Jim gave me a good surprise on May 1st weekend. It was Jim's birthday and he wanted to go to the coast. We decided we would go to the coast on Sat. BUT on Friday he called me at work and said, "Let's leave after work, get a motel and spend the whole day at the beach." At first, I was hesitant, but I could tell he really wanted to go, so off we went.
We went to Lincoln City. We drove around a bit and decided to stay here, the Coho. We had a great view of the ocean.
We brought our Netflix movie, which coincidentally, was "Couples Retreat" a comedy where couples try to analyze each other and get closer.
The next day, we drove onto the beach. The neat thing I like about Lincoln City is the fact that you can drive right onto the beach.
The other cool thing, is the tide pools. The tide is out and we walk onto the rocks and see all sorts of sea creatures.
Sea anemone and coral
Star fish, mussles, clams, etc.
We left Lincoln City about mid morning and drove south on Hwy. 101. We stopped at lookout points and just took our time. One of our favorite spots is Depot Bay. When the kids were teenages, we came here during Spring Break and saw 3 whales just playing in this bay. They were so close, it almost felt like we could reach out our hand and pet them. They are such magnificent animals!
This shows how the ocean comes right up to the sea wall. We didn't see any whales playing here, but in the distance, we saw 3 sprays from their blow holes.
We went in this visitor center and learned about whales. It was a neat and informative place. This is where we saw the whales send the water from their blow holes.
I just had to take a picture of this sign. I personally thought they should show the person on "higher ground". It looks like he's gonna "get it".
After Depot Bay, we stopped at Devil's Punch Bowl. It's a neat place where this huge rock has a hole in the middle of it and the ocean washes in and out. See the video.
It was lunchtime by the time we hit Newport. We stopped at the Chalet and had lunch and Jim bought a Strawberry/Rhubarb pie to take home, his favorite.
In Old Town Newport, they were digging up the sidewalks and street. It was all gravel, quite a surprise!
We stopped at Aunt Belinda's. It is the best place on the coast to get salt water taffy! I have bought it many other places and this is the BEST!
I'm one happy little taffy shopper!
Also, one of the fun things on Newport's waterfront is the sea lions. They are massive, loud, smelly, yet uniquelly entertaining. I could watch them for hours.
We had a great time at the coast. Happy anniversary and birthday to my honey!
They were here for Mother's Day.
They came for several birthdays. They surprised Grandma Darla.
Lucy turned 1.
Payton's best friend, Annie had a ballerina party and she turned 4. Also grandma Grace had a birthday, but I didn't get a picture.
We did fun things while they were here. We rode Amtrak up to Salem. Kevin dropped us off in Albany and then picked us up in Salem.
ALL ABOARD!
After Kevin picked us up, we went to Salem Riverfront Park. There's a carousel.
And a big park.
Another day, we went to Lincoln City. It was a bit cold, but we had fun (Crystal are your teeth chattering?)
Payton liked it.
And so did Owen. He liked playing in the water
and sand
and just running free.
Another day, we went to the zoo. Payton invited her other friend Maddie (Lucy's sister) and their mom, Nicole.
When we weren't doing trips, we hung around just relaxing at the park, (sorry ducks, no bread today)
Give this boy a hose and he will play for hours.
Grandpa gave him a ride on the little John Deere.
But he liked the real thing better.
And he knew just what to do. First he reached for the key, then the throttle.
In the garden, Payton and Owen planted some pumpkins. I am growing them and maybe I'll be able to deliver them by October.
We sure had fun while they were here!! Thanks for coming!
.JPG)
