Cure for the Homesick Blues: Oregon

Come April every year, I find myself shoving all my bikes in the back of my car and hightailing it back home to Oregon. Every year I plan on getting some kind of summer job waiting tables or picking cherries in the orchards.... only to be convinced by my parents to spend all day playing with them. It's not a lifestyle anyone can live, it requires a lot of biking, windsurfing, hiking, and exploring. You haven't lived a "full" summer day unless it has involved at least three sports. Long live the 3-sport day!

Again, it is not for the weak, my friends.

At times, we'll all make side comments like "geez, it's embarrassing that all we do is play", but then we just shrug our shoulders and say, "but somebody's gotta do it."

Gang's all here 

So when we made the smartest "adult-like" decision to stay in Provo and go to school/work, I was pretty distraught. Frankly, I still am. Nothing beats a Hood River summer, I don't care what all you ambitious people say. I've had this conversation with a lot of friends and they tend to go straight to the "I would get bored with all that time on my hands" comment. Hmmm. That's still a foreign concept to me and flirts with blasphemy.

Whether working really provides joy or not (that's another debate for another time), my dilemma of being hopelessly homesick still needed to be solved. So badda-bing badda-boo we decided to skip work, school, and dental appointments to go standby back home. (Which turns out sometimes isn't as easy as badda-bing badda-boo, as outlined in the pictures below.)

 

These are pictures of Jackson's battered toes, about 9 hours into our 12+ hours of stand-by torture. I left him alone for 40 seconds in the LAX airport, only to be scammed by way too many of these "artistic poses". We actually enjoyed our time in the airports, questioning the sanity of humans in general and yearning after the food that was too expensive for us. And I only got really really grumpy about three times! That's pretty good!

Our long weekend was so blissfully perfect that I might have shed some dramatically quiet tears when we landed again in Salt Lake. Utah is wonderful, but it's just not the same as my little Shire. Evidence of how happy we were can be found below!

If you're reading this, there is a large possibility you already know all this information because your my mom or husband, but I like pretending I'm a famous blogger who gets paid to talk about pretty places, so bear with me. So hello there Mom, Jackson, and other unknown readers! If you are ever blessed enough to pass through the Gorge area, then make sure to go hike or bike at Syncline. It's just east of Bingen, Washington and absolutely stunning. This is the place to go for wildflowers and river vistas. I recommend biking up the Little Maui trail and then going down Little Moab (if you like semi-tenchical rock drops). Gahh! I just love this ride so much. It wasn't always this way though. My mom would have to bribe me into going when I was in elementary/middle school by taking me to get a chocolate dipped cone at McDonald's. The Golden Arches: Convincing Kids To Do What Their Parents Want Them To For Generations. 

Good Taco Alert: While over in the Bingen area, head over to El Rinconcito . It is preferrable to bring a Shane Ostler whn you go because unknown to me, he is a local celebrity there. Everyone was yelling, "Hey Shane, you're back!", while my Dad was guffawing with everyone in sight. "Maria's going to fix me a good taco!" (as she raised a spatula in the air from the kitchen). " How are your boys? Long time no see, Carlos!" I felt honored to be in his company, especially when I saw the whoppingly huge portions we were given. Hurray for Shane!

 I love how easily things grow in Oregon. Life is so abundant. In the words of Jackson, "Alex, this is your Eve. When I first came here it was like I finally understood why you are the way you are."

Gosh, it's like I am obsessed or something? Less words, more pictures, before this gets too flowery. (hahaha. Get it? Wildflowers everywhere? Puns?)

P.S. Another really good mountain bike trail is the Whoopdee Doo trail system in Hood River. There's a new one called Ronoke and IT IS THE MOST EXCITING RIDE I HAVE EVER DONE. No joke, even though I say that about a lot of trails. This is my new favorite. So steep, with a million banked turns in a row, through fields of balsam root flowers. GAHHH! I was laughing uncontrollably the entire time because it was so perfect. If you go, invite me. I want to experience those thrills every day for the rest of my life.

 More photographic evidence that this place is my Edenic Paradise. 

Ronoke! Trail! Go! Now!

We took Jackson on the Eagle Creek hike and he was in stonefly heaven. For those who don't know, Jackson is studying Conservation Biology and is focusing his research on aquatic insects (but the species he goes absolutely hog wild over is Pteronarcys.) He looked like this ^^^ the entire time we were close to the water. I won some MAJOR wife points by finding a species he had never seen before, Pteronarcys princeps. When I showed it to him it looked like I had found him a car-sized chocolate bunny (that would have gotten me excited).

On my way to being a formidable Entymologist myself. (Picture from common.wikimedia.com)

When at Eagle Creek, many people simply walk to the the Punchball Falls and back (6 miles round trip). But you're missing out if you stop there! Keep on trekking along till you arrive at Tunnel Falls (12 miles total). It's one of my favorites. (I know I know. I say that about everything. But I'm serious every time.) You get to walk BEHIND the falls through this little tunnel and it's like you're in some kind of Gollum cave, except with flowers/moss growing everywhere and the absence of a mutant, bloodthirsty hobbit.

I always say that Hood River is the crown gem of Oregon, which is true. But Bend is definitely the gem right below it in all aspects (so would that make it the tiara gem?). Central Oregon is so cool because it's a desert, yet still full of rivers, lakes, and trees. And Bend has some of the most stunning peaks of the Cascades surrounding it and a big black lava field going right down the middle. I would most definitely live there, especially because they have a 5 Guys.

Watched Bruce play some LAX. Not biased, but he is the superstar of the team. Watching family members play sports is actually fun when they're talented! (Sorry family for all those painful years where I picked flowers instead of chasing the soccer ball around the field.)

 I am consciously trying to avoid declaring that our 40-mile ride on the Deschutes River trail was one of my most favorites ever. But why am I trying to curb my enthusiasm for great riding?!? It's fairly easy, non-technical riding that meanders along the riverside for miles, making it the perfect place for a leisurely ride. That is, unless you're the Ostlers and have to show off to friends who join you, leaving you breathless and exhausted and craving plates on plates of pasta.

Go Bruceeeeeeee!

Smith Rock, Oregon. Or, the place where Jackson and I were humiliated when we did a multi-pitch last summer. 

Meet Bertha, my family's pet pig. It's a weird time when you come home to find your father infatuated with a sow and the entire family room converted into a ping-pong arena. My parents are so rad. But I still hate this pig, most ornery creature on the planet. 

A word on my baby brother, Bruce. I am so proud of this boy. Not only is he supremely talented, he is also one of the most loyal and strong people ever. He passionately puts everything on the line for the things he loves, which is evidenced by his success in everything he puts his mind to. On top of it all, he has a pet pig and loves all animals! What a catch! We are so stoked that he will be here in Utah for school this fall at WESTMINSTER! Wahoo! Cross your fingers he gets to play for their LAX team, he definitely has the talent and drive to. Either way, he is going to wish that his sister didn't live so closely to him, he might need to put a restraining order on me.

This trip also included reading three whole books and pretending to be Shamu in the hot tub. Life complete. 

HASTA AUGUST, MY EDEN!

My Paradise: Hood River Summer

Oh November. You make me miss summer. You're full of group projects, certifications that take up entire weekends, a farewell to mountain biking, and a overwhelming desire to eat everything in sight. Transition months are hard on me. They're that weird gray area where one sport is phasing out (mountain biking) while the next one is still not ready (come quicker, skiing). So instead of finishing my report on McDonalds I'm going to reminisce my magical summer in my magical hometown.

Before I begin, have I ever told you how much I love Hood River? I think I have here, here, and here. But in case you didn't know, Hood River is the most perfect place in the world. But don't move there, please! A major reason I love it so much is that is is small. I prefer that it stay that way. If it ever gets big enough to have a bonafide public transporation system I am going to scream. (For another time: Discuss   my deep fear of being stuck in a unwanted conversation on public transportation.)

So let me sum up my lacksadaisical and magical summer in one blog post.

 

The summer began with a job search. I had just spent weeks traveling the world and it was time to get some cash flow in. Above one can see the job options I came up with. I made the mistake of leaving this list on the table and when I came back MY FATHER had added "butt model" as a potential summer job. HMMPH. 

In the end I didn't end up getting a job because,  t r a v e l i n g.  And my sister was home from Abu Dhabi and we needed to tag team with the babies so everyone got in a mountain bike ride every day. Geesh, I sound like an entitled snob. Ignore me.

I want everyone to know that I am literally the worst person to tandem bike with. I am the Tandem Dictator, hear me roar. But honestly can I just say that at least I am safer to ride with than Grace flippin' Vuihkola? There was one moment when we were barreling down a hill and Grace was in front and TOOK BOTH HANDS OFF OF THE HANDLEBARS. I think I had to clean out my pants after that one.

I love my baby brother. Living at home is so fun because I get to terrorize him on a daily basis.

Some pictures of Oregon being green and perfect, just because it is green and perfect.

Every day. Every day.

Another reason why I love Hood River. All of the plants I get to take care of! I could honestly spend my whole day gardening. My dream is to have tons of babies and teach them how to love weeding and biking. Super ambitious, I know.

This is my dear, sweet, terrifying best friend from the 3rd grade. My goodness, this woman is crazy. Meet Grace, the dog-obsessed woman who likes to almost murder me on a tandem.

This was the summer of windsurfing. I don't want to brag, but I ended up going 34 times....I wanted to brag. Sorry.

When Dad leaves town and us women have to figure out the irrigation system. Pure chaos.

Kenzie and I literally cannot take pictures together anymore. Gilly for life. 

Seattle and Bainbridge Island 

My mom and I made a little jaunt up north sometime in the beginning of the summer (so vague because this was like, half a year ago). It involved Greek food, my dear cousin Hanna and her family, a crazy parrot, and my mom hitting a Porsche in the Suburban. hahahahahahhaha. It was a classic Sandy moment. We were pulling into my cousins street and my mom was so busy waving at Hanna that she didn't realize she was trying to park on top of the most adorable black luxury car. 

We forwent going to Pikes Market/Space Needle because how many times do I need to watch people throw fresh fish back and forth? I recommend going to Baindbridge Island by ferry. Take bikes! We went around the entire island expecting a leisurely ride. Prepare yourself to go uphill both ways. I'm not sure how it's possible but I don't think we ever went downhill. 

When in the Seattle area, go to Mora Iced Creamery. I got two flavors of chocolate and they have liquor in them? I didn't realize this until later but let me tell you, I HAVE NEVER HAD MORE DELICIOUS ICE CREAM. Is this why people drink?

You can't see Lila the parrot on Hanna's shoulder...but she is there. People and animals typically like me, it must be my endearing charm and quick wit? But Lila did not. I did my Velociraptor run impersonation and Lila went nuts. She flew towards me, talons outstretched, a warrior screech emanating from her beak. I have  never been so afraid for me life. Luckily my face is still intact. For future reference, Lila doesn't like Velociraptors.

My second cousins may be the most behaved and sweetest children I have ever met.

Babies made it to the U.S.A.

Jessica got me the most adorable Penny board for my birthday. I still have scars from trying to hang 10 on this baby.

Important side note: This summer I had a serious case of Baby Hunger. I would lug these creatures everywhere hoping the general public thought I was a hip, young mother. If you want to compliment me then tell me that they look like my offspring.

Jesper and I spent an absurd amount of time playing with chalk and bubbles on the driveway.

4th of July 

Kenzie and I decided to run the 7 mile run for the Indepedence Day parade. We poached it because who wants to pay 12 dollars for the wrestling team? It was like a mini class reunion and our cross country coach cheered us on and how does everyone in this town know us? Running through the parade was like walking the red carpet, we could hear people yelling "Go Kenzie! Go Alex!" at every direction. Small towns. You can't beat them. 

Then we went to some BBQs and rode the jet ski and watched the fireworks and it was fantastic. 

Just a casual picture of my daughter congratulating me after my race. Kenzie's the Fairy Godmother.

This picture kills me. We came inside and found Jesper changing her penguin's bottom. (For all potential visitors, Jesper calls the penguin an owl and my mother insists that everyone call it an owl as well. It's a penguin, Ma.)

Grandma Cozy came to visit! She is the sassiest and dearest woman.

Floras Lake, Oregon

It's not a true Oregonian summer without a trip to windsurf at the coast. Floras Lake will always have a special place in my heart. I met my first boyfriend there (hey Josh!), learned to windsurf, and basically lived out a Teenage Dream music video there. I can't quite explain why Floras is so magical, but it is. We had some sea kayaking wars in the reeds (my Dad and Jessica would hide on the banks and ambush us, screaming "RAMMING SPEED!" It was pure chaos. They had reeds in their hair and my dad rolled down a muddy bank into the river? hahahaha. It was so fun. 

Other things we did in Floras:

• Windsurf several times a day. 
• Tandem windsurfing! This is where there is one board and two sails and is a great way to make or break a friendship. I have never laughed so hard as when I did it with Kenzie and Reed was attacking us on his kiteboard... I can't stop smiling just thinking of it. 
• A ridiculous amount of card games and Settlers. (I am not a card player. It's better to just not invite me, all I do is stare off into space.) 
• Daily double scoops of Chocolate Brownie Thunder ice cream at Langlois Market. 

 

My punishment for being the worst at cards.

Live music on Thursdays at the Ruins. If you don't mind watching old people drunk dance it's a pretty fun place. But the real reason I put this picture up was THAT MAN'S PONY TAIL.

If I ever end up graduating and leaving Provo I'm going to miss these guys the most.

Jenna came to visit Kenzie so I was lucky enough to tag along. I love Jenna!

My happy place is to read books and eat strawberry after strawberry.

Before you jump to conclusions, I do not drink. This was at the premiere of Brendo's kiteboarding movie BiP2. Go see it. It's awesome. There were also fire dancers there. Gotta love Hood River. 

When all your church friends are latinos and they bring you about 15 cucumbers, just because.

My Hero.

Bike, Bike. Bike.

Temple dates with the mommy.

 

The only picture I have from our "Girls Night" in Portland. #priorities

Oneonta Gorge.

Rachel and her husband came and visited! I love playing tour guide so come see me whenever. And I'm being serious, I love proving to everyone that my town is the best in the world.

QUEEN.

Jesper's way of asking to come inside. I swear she was dressed every morning but she always ended up running about naked by the end.

Jesper got a "balloon room" for her birthday. We all were overjoyed.

Herman the Sturgeon. Legend (according to Shane the Notorious Liar) has it that the original Herman was attacked by a Native American on his Spirit Quest. We think my father was lying about this but it is true that there are multiple Herman's and that every time one dies or is stolen they crown a new Herman.

WATERFALLS, GALORE.

My new pollera. The plan is to get a new one every time I go to Peru.

Fresh grape juice from the wine. A great way to get a raging sugar headache.

I call this series of pictures "Bear and His Many Moods).

We only managed to take the Hobie Tiger out ONE TIME this summer. That's kind of pathetic. We windsurfed way too much! Of course the only time we go out a pigeon chooses to land on an electric wire and set the whole town of Cascade Locks on fire. 

It looks like I'm smoking a joint but I swear it's just a date.

We finally completed our one goal for the summer: Road bike to Lost Lake.

 

The Ostler Clan all agreed that Summer 2015 was the best one we have ever had. And that's all I have to say about that.