We headed out to McCloud Thursday morning for our Anniversary.
Took a break at a rest stop along the way to hit the restroom and play catch (and to take a business call).
And then we stopped in Mt. Shasta to grab some lunch.
That's Josh's 'Can I just eat my lunch without you taking pictures?' face.
And then we hit a few antique shops where I was reminded that I prefer to go antique shopping without my husband (who got cranky because he thought the $40 lamp I bought was overpriced).
And then we got back on the road again.
Another bathroom break. (I mistakenly asked Josh to hold the camera.)
And then we did a little sightseeing around McCloud (which doesn't take very long).
And then we checked into our room at the Mercantile. (We stayed in the Friday George room this time which is a tiny, cute, blue room.)
And then we went hiking.
I don't know what these are but I love them.
Josh Downs picked one to put in my hair.
And then he fished.
Which gave me some time to take pictures of things I normally don't take pictures of. (Nice to shoot cooperative subjects for a change.)
And then he fished some more while I relaxed.
He would have been really disappointed if I didn't post a shot of the fish he caught (even though it was a tiny one that he put back).
That's mist from the falls.
Josh Downs has hot calves. He doesn't believe me when I say that though because I once made the mistake of saying that his legs look just like his mom's. (His mom has hot calves too.)
That was the view on the way to the upper falls. (There's 3 sets of falls.)
You can kind of see the flower in my right ear.
And then we drove to Dunsmuir where we had the best Thai food (and a Mojito with extra mint for me) I have ever eater (yes, in Dunsmuir, CA) at a place called Sengthongs.
One of my favorite things about Josh Downs is that he never lets me open my own car door.
And when we got back to our room, there were flowers, chocolates, sparkling cider (because I hate wine) and a card waiting for me.
And then we woke up the next morning, had breakfast at the Mercantile diner and got back on the road again. (Josh's parents took Cole and Annie to the beach so we headed over there to pick them up.)
Had to take a fishing break on the way though.
Will post a few of the beach pictures tomorrow.
so glad you had a nice time! weekends away are the very best!! appears you had excellent weather as well!!
Posted by: LindiGohn | May 26, 2009 at 09:47 AM
Wow.. you outdid yourself with the pictures! THey are fabulous!
Happy Anniversary...
Posted by: Jo Baer | May 26, 2009 at 09:53 AM
I waited all weekend for that post! So happy you got to have a nice time with your hubby! Happy Anniversary!
Posted by: Jill P. | May 26, 2009 at 10:04 AM
Happy anniversary! Looks like a lovely trip...though I think your photography skills could make a trip to the dump look like a great trip. Oh, and one note...if you are "going for a hike" with someone who is carrying a fishing pole, I think most people would say that you are "going fishing, but just walking to get there."
Posted by: Amy | May 26, 2009 at 10:06 AM
I love the one of josh fishing and your feet in the bottom corner.
Happy Anniversary!
Posted by: Rob Ahern | May 26, 2009 at 10:19 AM
Wonderful pictures, as usual! And McCloud looks delightful.
Congratulations to both yourself and Josh (:
Posted by: Sophie | May 26, 2009 at 10:28 AM
Fantastic Karen!! Thanks for sharing..Great shots and looks like you two had a great time!! Happy 1st Anniversary!!!
Posted by: teresa b | May 26, 2009 at 10:31 AM
Looks like the perfect weekend. What a beautiful way to celebrate your 1st Anniversary. Thanks for sharing a bit of it with us.
Posted by: Paola Norman | May 26, 2009 at 10:36 AM
wonderful pictures once again! thanks for sharing. :) good life.. gotta love it. :)
Posted by: April | May 26, 2009 at 10:36 AM
Awsome photos as usual! Love the one with your feet, Josh fishing and rainbow!
Posted by: kelli | May 26, 2009 at 10:44 AM
Love the rainbow in water pics, the mist, and the gorgeous low light wine pouring bedroom pretty window shot. And since Amy (above) is right about your being able to take fabulous pics even at the dump, I think you should go to the dump and just show us what you can come up with.
I'll do it if you will. (But I won't show mine.)
Posted by: nancy in ks | May 26, 2009 at 10:55 AM
Happy Anniversary! All your pictures are beautiful! Looks like a great trip!
Posted by: Addie | May 26, 2009 at 11:25 AM
happy anniversary! what a beautiful anniversary trip!
p.s. i believe that's a dogwood tree flower tucked behind your ear...they come in pink + white varieties. gorgeous, aren't they?
Posted by: sarah | May 26, 2009 at 11:25 AM
Darling and so romantic!
Posted by: Suezi gurzi | May 26, 2009 at 11:50 AM
My husand (of 14 years, yipee for me!) has HOT calves too, and hotter forearms, something that goes sorely overlooked! Have a great life together!
Posted by: Tobi | May 26, 2009 at 11:54 AM
Happy Anniversary!!
dogwood
Posted by: Joanna | May 26, 2009 at 12:15 PM
I love that you went hiking in flip flops!!! Sounds like a great anniversary weekend!!
Posted by: Tina G. | May 26, 2009 at 12:15 PM
Love the pic of Josh Downs fishing with your feet waiting so patiently nearby.
Happy Anniversary!!
Posted by: Mary Ann | May 26, 2009 at 12:15 PM
oh so romantic.
you guys are adorable.
congrats on your anniversary!
♥
Posted by: anne | May 26, 2009 at 12:22 PM
Sounds like it was time perfectly spent with each other. Happy Anniversary!
Posted by: Charmayne Bowling | May 26, 2009 at 12:34 PM
What a gorgeous place. And it drives me crazy that even when my husband is way overweight, he has hot legs.
Posted by: Cyndi | May 26, 2009 at 12:47 PM
Looks like it was a relaxing getaway. Gorgeous photos, as always. And I think the flower is a dogwood.
Posted by: Laura | May 26, 2009 at 12:50 PM
Karen, what a wonderful journal of your 1st anniversary! I'm so glad you had a great, and from the looks of it, a truly romantic weekend, together. Everyone should be so lucky! Embrace the life you have and enjoy every single minute!
You'll have lots of memories captured in photos to look back on and smile once again someday!!
Posted by: Cheryl McCain | May 26, 2009 at 12:51 PM
What great pictures! Looks like a perfect weekend. The one of you taking a bathroom break totally cracked me up!!
Posted by: Karen | May 26, 2009 at 01:47 PM
awesome photos!! glad you had a fun trip!
Posted by: gina | May 26, 2009 at 01:48 PM
1) You two are so CUTE!
2) Happy Anniversary!!
3) I LOVE LOVE that last picture of the fishing break. Gorgeous!!!
Posted by: Emily | May 26, 2009 at 01:58 PM
Happy Anniversary! So glad you guys had a special weekend.
Posted by: caren | May 26, 2009 at 02:37 PM
Looks wonderful! Yes, Josh Downs does have great legs. I think I said that before when he was wearing the robe. And BTW, that pic of him in the robe is much less embarrassing that you piddling in the bushes. I can't believe you posted it. You are so brave. lol
Posted by: Sharon | May 26, 2009 at 02:44 PM
Awesome pictures!! LOVE the rainbow infront of the waterfall! How did you catch that??
Happy Anniversary!
Posted by: Denean | May 26, 2009 at 02:50 PM
Happy Anniversary - so glad you had a nice weekend. I can't tell you how grateful I am that you take the time to share your photos on your blog. You provide me with inspiration all the time!!!!!!
Posted by: Laura Carter | May 26, 2009 at 03:07 PM
Happy Anniversary!
Glad you had a nice time- my grandparents lived in Dunsmuir for all of my childhood, I have such fond and loving memories of that little town. I need to take a drive down there I haven't been for 12 years. I am sure it hasn't changed much!- but I must say a Thai restaurant is pretty surprising!
Posted by: Molly | May 26, 2009 at 05:11 PM
I don't think it matters which camera you use...all your shots have "the look" and that's what we love!!!
The Pacific Northwest has some of the most beautiful scenery!!! Gorgeous views!!!
Posted by: kat-in-texas | May 26, 2009 at 05:46 PM
Nice legs, Josh....now turn off the phone! ;D
Posted by: kat-in-texas | May 26, 2009 at 05:49 PM
Congratulations on your first anniversary! Awesome pics..love them all!!
Posted by: Malinda | May 26, 2009 at 06:22 PM
Cool we share the same anniversary!! 5 yrs here!
You got awesome shots...
Josh Downs does have hot calves...but you have an equally great (it would probably be wrong to say HOT)smile!
Perfect together you and your Josh Downs!
Valerie
Posted by: Valerie | May 26, 2009 at 06:58 PM
Love all the pics but especially love the bathroom break and the one where it is a picture of Josh but your toes are peaking in. Great perspective on your view. I also enjoyed the site seeing pics....
Posted by: Tammee Donaldson | May 26, 2009 at 07:07 PM
is it weird that i love to stalk your family? i love love all of the new photos. esp your flip flops and josh downs fishing. and the place u stay at looks so quaint!! thanks for sharing your life with us!
Posted by: michelle evans | May 26, 2009 at 07:11 PM
Such beautiful photos! Thanks so very much for sharing! Hugs from Conroe, TX!
Posted by: Nancy Wyatt | May 26, 2009 at 07:25 PM
1. I love the picture of you getting caught taking a pee break:)
2. A man should always open the car door for you!
3. Looks like you wear the same shoes as I do while hiking:)
Happy Anniversary!
Posted by: Melanie | May 26, 2009 at 07:49 PM
Happy, happy anniversary!! Lots of fun- your pictures. Thanks you for sharing.
Posted by: Mary L | May 26, 2009 at 08:54 PM
Looks like you had a wonderful first anniversary. Josh is such a gentleman. I'm lucky if I can open the car door myself and get in before my husband drives away :)
Posted by: Dana N (MissD) | May 26, 2009 at 10:50 PM
Beautiful trip....I'm not sure that is a dogwood. Dogwoods in east TN (which our whole spring is based on the Dogwood Arts Fesitival because we have them everywhere and they are georgous) have only 4 petals. It represents the cross, the center has light red veins that represent the blood Christ shed and the edges have a "clip" of sort that represent the nails and have a little rusty color to around it. This might be a dogwood, but just a different variety. Anyway, sorry for the long agriculture post...LOL
Posted by: Louise Murr | May 27, 2009 at 07:46 AM
Karen,
It looks like you had an amazing weekend (and amazing pictures too!) I love the one of your shadows before you went hiking and the fishing one with your toes peeking out!
Kay
Posted by: Kay W | May 27, 2009 at 08:22 AM
Happy Anniversary! Looks like you had a great time. LOVE the photos as always!
Posted by: staci | May 27, 2009 at 08:26 AM
happy belated anniversary. my husband and i celebrated our 16th on the 22nd. u have a very beautiful family. i love looking at your pics. your lil daugther is thee cutest thing ever.... enjoy
lynda in calif
Posted by: lynda | May 27, 2009 at 09:27 AM
I think my favorite photo is the self-portrait one of you and Josh Downs. You guys make such a beautiful couple and I love to see you in the photos. Even if you claim to have sausage legs and Fred Flinstone feet.
So glad you had a great time...
Posted by: Katie | May 27, 2009 at 10:28 AM
Karen, you don't know me but I just have to say that your blog posts make my day!! You & Josh are the most adorable couple ever...clear from the adorable story of how you met, your cute kiddos, you new old house & your great photos - I just can't get enough. Your blog puts a smile on my face & just wanted to say thanks for being you! :)
Posted by: Denise | May 27, 2009 at 11:32 AM
awesome pics!
Posted by: Huyen | May 27, 2009 at 12:08 PM
On the flower pic you love it looks like a dogwood to me. We have them here and they are our state tree. (NC) Love your photography and so want to tkae your class! Happy late Anniversary!!!
Posted by: Alicia Sharp | May 27, 2009 at 02:58 PM
great shots!! Just curious what lens you used to get these???
Posted by: Deanne | May 28, 2009 at 06:26 AM
great shots!! Just curious what lens you used to get these!?
Posted by: deanne | May 28, 2009 at 06:28 AM
Happy Anniversary!!! Wow, that year sure flew by. Looks like you two had a wonderful time. Love the pictures as usual!! In the shot you took of you and Josh what lens did you use?
Posted by: Tracy | May 29, 2009 at 08:49 AM
Happy belated Anniversary. You are an artist with a camera and a story. You have no idea how many dark days your blog has lifted me through. You are so beautiful. I love the b&w with you and Josh, your smile is radiant. Thanks for sharing a bit of your trip. I have been ill and recovering from surgery so I must go back to where I left off on here and catch up.
Posted by: Susi | June 08, 2009 at 03:28 PM