Hangin’ in Hood River: Girls’ Getaway

Today is Father’s Day. My wonderful hubby and father of our children, drove off bright and early this morning for a 7:40 tee time. My brother invited him to join a foursome for 18 holes of golf at his favorite local course. He whispered something about being home around 1:00 into my sleepy ear before he left. Apparently our original plans of going fishing with the kids at Hagg Lake can wait for another day. As he told me yesterday, the weather would be too cool and cloudy. Perfect golfing weather!

Lest you think my sarcastic tone belies any resentment, I assure you it doesn’t! Maybe (okay, probably) five years ago and more, when the kiddos were young, I didn’t relish these days, but thankfully I’ve come to realize how important it is for both of us to get quality time away from the family. And after all our togetherness on the ship (108 days of family time, 24-7, to be precise, but who’s counting?), we talked about how both of us needed some time to ourselves. Isn’t it refreshing when you come to a mutual understanding so easily with a spouse?!

So what does all this have to do with Hood River? Plenty. Two weeks ago I gallivanted off to Hood River with my mom and two (younger, hip) sisters for our annual girls’ weekend. Yep, I got my turn and I soaked up every fabulous minute. (For the record, Jason also went away that weekend to Eastern Oregon for fishing and golfing and the kids stayed with his parents!)

This was our fourth annual Mattecheck girls’ getaway. Usually we make our escape in February to combat the winter doldrums, but since I was in Ghana and South Africa that month, wasn’t it sweet of them to wait for me to come home? Here’s a recap on where we’ve been so far: Wheeler, Eugene, Pacific City (note to my out of state readers- these places are all in Oregon.) We take turns choosing our location, but it’s always a place that’s accessible by car for a two night stay. When we started, the plan was to go somewhere “big” every 5 years. Which is next year! In case you’re wondering, Santa Fe, San Francisco and Palm Springs are all destination ideas we’re kicking around for 2012.

This year it was Molly’s turn. She found us a gorgeous and comfortable condo on www.vrbo.com (Vacation Rental By Owner – one of my faves. I can wile away the hours on that website and dream of cool places to stay!) We all noticed how the condo was way nicer than any of our homes (“I’m sure the owner hired an interior decorator,” asserted my mom) and the deck sported a breathtaking view of Mt. Adams and the Columbia Gorge. It was also within walking distance to downtown Hood River.

Our getaway is defined by some great traditions: I overpack like I’m going away for a week, prepared to dress to impress. The Mattecheck girls love to ooh and ahh over each other’s clothes. And we always have a really ambitious agenda: 1.) Eat. 2.) Shop. 3.) Talk. Sounds like a killer, I know. But somebody’s got to do it. And you could, too, if you really tried.

Dining on the patio at Full Sail.

So, I may as well follow the agenda, being the linear writer I am. 1) Eat….Hood River boasts lots of memorable restaurants, and it’s hard to know where to start. None of us are comfortable spending a wad on a fancy meal, so that helped to narrow our choices. We had a few recommendations from locals, too. Since Mary and Molly arrived Friday about 6, we had to make a snap decision because Mary gets cranky in a hurry when she’s hungry! We ended up at the Full Sail Brew Pub, (a one minute drive from the condo; like I said, we don’t mess around when Mary’s running on empty) on their outdoor patio with a view of the river.

For a view junkie like me, I love how Hood River’s nestled on a hillside, affording peek-a-boo views of the gorge just about anywhere in town. Full Sail, one of the original microbreweries in Oregon, serves up elevated pub fare. It earned 4 thumbs up from our group. We cooked both breakfasts and Saturday night’s dinner (thanks, Mom!) in the condo. Saturday lunch found us at 6th Street Bistro and we liked it so much we returned 3 hours later for Happy Hour on the patio.

Sixth Street Bistro

On Sunday we lazed around, finally got our day going by noon. We decided to do a short hike up the Hood River Mountain trail (stick with me – I’m still going to talk about a meal!) Another thing I love about Hood River is its close proximity to all kinds of outdoor recreation. It was only a 15 minute drive to the trail head!

The 2 mile hike led us to (no surprise) mountain and valley views. Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams regally flanked the Hood River valley’s verdant patchwork of orchards and vineyards. Mt. St. Helens glimmered in the distance while Monarch butterflies flitted among wildflowers. Brilliant splashes of purple lupine, orange Indian paintbrush, wild sunflowers, and snow-white dogwood blanketed the hillside. Thanks to our extra cold and rainy spring, everything’s blooming late. Lovely!

Hood River Mountain Trail

It was about 3:00 by the time we settled in for lunch at Good News Gardening Cafe. It was off the beaten path and we would not have found it without a local’s insight. I’ve never been to any place quite like it. A restored farmhouse that’s been converted to an open air café, that’s connected to a nursery, it’s a whimsical mix of eye candy and yum. We noshed on fresh sandwiches and salads (they grow lots of vegetables on site) in the breezy “living room.”

At the water station I looked through a large glassless window to a forest of brilliant hanging baskets, so distracted I almost overflowed my glass! And a larger dining area in the “greenhouse” segued from the café to the nursery. Any gardener has to see this place to fully appreciate how innovative it is!

Okay, onto #2: the shopping. What gem that downtown area is! My mom, sisters, and I love to stroll and window shop (we’re not too fond of malls) and Hood River fit the bill perfectly. A multitude of boutique shops line the main drag, even more shops than McMinnville’s (my hometown!) bucolic 3rd Street. We marveled how such a small population (under 10,000) could support so many upscale shops, but according to a store owner, it’s a tourist hub in the summer time. There are too many to list, but I have to mention Mystic Mud Studio (http://www.mysticmudstudio.net). It showcased handmade pottery by Hood River area artists in all kinds of splashy, cheerful hues.

Another store we fell in love with was Melika (www.melika.com), that features women’s waterwear and activewear. The sales associates were helpful and in talking to them we learned that all of the Melika line is designed and cut in their basement with American-manufactured fabric (mostly leftover pieces from larger brands.) It’s then sewed by seamstresses within a 50 mile radius. I had to pinch myself…not made in China? And I can actually afford it?! Trust me, I will find a reason to return to Melika sooner than later.

Mike's Ice Cream - Mom bought ice cream here and then took it to happy hour!

A Hood River cafe

Amidst all the eating, shopping, and walking, the Mattecheck girls never stop talking. We’re never at a loss for questions to ask or opinions to give and luckily we also like to listen to each other. One of our traditions is that we write in a journal bought especially for our annual getaway. It’s fun to look back and read about our life moments and past getaways. The reminiscing scaled to new heights this year, however.

Molly baked this decadent hazlenut cake for me!

They surprised me with a 40th birthday commemoration (since I was sailing on the Indian ocean on the actual day) and Mom’s gift to me was a box of childhood memorabilia. We waded through newspaper clippings, cards, artwork, and more, all by yours truly. Laughter and tears flowed freely, especially as I read some of the cards I’d written to my mom. As the mother of a strong-willed tween girl (who doesn’t resemble me in the least –ha!), they hit close to home. Here’s a sampling:

Dear Mom, Have an excellent Mother’s Day. You’re the best mom in the world! I’m sorry we were so loud during your nap. I hope you had a good rest anyways. I love you heaps! Your loving daughter, Jenny (1982)

….I know that alot of the time lately we argue a lot about things, but don’t worry, we’re normal! Pretty soon this time will pass though. You’re mellowing out and I’ll still keep trying. Mom, now don’t start crying, you can handle this. And remember, whenever you feel like killing me, just read this! Don’t forget: I think you’re the best mom in the world! Thanks for everything. I LOVE YOU THIS MUCH! (circa 1984/85…and I sketched a picture of the universe.)

So, regardless if you make it to Hood River anytime soon (and I hope you do), I do recommend a girls’ getaway weekend sooner than later. Grab the amazing women in your life and get out of dodge. Even though that sense of rejuvenation may evaporate the minute you walk in your front door, it’s still worthwhile in ways that can’t be measured.

Read Full Post »

Calling all nature lovers….

…or simply anyone who enjoys a laid back, scenic hike and the chance to see a rare butterfly make its debut: Spring has sprung at Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge, and specifically, Baskett Butte, practically in my backyard.

We did it! For the first time in my life, I saw an endangered species “in the wild.” Thanks to my eagle-eye hubby, who  spotted Fender’s blue butterfly.

This delicate butterfly is characterized by its iridescent ice-blue wings and hatches in mid-May to early June. Once thought to be extinct, this tiny creature has made an impressive comeback at the refuge. It was thrilling to get a close up look, and a darn good photo, if I say so myself.

So, my Mother’s Day request to Jason and the kids was a family hike at Baskett Butte (as if we didn’t get enough family bonding on the voyage!) A mere 20 minute drive from my hometown, I marveled at the pastoral beauty. After exploring all those foreign lands, the Eola Hills, hazelnut farms, and valley vineyards spun a visionary tale like never before. (How many times have I cruised down 99W and taken this view for granted?) Thanks to  friends Julia and David Primozich, who inspire me with their sense of adventure, this place has been on my “local list” for a few years now.

Baskett Slough encompasses 2,492 acres of farmed fields, oak woodlands, and shallow wetlands. The wetlands are home to dusky Canada  geese in the fall and mallards and buffle head ducks in the spring. We glimpsed the ducks splashing around in the surrounding marshes. The white oak savanna, historically abundant in the valley (and often cut down to make way for vineyards in recent years) stands majestically in the meadows.

The hike to Baskett Butte offered a gentle incline and a few options to observe the natural phenomenon. We followed the grassy seasonal trail (open April 1-September 30^th) in hopes of spotting Mr. Fender.

The kids set the pace and put their binoculars to good use. The Fender perched down low on a stalk of grass next to violet Kincaid lupine (hey, being married to a science teacher comes in handy when I need to identify plants!) Sunny days supposedly coax out the butterfly, but we spied our Fender between rain showers. I know that may come as a surprise to my fellow Oregonians!

After wandering the seasonal trail for over an hour, we detoured to the partially paved year-round path. It soon led to a wide lookout deck where the sky unzipped to the heavens.

 It was the first time I’d really noticed yonder since we sailed up the Amazon River, back in January. We soaked up the 360 degree vistas, watching the swallows dip and swoop toward the marshes, framed by lush, emerald rolling hills. On the walk back to the parking lot, a family of deer grazed in the distance.

Are you intrigued yet? Next time we may pack a picnic and make an afternoon of our outing to Baskett Slough/Baskett Butte. But don’t wait long…the open meadowlands lend themselves to our, ahem, mild spring weather. There won’t be much shade to be found on a summer sizzler day. And our friend, Fender’s blue butterfly, will flit off center stage in another few weeks.

Read Full Post »