This past weekend, T and I celebrated our second wedding anniversary.
I just cannot believe how quickly these past couple years have gone. Marriage has actually, believe it or not, become easier as time as passed. We have fallen into a wonderful rhythm with each other, and learned that when we value ourselves as individuals it makes us feel more connected and much more in sync.
More has changed than has stayed the same, and we have both grown so much. I have been very nostalgic lately, and I try to remind myself frequently that despite the struggle that may be going on now, I am going to really miss these early years of our relationship.
In lieu of gifts, we wanted to create some experiences and try new things. So we took a long weekend and did something different everyday.
Our first day, we spent making brunch and mimosas at home while watching The Office, and then later went to OMSI for their Ripley's exhibit and a showing of The Avengers in the Empirical Theatre. We also stopped at the OMSI docks, which were filled with people swimming and listening to music on their boom boxes. We had dinner at Dick's Kitchen, which is a sustainable, eco-friendly burger place in SE. They had the greatest burgers, their famous NOT fries, and kombucha on tap. Delish!
The next day was laid back as well. We came out to the PSU farmers market to have lunch and bought a bunch of fabulous produce.
The third day, we spent entirely in bed, which was such a treat after how busy this year has been.
Perhaps the most fun and adventurous day we spent together was the last one. We decided to drive out to the Columbia River Gorge, and hiked Oneonta Creek up to the falls. I was initially hesitant and doubtful of my athletic abilities, but I am SO glad we went.
You walk down these really steep stairs off Historic Highway 3o into the creek right away, and after about 100 feet, you reach a huge log jam that you have to climb over and through to get to the falls. (The picture really doesn't do it justice.) This was so much fun, and was challenging because of how crowded it was. I have bruises and scrapes all over my shins from crawling all around.
Once you pass the log jam, you walk into this beautiful chasm and wade through water, climb over fallen logs, and right before you get to the falls, you have to swim/walk through waist deep water, holding your backpacks above your head!
The falls were spectacular. The water was warm, and when Tim and I got to the end, we just stood, waist deep in the pool, admiring what we had just done, and how much fun it was!
Because the hike was so short, we decided to double back and continue hiking through the creek in the opposite direction. We found out that if you wade through the water under the sketchy I-84 bridge, it takes you directly out onto a beach on the Columbia River! We took about an hour to swim in the river and admire the beauty of the Gorge.
I can't remember the last time I felt so happy, proud and at peace in my life. I felt like myself, who I was meant to be, and a part of the beautiful world and landscape around me.
We have plans to go again next week with some members of my family, and then the following week, we're going to try and find Abiqua Falls! It looks challenging, beautiful, and elusive because it is difficult to drive to, but I am looking forward to the memories we will make together.
Two years into a lifetime, already.
