Traveling in the time of COVID-19

We braved our first flight since the start of the pandemic for an end of summer trip to the Pacific Northwest (Portland --> Olympic National Park --> San Juan Island, Washington --> Seattle). It was something we had planned before the shutdown and we went back and forth many times about whether to go or cancel. But in the end, we decided to go for it and I'm SO happy that we did. 

We basically spent the entire week outside. Hiking, canoeing, whale watching, beer tasting, outdoor dining ... it was one of the best trips I've ever taken. As you can see from the photos, summer weather in the PNW can go from 90 degrees and tank tops to 50s/60s and sweatshirts, so I'm very happy we packed our layers. Here are a few of the highlights:

Portland Japanese Garden:

Outdoor dining at The Red Hills Market in Oregon wine country:

Molly taking in the view:

Family selfie at Lake Quinault Lodge:

Hiking the temperate rain forest in Olympic National Park:

Ruby Beach:

Whale watching from Lime Kiln Point State Park:

Orca whales! We were lucky enough to see a few on our whale watching tour:

Double rainbow in Friday Harbor, the cutest little island town ever:

Smelling the good smells at the Pelindaba Lavender Farm: 

Mother and daughter - outdoor dinner (and beer tasting for the adults) at the San Juan Island Brewery:

We're now dreaming big dreams of retiring in Washington State. Ha! Who knows if that will happen, but I do know we will definitely go back!