I have no rule against posting about new memories this year and we just made some good ones during four fabulous days in Oregon. Four-day trips seem to suit our little family. Long enough to get away, but not so long it breaks the bank or drives Jack too batty hanging out with his parents.
On Thursday we got up early and flew to Portland, then headed straightaway toward the coast. We visited the huge old Naval blimp hangar in Tillemook and, of course, the cheese factory there. We watched them package 40 pound blocks of cheese heading to storage for aging. Then a drive to the beach at Oceanside, which we remembered from an earlier trip, for a couple of hours of sand, wind, and wave time. Then a drive up the coast to spend the night at a seaside motel in, well, Seaside, where we enjoyed a beautiful sunset on the beach.
On Friday we were up early to enjoy the beach at Seaside, then after we checked out of our motel, we drove down to enjoy Cannon Beach and the tidal pools there (we all saw starfish and crabs, but Jack was the one who spied the octopus below). In the afternoon we headed inland again to see the Hughes Flying Boat, also known as the Spruce Goose, at the air museum in McMinnville. It's wingspan is crazy wide! On to the hotel, some dinner, and a movie.
Saturday we headed into the city and fed our souls. First to Powell Books for a leisurely browse and a nice stocking up. Then to an art supply store for drawing pads and pencils. Then to the Japanese Garden, which we'd heard was amazing and it did not disappoint. One of my favorite moments was when I looked up just as petals from a blossoming tree caught a breeze and gently showered down on me like a blessing. We ended the day with dinner with my cousin and her family in their quintessential Portland bungalow.
Today we drove along the Columbia River Gorge. Hiked stunning waterfall trails. Saw the Bonneville dam and locks. Visited the largest fish hatchery I've ever seen. Drove over the Bridge of the Gods. Then headed to the airport.
Our plane was late taking off from Portland, but that just meant we landed exactly as the sun set over the Great Salt Lake.
I am declaring an official end to my winter funk.
1 comment:
It sounds like a fun getaway.
I love your story of the Japanese Garden. That is something I would like to see and experience. Thank you for sharing.
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