When we arrived at the abandoned dirt lot on the edge of a junk yard we thought that we made a dreadful mistake. There were no signs pointing us in the direction of the alleged “Dream Vacation” home we had booked for four nights– an adorable floating house we had happened upon online. Pictures of that little red house floating on the Willamette mesmerised us and beckoned us to plunk down our money, then imagine for the weeks leading up to our arrival about what it would be like to stay in a floating home. We looked around the lot and saw this path to an iron gate, looked at each other, shrugged our shoulders, crossed the train tracks after preaching to the children to look both ways- ALWAYS, and walked down the plank.
There is something about iron gates that promises mystery and excitement as to what lurks on the other side. I think of the “Secret Garden.” But beyond this gate we saw the lazy river twinkling in the late afternoon sun and heard the quiet lapping of the water making her music on all she rapped. Far off laughter and a motor boat’s roar followed the closer we got to the gate.
After opening the creaking gate our jittery nerves dissolved and the pictures of the little home stamped in our memories became a reality.
The Minnow welcomed us and whispered, “Relax…
hang out…
swim…
canoe…
watch the planes go by…
and the trains too.”
She said, “Lie in bed a little longer, read books as the sun comes up…
feed my geese…
enjoy the view from my kitchen window…
eat supper on the deck…
cuddle up to a fire on my cool river nights…
and let the river gently rock you into silent slumber.”
Robin Sue
22 Comments
looks like a marvelous vacation!
Fun place to spend your summer.
Mimi
Lovely! Your Minnow reminds me of my parents' cabin just replace the river with mountains. Looks like you enjoyed your vacation as much as I did mine!
~ingrid
Looks like the PERFECT vacation! What a cute little house
Wowza, where is that if you don't mind me asking, that looks like heaven!
Thanks,
Beth
Beautiful. Just looking at the pictures is relaxing. Thanks for sharing.
Beth it is in Oregon City, OR. Click the link at the bottom for more info!
Oh, that's so awesome! Sounds like a perfect vacation.
Hi, hope it's OK to contact you here. We would love to include your blog on our giveaway search engine: Giveaway Scout (http://www.giveawayscout.com). Have a look and if interested, use our online form to add your blog (http://www.giveawayscout.com/addblog/ ). thanks, Josh
Oh how lovely! I need a respite at the Minnow! Thanks for sharing….I enjoyed visiting there for a few moments!
wow… absolutely beautiful. What amazing images. Hope you enjoy your vacation.
That's what a vacation is all about! Wonderful, wonderful pics!
Wow Robin Sue, You found the best place for your family vacation. To be on the water with the views and secret garden gates will leave a lasting impression on the kids. Magic!
Loved this post. It was like poetry with photos.
Wow how great! Looks like a wonderful vacation! The imagery is great!
That sounds really nice right now!
What a beautiful little place!
How delightful !
Where is this little piece of heaven and will you share ?
An Unconventional Mummy- it is in Oregon City, OR. Click the link at the bottom for more info!
I so want to go there…all by myself! How peaceful!
So enjoyed that wonderful little story. I remember when you guys came back from that very vacation. Was great to hear about it and see it again. Loved it – almost felt as though I had been there myself!
I wish we could go together!