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Kessi World

Mindful travel around the Pacific Northwest.

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Mt. St. Helens

Seattle to Portland drive — road trip planner to make the day unique

December 8, 2021 by Matthew

The St. Johns Bridge rises up toward Forest Park in Portland. There are a few cars coming and going.

Follow for unique side trip options to get off the interstate -- a Seattle to Portland drive road trip planner. My life is a tale of two cities. I was born and raised in the Portland area but my mom and a ton of family hailed from the Salish Sea, in Washington State. On Christmas Eve we'd have a celebration in my hometown of Scappoose with one side of relatives, then pile … [Read more...] about Seattle to Portland drive — road trip planner to make the day unique

Spirit Lake, Washington road trip — the secret side of Mount St. Helens

September 8, 2021 by Matthew

A beautiful view of Spirit Lake, Washington from the Windy Ridge Viewpoint. In the foreground is decomposing stump on a hill with golden grass amongst ash from Mount St. Helens. The lake is vast and blue in the background.

Mount St. Helens is a captivating area of the Pacific Northwest, combining the volcanic mystique of the famous 1980 eruption with uplifting examples of Mother Nature’s regenerative ability. She also happens to be located directly East of the only major North/South roadway in the Pacific Northwest, conveniently between Seattle and Portland.  There are many ways to enjoy … [Read more...] about Spirit Lake, Washington road trip — the secret side of Mount St. Helens

Day trips from Seattle — 16 of the best getaways

July 1, 2021 by Matthew

Big Four Mountain commands this landscape photo with patches of snow amongst fir forests and a mowed meadow in the foreground.

Early morning day trips from Seattle can be the perfect salve to the soul. The stress of traffic is lulled away with the aspirations of exploring and experiencing all the magic the Pacific Northwest has to offer. Even thirty minutes into the voyage, the ratio of concrete to green vastly adjusts to fir trees and roadside patches of local shrubs. With a little more time, open … [Read more...] about Day trips from Seattle — 16 of the best getaways

Snowflakes, dancing light and the Milky Way — love is in the air

February 14, 2021 by Matthew

Snow crystals pile up on a budding Daphne bloom, making it's way to push through the snow. The green leaves are light yellow on the ends.

Love is in the air, quite literally, as fluffy snowflakes grace the sky in front of my home.  The gentle pieces of frozen particles drift aimlessly to the ground, finding their way into unusual parts of plants, adorning giant trees, and drifting through the quiet streets like frosting on a cake.  It feels as if Mother Nature is giving us a nod of love — in the form of … [Read more...] about Snowflakes, dancing light and the Milky Way — love is in the air

Day trip from Portland — 10 beautiful getaways

July 22, 2020 by Matthew

A wooded section of the historic Columbia River Highway which winds along the gorge in Oregon. This pavement road has a double yellow line in the center and the signature white painted wood guardrails from the 1920's add a bit of nostalgia to the scene.

Nothing beats the freeing feeling of setting out early in the morning for a day-trip adventure from Portland. No matter which direction, the rising mist flows to uncover the beauty of nature. It doesn't take too long for the green-to-concrete ratio to improve and soon enough open spaces of farmland, water, mountains and the ubiquitous douglas fir forests emerge as if to … [Read more...] about Day trip from Portland — 10 beautiful getaways

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I would like to acknowledge that much of my inspiration comes from living on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People past and present and honor with gratitude the land itself and the Duwamish Tribe.

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