DalrympleClanAdventures: The Oregon Coast

After Crater Lake we left and headed for the coast. Once again it was all country roads, except for about 5 miles on the interstate to switch highways. We ran into some construction, but otherwise it was relatively a smooth drive.

Once we arrived at the coast we stopped for lunch. It was nice and breezy and "chilly" to us southerners!! We had seafood of course! The boys discovered that they like popcorn shrimp, no big surprise since they already like grilled shrimp. There was not any direct access to the beach nearby so we got in the car and drove some more.

We finally found a public beach, most other places before this time were state parks and charged a day use fee. By this time Sean and Ewan were asleep in the car. Josh took Jack out and headed to the beach while I stayed in the car with the sleep boys. After 15 minutes or so I gave up and woke the gang so we could go to the beach too!! They woke up pretty happy and excited to go to the beach.

Somehow I think the boys had different expectations for a beach...something more like the Southeast, warm, sunny, warm water you can swim in. They were a little disappointed that they could not swim in the Pacific Ocean. Not only was the water cold, but the air was chilly at only 60 degrees and VERY windy!! We played for a while and then got in the car again to get to our final destination.

Jack is thrilled to be at the beach! SAND!!!

Splash time!

A worm Josh and Jack found

Jack proud of his worm

Look closely, the wind is blowing sand all over!

Sean, Ewan and I join Jack and Josh on the beach.

For a while Sean's teeth were chattering, my poor

Southern boy!!

Who cares if it's cold, let's get our feet and shoes wet!

Sean checking out the sand

We spent the night in Newport. Our hotel room was a beach front view. It was a beautiful view and the boys definitely enjoyed it. After settling into the room we went down to the beach. It was still windy and chilly, especially for poor Sean! We played for a while and then walked down the beach a little and headed to town for dinner. We had some yummy clam chowder and other goodies, calamari for my boys. After dinner we walked some more and found treats, a huckleberry milkshake for Josh , chocolate covered marshmallows for Ewan and huckleberry taffy for Jack.

Sean found a bucket on the beach and enjoyed filling it with sand

Dumping sand it pretty fun too!

Unfortunately we did not make it back to the beach in time for the sunset

This view with the light house in the background

The next morning we headed to the aquarium in Newport. It was lots of fun with plenty of hands on activities for the kids. They also have nice exhibits outside too. Then we were off to Portland, by way of Tillamook. It was not the most direct route, but Josh wanted to go to the air museum in Tillamook and I wanted to go to the famous dairy there!! The dairy was fun, briefly watching them make cheese, but more importantly sampling many delish cheeses and eating ice cream!!! Black cherry for Josh and Sean, cake batter for Jack and Ewan and a huckleberry milkshake for me.