My college gal pals and I try our best to meet up for a travel adventure at least once a year. First was Vancouver. Then Charleston. And this summer, over 4th of July weekend, our busy schedules miraculously aligned for our very first camping trip together. Except this time, our men were invited too!
We live in different states and when deciding on a destination, I knew it'd be too late in my pregnancy to fly. So my friends were kind enough to agree upon a location within driving distance from me. Camping options in the Pacific Northwest are limitless - we could have camped anywhere. But it had to be special. It had to have TIPIS!
Somehow, I came across RimRock Inn, in rural Enterprise, Oregon - population 1,884. Which seems as random as placing a finger down on a spinning globe. And it sort of was. But it was meant to be - this place is truly one-of-a-kind.
After a 7-hour drive from Seattle, we were thrilled to discover just how luxurious the tipis were inside. More "glamping" than "camping" for sure - a huge relief to me and Baby. Sleeping inside one was a real treat. Each tipi was equipped with a fold out futon, Pendleton blankets, down pillows and high thread count sheets. Stocked with drinking water, a battery powered lantern, a chiminea fireplace and a bundle of firewood. We were completely off-the-grid, which was a nice change of pace. However, an air conditioning unit would have been glorious - it was around 95-100 degrees that week!
FUN FACT - the tipis were made by the same guy who designed the ones in Dancing With Wolves.
Bathrooms and showers were just a short walk away in the lodge, which housed an incredible restaurant, microbrewery and wine bar. One evening, we enjoyed a fabulous home-cooked local and organic meal on their deck overlooking the canyon. And their hummingbirds and kittens came out to play!
We loved hanging out by the tipis at night as the temps cooled down - watching the full moon rise, reminiscing over old times, roasting marshmallows, playing games and thinking up ridiculous baby names (George Pedro was the unanimous favorite). Baby was extra active and happy that trip, for good reason. So much auntie love!
On the 4th of July, a patriotic photo shoot happened. Naturally. Then we packed a picnic for a relaxing day at nearby Wallowa Lake ....
The city's fireworks were nice, but Hal and I are used to setting off our own. So we brought along some extra-long sparklers, roman candles and big-bang mortar shell fireworks (like the kind at our wedding) for some pyro fun after the sun went down.
It was definitely hard to say goodbye. To this beautiful place. To these beautiful people. I'm so grateful we were able to come together, one last time before Baby arrives, to celebrate 15 years of friendship. And cross one major item off our bucket list ....
Camping in tipis with friends - CHECK!
{Images by Shannon Eileen, Alissa English, Melanie Rozenblatt and Tiffany Shinn}
