Road trips = lots of time on the road! Always up for enjoying the journey, I love to stop and enjoy the views along the way to make my road trip a lot of fun!
Twin Falls!
Holding newborn babies along the way is always a bonus on a road trip! Reconnecting with family, priceless!
The deep reds and peeling paint on an old grey barn draw us back in time to what people have called a “simpler life”. To me, the reds represent the warmth and love of family. The barn is a reminder of how the family works hard to take care of each other because of that love. This is what draws me to the red barns of Palouse.
How do you get to Palouse?
Follow 26!
You will be welcomed with a sign that looks like this:
You will know you are in the right place if you see a lot of this:
And this:
Hay
And many of these:
Old and New Farm Equipment
And these:
And these:
Homes of Long Ago
And pops of color such as these:
And barns of red, grey and brown such these:
But most of all, you will know you are traveling along the Palouse Scenic Byway if you can see rolling hills that go as far as your eyes can see.
Climbing as high as you can to see these rolling hills will never disappoint!
Where have I had my heart set on going first this summer?
Yes, I said, “first” because all that I have shared so far is my journey to my destination. See how much fun the journey can be? Why rush to a destination. You might miss something along the way.
So, where did I want to go? Palouse, Washington!
Uh, never heard of it? Photographers flock from all over the world to take photos of this unique area. It is my first time visiting and I have to admit, I fell in love with just about everything!
My next few posts will show you a bit about why Palouse is so special.
My first stop in Washington, The Palouse Falls.
These Falls have been photographed and painted hundreds of times. So today, I will show you both photographs and digitally painted pictures of the Palouse Falls. Enjoy!
Some may find that the long drive from Redmond, Oregon to Kennewick, Washington long and boring.
Not so with this road trip gal!
I felt as if history was flashing before me as I drove each mile. Along with the roadsides of dusty rose-colored flowers and distant mountains are old homes and buildings of long ago.
Many buildings are disintegrating into the ground as nature takes its course, however, each one possesses a story. As I drive, I find it is fun to imagine what that “story” would have been. What were the people like? How did they live? My imagination soars as the miles pass by me.
Going up, up, up!
After stopping for the night, I had the pleasure of paying a short visit to Smith Rock State Park.
Note that I am providing more links to places I visit this summer if you would like to learn more about the locations.
Smith Rock Park has wonderful hiking trails!
Getting closer to my destination I am most excited about seeing and photographing!
One question I am asked the most is, “Are you going alone?” The answer is a resounding. “YES!”
Not that I don’t like company, but traveling with me requires understanding and a creative mind. You would have to be the type of person who loves experiencing the journey and not just reaching the destination. I may be headed toward one destination and take a dirt road in another direction just to see if there is an inspirational gem. I slam on my brakes to turn around just to take a picture of something that suddenly strikes me. While most of my road trips start with a rough plan, things change according to inspiration and whim. You see, my road trip is like a treasure hunt. I am constantly in search for the golden sunrise, a diamond in the rough or silver lining across the horizon.
Another question I am asked is, “Don’t you get lonely?” The fact is, I am never truly alone, so, no. The people I meet along the way often fascinate and inspire me. Everyone has a story to share. This summer, I will also see friends and family along the way.
And so the trip begins…
The first leg of the trip was a bit cloudy and rainy but this was ok because my first night on my journey was to spend time with my high school friend Merriell and her family.
Since this is a looooooong summer trip that will last until August, instead of laying out the whole plan for my trip in this post (the artist in me may make changes), I will be sharing my Western United States wanderings as I travel along my way.
Look closely and you will see weeds intertwined with the flowers.
But what did you naturally see first? The beautiful wildflowers, of course.
Spring is a reminder that while we all experience dark and ugly times in our lives, we have the ability to become even stronger and more beautiful than ever before as we survive these storms.
May we all surround ourselves with strength and beauty that is in our world each and every day.
Here I portray a bit of Eden on Earth this Easter. Enjoy.
can be found in Southern France. It is called Le Lavandin. Our stay here was pure bliss beautiful, restful, and delicious. My mother found this gem for the four of us to stay during our week in Southern France. You know how people say, “A picture is worth a thousand words?” Then please enjoy my pictures, but even better, the beautiful photo’s at Le Lavandin’s website.
I have to confess, I took this picture just for the candle holder. It changes the whole look doesn’t it?
This out door kitchen came in handy after picking up fresh chicken and other goodies at the local market.
Would you believe this restful area and incredible view was right outside our bedrooms?
Our view off our deck.
Sunsets were amazing!
Hidden napping place amongst the lavender!
A secret garden.
A perfect place for me to swim my laps! So much better than the gym!
Dana showing us how to have a meditative walk.
We ate breakfast each morning at this very table surrounded by all this beauty!
I wish I could have breakfast like this every day!
Please visit Le Lavandin website and don’t hesitate to contact Georgia to schedule your stay!
My Travel Treasure 