1. IT'S FRICKIN' BEAUTIFUL.
This was taken in Canada, on our drive to Vancouver. Mountains, plains, and low-lying clouds was the norm. It was truly a scenic drive up to the city! Since we went to BC our first day on our week-long trip, I thought this was gorgeous. Little had I known where I would be in a few days.
2. It was the perfect weather. Perfect for my curly locks and dry skin.
This was taken from Canada Place and I've never seen such beautiful clouds in my life. That day, everything was perfect and serene. There was this amazing aura of calm. I am one who loves clouds and tries to stay out of the sun and heat as much as possible. If you're like me, you will LOVE the northwest.
3. It's almost like heaven on earth.
Yeah, so this was breathtaking. This is named the Sunken Garden at Butchart Gardens. The gardens are located on Vancouver Island, near Victoria. We took BC Ferries to get to the island (which was awfully pricey for a round-trip with car). However, it was worth every penny because this was a sight to see. I highly recommend reading up on the history of the gardens. You will be shocked.
4. There are volcanoes and the Cascade Mountain Range.....everywhere.
The first picture is of me in the lava destruction path zone of Mount Ranier. Yes, we did go up to Paradise Point at 5000 ft and we would have gone further had the road not have been closed. And yes, I am not afraid to climb up these things. It was truly amazing to look down and see the Cascade Mountains. The second is of Mount Saint Helens from the Johnston's Ridge Observatory viewing deck. I honestly wish we had enough time to trek down into the valley, however, we didn't since night began to fall and the drive to the volcanoes are all filled with animals jumping around on the road. The last photograph is from the first viewing deck of Mount Saint Helens. You could see elk down there (I didn't see any though).
5. You will conquer your fear of heights.
All of the above are from the Capilano Suspension Bridge park. The first one is called the Cliff Edge Walk and it's exactly what it's called. You walk on the edge of a cliff and your are amongst 50 ft tall trees. The second and third are of the one and only Capilano Suspension Bridge. The bridge sways back and forth as you walk across it. You are suspended and you are so high you can touch the tops of some of the pine trees! My father and I are the only ones in our family who are not afraid of heights. This experience for my mother and sister was a bit much. It was fun though!
6. You cannot get enough of the Oregon Coast.
All of the above were taken at Cannon Beach where the famous Haystack Rock sits. The reason so many people love Haystack Rock is not only because it's this giant bolder in the middle of a beach, but it was constructed entirely from volcanoes. In fact, the entire Oregon coast was! The tide pools and sea life are a must-see at Cannon Beach. When the tide is low, you can walk right up to a starfish and touch it! There are anemones and urchins as well. Also, let's not forget about the volcanic rock sitting everywhere.
7. The constant scenery will make you never want to leave.
The Columbia River Gorge tour with GreyLion Pink Bus is AMAZING. It takes you to multiple locations, including Multnomah Falls.
8. Portland lives up to its weird vibe.
This is Pioneer Courthouse Square, one of the most normal places in Portland. However, Portland is never really normal that's why there is a punny Ikea advertisement along with a bunch of other oddities.
9. Seattle is a gorgeous city.
Seattle is one of the best cities around mainly because of the food. The first photograph was taken atop the ferris wheel near the bay. The ferris wheel is similar to the London Eye in that it has individual pods for you and your family to sit back, relax, and enjoy the cold, cloudy, and mostly rainy city of Seattle. The second was taken atop the Space Needle. Honestly, the Space Needle was a waste of our money. It didn't feature much but a view of the city - a view that seemed much to familiar to us. Unless you've never been up in a skyscraper, ditch the Space Needle and save the money for eating. The last photograph was taken at a restaurant called Falafel King. We ordered the shawarma and my goodness, it was the best shawarma I've ever eaten. Right across from where we were sitting, was coincidentally the first Starbucks! This was located right in Pike Place Market, by the way.
10. You will never want to return home.
Our trip to the northwest was the best vacation we have ever taken. It even completed our "Travel Around the US" bit. We have officially traveled to every region of the US and hopefully we'll be able to go around the world soon! We took Alaska Airlines and when we were coming back, we witnessed Mount Rainier, poking out from the low-lying clouds. Beautiful isn't it?
Also, be sure to follow my adventure and all my pictures from this trip on Instagram using the hashtag #trekthenorthwest
~Misbah
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