Come Away With Me...

Longing for the Sun on this dreary rainy day, I am reminiscing about a vacation Chris and I took prior to moving to Seattle.  

So come away with me to a lovely little Mexican village: Quintana Roo. 

Where you can spend your days basking in the Sun and sipping on various tropical concoctions.  

 Where the days are gorgeously clear and astonishingly blue!  

I don't think I've ever been anywhere so serene and relaxing!  

What is your most relaxing vacation?  I would love to hear about it!  

Lamb Shank Redemption

Memphis may be known for its barbeque, but the Emerald city is known for its plethora of  wonderful restaurants.  You can't turn a corner without finding a little treasure of a place, dashing with happy little patrons.  Not only is the food delicious, but the prices and the beer aren't bad either.  

However, deciding on just the right place can be overwhelming.  After much contemplation Thursday night, we settled on this wonderful little Meditteranean joint called Lola.  

We started with a refreshing spritzer.  

  

Followed by an appetizer, Dolmades.
By far the best dalmades I've tasted!  All ingredients are super fresh and are delivered daily from Lola's sustainable source, Prosser Farms.  The proof is in the pudding, and the pudding is delicious!

For our main course I had the Haloumi Cheese Kabobs.   

While the hubs enjoyed the Anderson Leg of Lamb.

I may have been caught stealing a few bites.  ;)

Run (in the) Forest, Run

Crystal Mountain

I have never been a huge fan of road running and struggle to make myself get out there and pound the pavement; however off-road running is one of my greatest running motivators.   I look forward to my trail runs on the weekends.  There are so many wonderful places to experience the trail and many more reasons to give it a shot.  Off-road running offers fewer injuries, improved technique, a mental break, speed and spectacular views.  So lace up your running shoes, and run like an antelope to one of these great trails!

If you live in the Seattle area, check out these trails: 

Cougar Mountain 

Photo Courtesy of Harriman Hiker

Greenlake Park

Photo Courtesy of WalkinginSeattle

Seward Park

Crystal Mountain

Discovery Park

Washington Arboretum

For my friends in Memphis, check out these trails:

Herb Parsons Lake

Shelby Farms

Whale Trail

It's been quite a week for the hubs!  Seeking a little get away, we decided to head North in search of a little R & R.    

Our impromptu road trip took us through the little town of Tulalip, where we stocked up on "much needed" outlet wares.  We then headed towards the Washington State Ferry at Anacortes.  The ferry is just about an hour outside of Seattle on I-5 North.   

We stashed our car and walked aboard to gorgeous scenery and a relaxing breeze.

  After an hour long ferry ride, we finally arrived at Friday Harbour, where we hopped aboard a shuttle to Lime Kiln State Park or The Whale Trail as it is known by the locals.  

We didn't spot any whales, but we did find this little beauty...

 Before the sunset, we made one last attempt at whale watching, before heading back home.  

Hidden Beauty

A few weekends ago, the hubs and I hiked to the stunning Otter Falls.  This beauty is located  only 40 minutes from Seattle, but you feel as if you are a million miles away!  

It is not easy to find, but the hunt is well worth it!  

Travel along an abandon rocky road for about 3 miles and keep a close watch for four stone faced Karens (cairns) that will guide you to this hidden location.    

There is no trail to speak of, so get ready to scramble over rushing creeks, up a steep hill and through lots of trees.

Where you will finally reach Lipsy Lake, where you can dip your aching tootsies in the refreshing cool water, while taking in the spectacular view of Otter Falls.