Looking for Oregon in all the RIGHT places!

Before I write a blog, I look for that perfect photo.  It has to be relevant, beautiful and really say something poignant about what I want to convey to my readers.  Well folks, I think this photo says it all!  It's going to be freaking freezing cold, icy, snowy and a very slow journey south in a few days!

It's that time of year when we are really missing friends and family that live in Southern California and Arizona but it's just that sometimes getting there can be a little overwhelming.  Our first leg only takes us 3-1/2 hours south to Ashland.  We are total freaks cause we literally choose where we stay because of some local restaurant we fell in love with over and over again and because of our love for "boutique hotels."  Both of these usually draws us to those quaint downtown's where we can park it and not have to sit again for at least 10 hours or so.  First night... it's the Ashland Springs Hotel mainly cause we can easily walk to Pasta Piatti where I swear I can already taste the browned butter they use when making my pasta.  The fogged up windows and the old guy sitting in a wooden chair against a short wall in the middle of the restaurant swooning while playing an according to songs reminiscent of old Italy makes me feel cozy and warm while I enjoy every single delectable bite of my dinner.

We're going to be gone almost a month so, I probably should just get past the pasta but one day at a time is a good way to think about traveling roads that may be paved with ice and snow this time of year.  We're getting snacks tomorrow and some water bottles for those "just in case" moments we hope we never have.  I heard that I 5 was closed for a few hours recently so we're hoping for some clear roads and smooth sailing.

I hope you will follow me south.  As always, I will be looking for Oregon at just about every stop.  Finding Oregon wine, beer, hard cider, cheeses and more is always fun and makes me not so homesick.  So, let's go and get on the road... watch for photos here and on my Facebook page at:  http://www.facebook.com/OregonBliss, where you can follow my travel shenanigans and awesome finds along the route.