San Frantastic!

We are officially in love... with San Francisco! 

To all those people throughout the years who told us we're gonna love this place, boy were you ever right. From its heritage homes to its vibrant streets, this place is teeming with life. We've been so busy biking {yes up those crazy hills}, riding the historic street cars, checking out beautiful public art, including an amazing sculpture by my dear friend and old Montreal neighbour Armand Vaillancourt. How amazing to see his famous 'Quebec Libre' fountain in person. We're fortunate enough to be staying in the most R.A.N.D.O.M house, which happens to be owned by the man who is responsible for the legalization of cannabis in the state of California!!! Wait until you see this house, all I can say psychedelic garden! Those pictures are coming soon. In the meantime, Peace & Love from the city that stands for just that!

xo Ashi & Renegade

Family Tree

On the way to San Fran we took the opportunity to take the scenic route of the already scenic route, through the Avenue of the Giants. This stretch of 100 year old Redwoods served as the perfect pit stop to sip on coffee and Baileys {mmm} before heading on. No crazy 3D natives here but it was a beautiful spot to get amongst some giants and dance around in the forest!

Renegade

Dunes Day

We hiked up the most amazing sand dunes along the Oregon Coast. What a natural wonder to stumble upon. Its strange how they can exist so close to the coast and in such rainy parts, but this desert-like ecosystem is a treat for the wandering soul. We must have walked for hours, with only miles and miles of sand ahead and behind us. We didn't see a single person the entire day.... maybe because we ventured off the trail {ooops}

Good thing Renegade's natural sense of direction got us back just in time before sunset. If it were up to me we'd be looking at the pretty sand formations until it was time for the coyotes to find dinner. Here kitty kitty.

xo Ashi

The Simple Life

The Oregon Coast has provided us gypsies with some lovely places to cook up a feast and sleep under the stars. Our days are filled with hikes and cruising and the evenings bring out the card games and wine {pssst I am currently the reigning shithead champion}. It's easy to forget the world of schedules and deadlines when all you have to worry about is whether or not the raccoons will get in the trash tonight or if Renegade will notice that I haven't showered in a day...or two. Seriously, it's really nice to curl up with a book or a map and take in the view. And as you may notice, I haven't given up my vintage ways just because I'm 'roughing' it. Camping is the perfect opportunity for breaking out my Russian, taxidermy hat. No...it's not raccoons...those little buggers got away and left behind a hell of a mess. Oh well, I guess we're on their turf now... and the leftovers from my special pasta bolognese were well worth tearing the place apart. {Bon apetit}

                                                                                   xo Ashi

Coastal Cruising

After a stiff Portland coffee and a well needed Alfred tune-up, courtesy of a local VW man, we hit the road to check out the 101 Pacific coastal highway. This is one sick little road, that you could easily take weeks to drive down. But due to our growing anxiety, from all the 6-fingered residents in the small towns along the way... so we managed to smash it in a couple of days!! It was a beautiful stretch of coastline, a must see for anyone who loves the sea, driving and listening to hours of good music.. Having raved our way along the 101, we ended up at our first campsite... a cheeky little field by the sea where we set up our first camp. As we were preparing for our first taste of coastal cuisine i realized some nonse {idiot} forgot to pack gas. i was sure i had ruined dinner, but with a little help from our fruity friend avocado, Ashi saved the day with a tasty salad.. Viva van love, generous farmer thanks for the bed!!

Renegade 

Night Moves

We've almost touched down in San Francisco, but I had to tease you with some night shots from our bike marathon throughout Portland. These shots were taken in the Hawthorne Bridge. We were headed back towards downtown after a day of thrifting, and coffee shop antics. Dinner came courtesy Portland's unique street cart cuisine culture. You can find any kind of fare at various outdoor carts {sort of like at the fair or a sports game}. We combined Korean and Thai {Gemini and Libra.... can't decide} and took our outdoor feast to ampitheatre at Pioneer Square where we cuddled up with our Portland pot luck. The night wasn't quite over yet. We then headed to catch a movie at the coolest theatre I've ever been to....{pitty about the film the Coen borther's calamity wasn't worthy of the awesome venue}.... The Living Room Theatres! It's all in the name, a theatre when you can a have drink {Hmmm Baileys & coffee} or a bite to eat or curl up with your sweetheart on the cozy love seats.

Portland by Pedal

Here are the photos from our day biking around Portland. It really is amazing how bike friendly this city really is. There seems to be a cycle repair shop at every corner... which is a good thing because Renegade's Frankenstein bike had a few meltdowns along the way. Now, if you think they take their biking serious, you should see the coffee culture out here. Portland peeps love their java and the lifestyle that surrounds it. You really have no excuse for hitting up the mass, corporate, cookie-cutter cafes when you have so many lovely, locally run and terribly cool coffee shops to visit. I still have to say my absolute favourite was the cafe in the Ace Hotel that our lovely host Chelsea took us to. In fact Chelsea embodies all the traits that make this town so exciting; do-it-yourself attitude and big welcome smile. 

{Thanks Chelsea}

       xo Ashi

Stumptown Salute

Portland is wicked town. 

We've been having the best time cruising on our bikes {bringing them was the greatest idea ever}. We've got a mass of beautiful pictures to post soon....  

This one was taken at the super cool Ace Hotel cafe.

Until then...we're back on the road.

Next stop the Oregon Coast. Expect some gorgeous hikes and views.

xo Ashi