Primos"

Never goodbye, only see you later

"For this reason..."