The Money Fast and traveling

Knowing that we will be on a money fast beginning July 1st is NOT a reason to spend lots of money before, or wait to spend it all after. The point is to truly 'do without' during this time frame and not 'make up for it' at any other time.

With that said, we would dearly love to take a weekend trip and visit friends of ours in the Portland area. While conversing via IM with my friend, we were trying to be creative about this whole trip and do it without spending any money other than gas.

We have pets and traditionally we would hire a pet sitter. Together we came up with the idea that I can ask our neighbors if they would take care of the cats in exchange for a visit to Silverwood (we have season passes that allow us to bring in additional people each day at no cost). Cha Ching. That's a great idea. I'll talk with the neighbors this weekend and see what they say. We still need to take our dog with us but that is an acceptable option as we are driving.

Now, for the sleeping arrangements - we'll just stay with our friends, that is out of the way.

Food is pretty easy, we are taking a cooler of food and eating what we normally eat.

Sight-Seeing is different. We are going to do free things while there. Something I did as a kid and absolutely loved (and still remember doing) is visiting the Tillamook Cheese Factory and taking a full tour. Believe it or not, it's free!

Then of course there is the ocean. I think these 2 things will encompass the entire day on Saturday. We'll tour the cheese factory, eat lunch and then spend the afternoon looking at starfish and all kinds of sea creatures at the shore.

Best of all, we will get to see our friends new little baby and visit with them.

Now, what weekend is the best one??? That is still being decided.