Window to the Waldrons

So the birthday boy gobbled up his gifts with pleasure... just recently acquiring a gas grill {courtesy of craigslist}, we had a birthday cookout, {including Blackberry Cobbler} in our backyard and celebrated J's May 13th birthday, in true Spring/Summer style. 

{happy birthday to my one and only!}

The next day - Monday, after a work meeting I had at 

Jackson's Corner, we headed out of town 1.5 hours away 

to Belknap Hot Springs - right along the McKenzie River. 

The restaurant was closed for remodeling so

we had a nearly week long vacation by "force". ;)

Who knows, family traditions could be in the making!

~ even the drive up was amazingly beautiful ~

These are the magical hot springs 

& pools at which we luxuriated... soaking up the sun & warmth, being lulled into relaxation by the gentle yet hearty flow of the adjacent McKenzie river. The brisk river spritz combined with the warmth of the pool was refreshing indeed.

This Pacific Paradise provided much needed nourishment - to just be together - without agenda nor responsibility and a very welcome state of cheer & joy.

{CAMPSITE AWESOMENESS}

So this is Belknap's hidden jewel: {The Secret Gardens}. A short and stunning bike ride from our campsite, we packed our lunch and brought it here each day we were at the Springs, and considering we were vacationing before the rush hit - we had the place nearly completely to ourselves - only to be joined by the occasional fish bobbing out of the water and the fancy serenades of bathing birds or the flutters of blue tipped butterflies. We were so privileged to enjoy a thoroughly inexpensive and truly hidden hideaway with romance & relaxation to spare!