Tamanawas Falls Hike

After....well.....everything.....I needed a break.  

Sammy saw that. 

We packed a bag, loaded up in the car, and headed down the Gorge. We hadn't gone away together for fun in a very long time. Every time we had in the past almost 2 years, was somehow related to my treatment. 

I also hadn't been on a true hike since before my cancer diagnosis. I'd been on a few easy to moderate walks, but no hike. I wasn't sure I was ready physically, but I sure as hell was ready mentally and emotionally. 

Had I known how long, extremely steep at times, and tiring Tamanawas Falls trail was, I probably would have requested a different hike, but I didn't know....and I'm thankful for that. Because I did it anyway. Sweating, muscles screaming, tired as hell.....I did it. And the falls at the end.....

Perfection. 

 

Definitely deep feelings of joy to have done this hike. I told everyone we met on the trail who we talked to that it was my first hike post breast cancer treatment. I couldn't help myself. But people loved it for me, and celebrated with me, and even shared their own cancer stories, so I don't regret oversharing. 

I want to do the hike again, and bring the kids. They'll love it. 

After our hike, we headed to Hood River and checked into The Hood River Hotel. This is our favorite place to stay in Hood River. It's an extremely beautiful old hotel. 

Once checked in and showered up, we walked the shops downtown and enjoyed a seriously delicious taco dinner at Love and Hominy. 

Full bellies, tired bodies, it felt soooo good to get a night's rest without 3 dogs and 2 cats on the bed with us, haha. 

Definitely deep feelings of joy to have done this hike. I told everyone we met on the trail who we talked to that it was my first hike post breast cancer treatment. I couldn't help myself. But people loved it for me, and celebrated with me, and even shared their own cancer stories, so I don't regret oversharing. 

I want to do the hike again, and bring the kids. They'll love it. 

After our hike, we headed to Hood River and checked into The Hood River Hotel. This is our favorite place to stay in Hood River. It's an extremely beautiful old hotel. 

Once checked in and showered up, we walked the shops downtown and enjoyed a seriously delicious taco dinner at Love and Hominy. 

Full bellies, tired bodies, it felt soooo good to get a night's rest without 3 dogs and 2 cats on the bed with us, haha. 

The next morning, we slept in, took our time getting ready and packing up, then enjoyed a tasty breakfast at the restaurant that adjoins the hotel, Broder Ost. I got salmon cakes and they were the best salmon cakes I have ever eaten. 

 

I am thankful for this getaway with Sammy while my dad and the kids held down the house. Being out in nature, hiking...something I love to do....was so good for my soul. 

With love,

Mama Hauck