I wanna go back!

Okay, I am in love. With the Oregon Coast vacation we had that is. People have told me how beautiful it was and I know I went when I was younger but I've gotta say that I haven't seen anything that beautiful enough to fall in love with it. I think it's something to do with being out in nature; the sounds, the smells, the sights. I'm really contemplating moving out there. I want to be closer to the ocean and it's massive beauty. I loved the green foliage that is just overflowing across the land. The air was so fresh even when it was fishy. There was seafood served at every restaurant even for breakfast! I think the biggest thing that sticks in my mind was Astoria. I can't tell if this is because it was the first stop along our coastal endeavor or if it was because we spent the most time there. I loved the houses and the cute little town that sat off the river's edge. I dunno, there was just something about it.

First we went to Seattle where we spent a couple days with my sister. I always love spending time with my sisters so of course that was great. She also took us to see the Locks and to the aquarium and some other places around town. We also went to Pike Place market to see the famous fish throwing scene. It is always fun to visit. The ferry ride was also fun, I loved the wind in my face and the seagulls that flew next to us.

After staying with my sister we rode down state and stayed in Astoria. We ate dinner that night at a cool place on the pier. It was a fancier restaurant and we just loved the atmosphere despite the cost of the items on the menu. After ordering and two beers and another half hour later we still didn't have our food, our waitress stated they would be taking care of our bill. I guess their chef wasn't there that night and the others that were there had a rough time making some of the recipes. What a nice surprise to know we didn't have to pay for our meal and the food was excellent. Worth the wait I say.

Next morning we went to visit the Flavel Mansion, climbed the Astoria Column, then headed off to Fort Clatsop. Along down our way to Waldport we stopped at Tillamook to spot the cheese factory and get some good food. We spent so much time sight seeing that day that we didn't get to our hotel until late that night. Jacob and Savannah treaded the cold waters in the pool there and I just couldn't do it. I must be getting old.

After leaving Waldport we headed down the coastline stopping to beach comb at one of the pull outs. We also visited the Sea Lion Caves and stopped at a place called Devil's Churn. I just loved the sound of the waves hitting the rock. It reminded me of thunder.
After arriving at our next stop in Gold Beach we went beach combing again. Savannah and Jacob just loved it! It was quite windy but nonetheless fun to spot the leftovers of nature in the sand. We found quite a few sand dollars to take home to our tank unfortunately they were not whole pieces, but we love them anyway. The hot tub felt awesome and the next morning the air was so crisp and the view of the bridge was awesome.

Next we stopped at the Trees of Mystery to see Babe the Blue Ox and the talking Paul Bunyan. Savannah had a good time climbing all over the boot and running under the Ox. We were also supposed to visit one of the Redwood forests but as we found out that there wasn't one entry for the national park as I had thought so I didn't know to turn out in one of the state parks.
Redding California was hot and the kids had a lot of fun swimming in the pool as Charlie and I watched. Savannah's getting to be a pretty good swimmer I must say. We found a nearby Chinese buffet that had much better food than Utah offers. It was fun to tease the coy in the pond there that would suck on your finger as if they were desperate for food. Pigs!

On our way to Reno we stopped at the Donner Pass Memorial. I've always heard the story from a different viewpoint, one that focused on them having to survive with the means of their loved ones who had passed. The memorial was different and didn't really go into detail of it as much as I remembered always hearing about. I guess it is morbid only if you look at it that way. Things on TV are portrayed so much differently than they need to be sometimes I think.

Reno was hellacious with what they call "Hot August Nights" where they have a car show every year I've been told. Millions of people but also a lot of really cool cars. There was no where to eat in the casinos without waiting for at least 2 hours. It was my brother's birthday and he wanted a buffet dinner, but instead of $27 and an hour and half of waiting we opted to go across the street to Ruby River. I know, I know, something we could have had at home, but we had a good time and the food was great. I didn't know we were going there so I missed out on getting a picture of him with his silly cowboy hat made of foam to celebrate his big 40!

Later that night Charlie and I took a cab out to the city. He used to live there and was curious to see what happened to some of the locals and so we ventured out and had a couple of beers and ran into a drunk lady at the Circus Circus who was a little too friendly with everyone there. Walking up the strip a ways before getting another cab, we saw many semi trucks in the parade. I knew it was a car show, but I thought it was neat that they fancied up those big trucks too. It was cool.

Next day we left and drove straight home. We thought about staying in Elko but really the only there would have been swimming at the motel. I think everyone was tired and didn't have much sleep so we all just decided to drive straight through. It was a long drive but I felt we made good time.
I sure have a lot of photos for my souvenirs. I didn't buy anything and didn't feel the need to. Photos are the best memories of all...here are some of my favorites: