Packed up once again, we left Seaside fairly early, map spread across my lap. The plan was to explore as we drove the coastal highway 101, and that we did. First stop:
Ecola State Park, just a few miles south, with magnificent views of Cannon Beach.
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| Awesome panorama of the monolithic rock formations. |
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Great attitudes every day from Thomas and Lewis. |
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| Nora enjoys exploring. |
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| Looking for sea lions but not today. |
We drove down to Cannon Beach, actually
Tolovano Beach, to enjoy the beach for lunch. This time we were prepared. This beach was incredibly beautiful, with the water warmer than Seaside.
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| Would you like a little sand with your sandwich, Nora? |
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| And she's back in the water... |
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| Such an irresistible combination: sun, sand, waves and kids. |
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| Off to check out the rock formations. |
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| Lew takes his turn with the camera for us. |
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| That rock's not so tall... |
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| Nora embrace life! |
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| One of the "Needles". |
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| I would have done this myself if I could have walked home... |
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| Needless to say, we had sand all over the van after this event. |
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Our next stop was the renowned Tillamook Cheese Factory... everyone stops here for
the free cheese samples, yummy ice cream, and great prices on cheese, of course. |
Opting to take the longer route, we decided to visit our first lighthouse at
Cape Meares State Park. We just missed viewing the open lighthouse, but it was an enjoyable walk and view of the area regardless.
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We imagined that it was somewhere like this that the
Count of Monte Cristo really hid his treasure.. |
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| The unique "Octopus Tree" |
We rambled along the coast for a long time, viewing beach after beach through the van windows, and seeing all kinds of vegetation. Everyone was somewhat weary by the time we found
Sea Star South, our rental duplex in Lincoln City. I had booked it online just weeks before our trip, when so much was unavailable, so we were really pleased by what a charming, cozy beach house it was. Our neighbours were lovely also, so no concerns there. (We just felt bad when Nora had a tantrum the next morning... probably thought the worst, but then she was all smiles with them later.)
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| The beach is just down the steps... |
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| The view from the back door. |
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Nora's pretty tuckered out by now. I'd have to say she generally behaves better
when travelling than at home. What does that say about her personality?
I'm open to insights... :) |
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Besides the Chinese food from the Safeway deli for dinner,
it was the end of another lovely day. |
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