Raglan, NZ Reminiscing

I’m not gonna lie, this 7-day forecast of rain and gloom is hitting me hard. I love fuzzy socks and oversized cozy sweaters as much as the next girl, but I am getting impatient waiting for warm summer nights and for my friends to come out of hibernation mode (Something that typically occurs here between the month of November-March.) I was scrolling through my Photos Library and came upon the warm sunny Raglan photos at the start of my trip last year. What I wouldn’t give to go back here. Right. Now.

Mt Karioi

If you ever find yourself exploring the North Island of New Zealand, please promise me you will visit my favorite town I ever stumbled into. Raglan was one of those places that wasn’t on my “plan” when I was mapping out where I wanted to travel to, but I’m so glad I ended up here, many thanks to my free spirited best-best-best friend, Abbie. We met up with Steve and Ryan for a weekend filled with Good George Beer, Fish and Chips Takeaways, and  new card games. Friend Tip: Show me a new game and win a piece of my heart forever.

It was in this adorable little surf town that I found Three Little Birds, a shop filled with delectable little treasures just waiting to be gobbled up. Tony, originally from Jamaica, owns this little charming place and I got to spend an entire week working on their social marketing, running around the town with a beautiful Canadian gal taking photos of the clothes and accessories sold there.

If you ever find yourself in this little gem of a town:

• Try surfing
• Hit up Mt. Karioi
• Make friends with the locals + travellers
• Enjoy as much brunch as you possibly can

 

Home, Sweet Home. (Back Home from New Zealand)

Wow it’s been too long since I’ve jumped on here. Looking back to when I first started this page I had no idea how the blog platform worked other than posting a few photos and typing some captions. More than a year later I have designed website for some awesome clients, graduated from college, and started my spark of traveling the world.

 

Anyways, I am switching to a new style that I hope will take off to something exciting. Follow along at Hello Adventure Co.

www.helloadventureco.com

Upcoming are some excellent posts of my two months in New Zealand, (I have notes upon notes that I have been collecting over there waiting for decent wifi) and my spontaneous trip to Cali.

After that…

Yosemite?

Greece/Croatia

WA Coast/Olympic Range

Aussie?

LOTS MORE.

(You could say I have the bug.)

Thank you guys for being so patient, good stuff is on the way. Perhaps after I rid my closet of all the extras that didn’t fit into my backpack for the last 8 weeks. (Inspired by this article and the wonderful creation of the minimalist fashion blog that is un-fancy.)

Olympic Peninsula

I have had such a relaxing spring break so far. Abbie and I met up with my friend Chuck. This man knows how to take portraits, let me tell you. (Don’t take my word for it, check out his blog.) We took the ferry to Kingston and drove passed Port Angles up to Hurricane Ridge. We had a beautiful 17 mile drive up the mountain road with plenty of places to stop and appreciate the scenery.

 

We weren’t quite ready to wrap up our trip, so we looked up other nearby places and I discovered the most WONDERFUL tool. WTA (Washington Trail Association) has an app that allows you to access trip reports and nearby trails and parks. I am still getting to know our beautiful landscape and I love how it lets you see what trails people are using in the early weeks of spring. I can’t wait to cross off some hikes as the seasons warm up.

Diablo Lake (check)

Rattlesnake Ridge (check check check, lol)

Summerland

+++++

We did however, found a place that I’ve never heard of.

Lake Aldwell.

Found on Elwha River, this spot has changed drastically over the past two years. With the removal of the dam, there is not much running water– revealing what used to be at the bottom of the lake: hundreds of axed tree stumps. It allowed for some really great shots.

  

 

Stay tuned for more photos as the week continues!

If anyone has any suggestions, please share!

The “Town” of Woodway

Edmonds waterfront is a prime location for viewing on a sunny day like yesterday. (Also known for restaurants like Demetris and Arnies. My friend Stella and I decided we were going to stop by my new favorite coffee shop, Red Twig and bust out some homework. This place has open mic nights every Thursday and some very awesome people who will serve you coffee. (Kitchen is usually open until 3pm, and serves paninis, quesedillas, and salads)

The sun was too tempting however and I had to get to work, but not before we got some really cool shots up on the hill.

Reminscing the Past: Crescent Bar

One of those memories that was purely awesome primarily because of the people you were with. This was last summer, when all of my best friends went on a roadtrip to Crescent Bar to see John Mayer at the Gorge.

We stayed at Wild Horse Campground in George, Wa. I was pretty impressed with how our campsite turned out (Photo below). A tip for you all: DON’T FORGET LIGHT. We spent every night in the dark because someone forgot the lantern. (Not pointing fingers though!)

The drive down was amazing. We took the scenic route, stopping at Snoqualmie Falls. Also drove passed these awesome wind towers. Live it.

Overall was an awesome trip. With awesome friends!