Last time on the blog I mentioned I was heading to Oregon to renew my visa. Once plans were finalized, Brad got a gleam in his eye. He said, let me teach you how to smuggle. What?! He quickly got on Amazon and ordered up a storm. I would be carrying the booty from Oregon to Mexico, praying for the green light at immigration. I didn’t fully understand the process and this was my first time traveling to Mexico, alone. I assumed they would check my bags no matter what. As long as you get the green light, you skip the bag search. How cool is that?! I also smuggled in my Mom’s oatmeal raisin cookies. Once you start smuggling, you can’t stop!
Enough about my smuggling. I was in Oregon to spend some time with my parents. My Mom recently moved back to town and I was thrilled to be able to see both parents without making two trips. My Dad picked me up in Medford, Oregon and we enjoyed a 2.5 hour drive to Brookings. We chatted up a storm and were home before we knew it.
The following day I had the pleasure of meeting his girlfriend and celebrating her birthday. I swear I ate more chips and salsa at her house than I’ve eaten in all of Mexico! Thank you for the hospitality, Lisa!
The rest of the trip was spent hiking with my Mom and shopping at Fred Meyer! For those of you that have never heard of Fred Meyer, it’s a pretty big deal in Brookings. They don’t call it a one stop shop for nothing. I took full advantage and picked up some items that are impossible to get in Mexico. Like real Q-Tips! There was also a mandatory Wild River Pizza Trip thrown in for good measure. Best pizza on the Oregon Coast!
My Mom has always been a hiker. I have lovely memories of hiking with her and my brother. She had a pistol on her hip with a belt full of bullets just in case we ran into a bear or cougar. My brother and I were armed with BB Guns or sling shots. This time we skipped the weapons and brought the puppies instead. If you ever stop in Brookings, make time for a coastal hike. There are plenty of trails to explore, and they are worth every step. The first hike we took was about 3 miles round trip that led us down to the ocean. The coast was BREEZY that day. It would make for some exciting sailing! 
The next day we went to the Natural Bridges trail and our senses were overloaded as we descended. The trails go through the forest down to the cliffs with so much green in between! 
It doesn’t take long before you are viewing the natural bridges…
The views get better as you go further down the trail. 
While it’s easy to look at the ocean, there is beauty on the ground too. Spring time is gorgeous! 
While the hikes were lovely, spending quality time with my parents was the best. Each of them are so strong and have taught me so much. I’m so thankful that they are so supportive of our crazy sailing adventure! It was difficult to leave them and head back to Mexico. I had all the feels as I said good bye to each of them and I’m already looking forward to seeing them again. Hopefully next time Brad and Sydney will be there too!
My return trip to Mexico began at 12:30am with a 2.5 hour drive to the airport. Stops in Portland and San Diego. My stop in San Diego was a 5 hour layover and I was lucky enough to have company! My old boss, Nikki, made the trek to the airport. It was awesome to catch up with her and our time went way too fast! I’m keeping my fingers crossed for a real San Diego visit to do more catching up!
The last flight of the day left on time and San Diego slowly disappeared as the plane headed south. It’s mind boggling to think we made the trip south in Perspective 6 months ago. What a journey it’s been so far!
The plane flew over the Sea of Cortez and my curiosity was in overdrive as I gazed at the islands below. This summer Brad and I will be exploring these islands up close and personal. 
Before I wrap up this post, I have to brag about my Mom’s creativity. Before the trip started she asked me to pick up anything that caught my eye and bag it up for her. This trip I came armed with shells for her. She picked these succulents on our hike and made good use of the shells! What a cute idea!!!
Well my friends, I hope you’ve enjoyed this blog. And if you ever end up smuggling booty to us, don’t say you learned it from me! We hope this blog finds you happy, healthy and having a great day!