One of the best ways to get out of the house and try new things without much fuss or expense is to be a tourist in your own town. You may think since you've been there a long time there is nothing fascinating or interesting there. It's all old news. WRONG! Look on Trip Advisor or just google you town or area and all sorts of things will pop up!

Since I live on the boarder of the Umpqua National Forest, there are waterfalls and hiking trails galore! Some I'd totally forgotten about until this winter when my bro and I decided to change from road running to trail running as we prep for the upcoming fire season. {we are both wildland firefighters}

On the only sunny day in the forecast for a long time {good old PNW} my bro and my sweet-sister-in-law were planning a family hike with the baby. Of course I invited myself along. It's like they meant for me to crash the party. That's how I roll.

Up the North Umpqua Highway we toodled, enjoying the last rays of sun for awhile.

Check out these awesome lava tunnels!

We have this thing about trees. We love them. They clean our air for free...breathe deep man.

Waterfalls. I never get tired of them. How is water falling off rocks unspeakably wonderful?

And then there is always the random photo shoot with my bro.

And then he steels the camera.

I've been learning how great it is to know more about where I live. It's one thing to live there. Having actual knowledge and experience about what is around is a whole other ball game. I encourage you to see what makes your area cool, unique, quirky, relaxing, up-beat, tasty...etc. Go get 'em!