A dog in the lap is worth two in the window

Mia. You are beyond cute. You love to snuggle. You think I'm the jam. You love to play with great danes. But you are gassy. Real, real, gassy. Next time you come over let's work on that, shall we?

Mal

go see

Each night in September, birds called Vaux's Swifts migrate south and roost in a chimney of an old elementary school in downtown Portland (largest known roosting site in the world, ps). They are tiny, black, bat-like birds that gather at sunset, and suddenly enter the chimney, creating swirling formations and attracting predator hawks. If you are in Portland, I highly recommend taking a blanket, snacks, and join the hundreds of people that watch the show each night. It was amazing. We went again last night, and Jon and I were the only ones of the group that had the honor of being pooped on.




Don't forget your swift costume.

And as I mentioned above, sitting close is exciting, but in the poop splash zone, so weigh the risks.

Hall Travel Gallery

Although at sometimes disputed, Jon has great (well, passable) fire-making skills. And is partially transparent here.

"Chateau" can mean many different things to many different people. (Can you find me?)

When in Cave Junction, do as the Cave Junctioners do.

All worthy enormous trees should be named and labeled. A six mile hike, however, may not be the best way to see one. So I might have stretched the truth in my last post, but who cares. It felt like seven.

Great ideas happen after laying awake for hours the night before, worrying about bears. (Thus, s'more pancakes with a touch of maple. Genius!)

Always stop and check out things that have the word "devil" associated with it. Guaranteed good.

Always have a plan B.

Travelling, Hall style

When camping, it is important to loose yourself in nature, but don't get too lost. When you go to set up camp and realize you forgot your tent poles at home, having a store nearby to buy a new shelter is essential.

Estimate at least two hours to make a fire.

Try to stay in remote mountian hotels with minimal frills and comfortable lodges. A seemingly minimum entrance age of 65 is a plus.

If you feel like a seven mile hike, skip it and go with the two miler. Trust me.