Bathing in Forest Park: Portland OR

Yes, you can bathe in a forest. The Japanese have a term for it: shinrin-yoku.

In Japan, visiting the forest is actually an officially recognized way to decompress.  Apparently, there are numerous studies that show spending time in the woods improves physical and mental wellbeing, and that breathing in what various trees are giving off is part this healthful practice. Simply being “fully present” in the forest is highly rejuvenating.

Seems like forests can be considered the original spa experience: a place where one can clear the senses and cleanse the soul.

So, skip yoga and put your aromatherapy aside for one afternoon. Instead, go straight to the source. If you happen to be in Portland, that would be Forest Park.

Forest Park
Portland, OR

A Lucky Break: Annecy, France

Last summer a baby unicorn fell into my lap.

What I mean is a really great opportunity came my way in the form of a freelance writing assignment for Salomon, which is located in Annecy, France, near the French-Swiss border.

So, to further milk the unicorn metaphor, I hopped on its back and off I went.

Annecy has been described as the "Pearl of the French Alps", which in my humble opinion, is a bit of an understatement. Annecy Lake, Annecy le Vieux (the old city) and the nearby village of Talloires are all beyond stunning. 

The lakeside experience in particular is mind-blowingly gorgeous  – so gorgeous that I felt that I had been dropped into a Conde Naste Traveller magazine center spread. On that that picture-perfect July afternoon, it seemed I had entered into some sort of Alpine dream: a cloudless blue sky and a sparkling lake surrounded by rugged peaks, complete with tanning sun worshippers.

If you are headed to France anytime soon  – check this place out. You won’t be disappointed.

And if a unicorn comes knocking at your door – hop on and go for the ride.

A Weekend to Remember: Astoria OR

Wow. Astoria. Where have you been all my life?

I mean, I’ve lived only two hours away for almost fifteen years, and I’ve definitely been to and been through Astoria. But this time I actually hung out in Astoria and got to know it better, and I’m so glad that I did.

My primary reason for going was to attend the FisherPoets Gathering 2016 for my client Fishpeople Seafood. Before and after the festivities I had lots of down time, so I got to kick around town which allowed me to stumble across things. Sometimes it’s more fun that way.

Here’s a few highlights:

Astoria Riverwalk Inn
This modestly priced inn sits right on the water and offers views that far exceed their rates. The photo above was taken from my room.

The Astoria Bridge
After living many years in San Francisco, I can tell you my bar is high when it comes to bridges. But I must say, the Astoria Bridge is right up there with the best of them. The structure is visually arresting and set against incredible scenery creating multiple photo opps. I find it just as impressive as the Golden Gate Bridge, albeit in a more understated Pacific Northwest way. And like the Golden Gate Bridge, the Astoria Bridge acts as a gateway to the Pacific which gives it a grand sort of feeling

Historic architecture
So many historic buildings are intact and actively used in Astoria, giving this small city a very livable and cohesive feel. The streets are inviting and make you want to meander around.

Custard King
This is not your average ice cream stand. This is Custard King, a beloved Astoria landmark that dates back to the 1950s and was rescued from years of neglect by already-successful and enterprising Portlanders. That’s a good story with a happy ending.

Now, onto the custard.

Never one to pass up a high calorie dairy-infused opportunity, I had a cone. And let me tell you – it was delicious. Apparently this is a Midwestern take on soft serve ice cream.  It’s extremely creamy and not quite as sweet. As a result it tastes homemade and, well, more real – as opposed to something that just gets poured into a machine then churned out as soft ice cream. Definitely worth a stop.

Sea lions
If you’re looking for an adorable sea mammal fix visit the sea lions at Pier 39. I think there were at least a couple hundred lolling about on the rocks – pretty good for a sunny late February afternoon. Sea lions are very vocal and they are fun to watch. They are, quite simply, charming creatures.

Rogue Brewery at Pier 39 has an outdoor deck in close proximity to the sea lion hangout. You you can actually commune with them while you dine. But consider  yourself warned: sea lions are very vocal, plus they have a certain “natural” scent. Depending on which way the wind is blowing, it can envelop you while you chow down on your burger and beer. It's all part of the fun.

Astoria, I'll be back. Soon.