The Coast

We just got back from our family reunion.  It was at the Oregon Coast so we got to enjoy lots of cool weather and fun with family.  Unfortunately Alex nor Latisha and Brent were able to join us so our family was not in full force and seemed a little off.  Of course nothing for us comes easy but over all it was a good trip.  The first night I injured my eye and was up most the night dapping it with a cool rag and washing it out in the sink.  The next day I couldn't see well out of that eye and it was still blurry so I was unable to help navigate.  David took a curvy road instead of the main one and I was told it was beautiful but three of us ended up quite nauseous.  We took a break, rolled down the window, and drove on.  Soon after we took off Aidric, who was playing with his ball, through the ball out the window.  We were very grateful no one was behind us.  We were able to find it after several minutes and headed down the road to the Redwoods.

The start of the bigggggg trees

We got our own private tour guide

our family at another big tree

Sierra ready to climb the big big tree.

Aidric wasn't sure if he wanted to walk or get carried, but he definitely did not want to be in the pack

He made himself quite comfy in the car

Half way through the Redwoods our brakes gave out.  We made it to Coos Bay and had a lovely room at the Red Lion, which was good because we had to stay in it till our brakes were fixed.   Then off we went to Florence, where we enjoyed a lovely meal at Mo's.  Next stop Lincoln City, where we spent the next few days.

 The next day we went hiking to a nice waterfall and suspension bridge just outside of town.  The weather at the beach was a bit chilly but got warmer as we headed inland. It was a nice hike and we got a good workout.

The Bridge.  I got to carry Aidric in the Ergo and David had Isabella in the
back pack.  

 The following day we went to Devil's Punch Bowl.  What a terrible name, but it was neat to see.  First we stopped at the top, and then drove around to find how to get down to it.  I wish they would have more signs to tell you how to get where you want to go.

top view

about to enter

exploring inside

 From there we went to the sea lions cave.  The drive took longer than we had expected so unfortunately we didn't get to go to the aquarium.  I had gone to the aquarium before with Alex and Latisha when they were little, and had wanted to show the others.  Maybe next time.  The cave was fine but the next day we saw a lot of sea lions on the beach, so I would have skipped the cave.  Just never enough time.  :)

I couldn't figure out how to take pictures in the cave because you can't use a flash
But here the girls are outside it. 

The light house in Newport

I wanted to find a taffy shop where they actually made the taffy there.  So, the next day we were on a hunt.  We drove out of our parking lot, across the street, and on our first try, there was a taffy shop and they were making taffy right then.  Yeahhhhh!!!!  We bought our share of taffy and even got a free sample of the one we watched being made.  We actually found cheeper taffy later but this was worth the extra money to watch it being made.

 Then we went to the beach where David's family was crabbing.  They had rented for $10 these little traps complete with chicken legs.  If you were over 14 you had to get a three day license for $12, but the younger kids were free.  You could only keep males and they had to be over 5 3/4 inches.  We caught a lot, but were only able to keep six.  Some went fishing that day and caught quite a bit of fish.  The day before they had dug a lot of clams.  For dinner that night we had homemade clam chowder, crab, and fish.  It was wonderful.

Danika tossing her net

She caught this one

here we are on the beach with a cousin

Here are the sea lions

 Finally, our last day we headed home and stopped at the Tillamook Cheese Factory.  It was fun and full of lots of people.  We got a free sample of ice cream,  a little tour, and some cheese tasting.  At the end we bought some cheese, beef stick, fudge and some more ice cream.  I would say Danika choose the best flavor and highly recommend Tillamook white chocolate raspberry ice cream.

Aidric loved the cow

 Our last sight seeing stop was at Multnomah Falls, just outside of Portland.  We were tired so we didn't stay long, but I would say that was one of my favorite stops.  Soooo beautiful there.

There it is, our week long trip in a quick blog. We drove the Yukon and stayed in hotel instead of the motor home.  They both have their plus and minus but some of the positives were when the car was in the shop we were able to stay in the hotel, the hotels are generally more roomy, and I didn't have to cook for a week.   Aidric was so excited to get home he just kept walking around and around the house. We are grateful to be home safe and sound, and blessed with the memories of another trip, thank you Lord.  Have a blessed day,  Alicia