Oregon Coast part 1

We just returned from a great trip to Oregon. Last year we flew into Seattle and drove down the coast on the 101. We meandered down the coast stopping at little towns along the way and one of the towns that we really loved was Cannon Beach, Oregon. We only stayed a few hours but it was the highlight of the trip last year.

Sean happened to win a sweepstakes at work for some money towards a trip of his choice and it didn't take very long to decide to go back to Cannon Beach. This time for several days. We flew into Portland this time and drove the hour and a half West to the coast.We wanted this trip to be relaxing with very little driving. So we did just that!

Day one was traveling and day two was driving to the beach to celebrate Wesley's birthday. We kidded how much fun it would be to eat cake by the ocean so while we were in Portland we went to a Whole Foods and got a big cake and hauled it out to the beach with us. It was a memorable eleventh birthday for the kid.

The thing about Oregon's beaches is that while it's a beautiful 70 degree day the ocean is freezing. Like if you stand in it up to your ankles you won't be able to feel your feet for several minutes. It's so cold. You'll notice we are all wearing hoodies and jackets which is unheard of at home (since it's 98 degrees) but in Oregon is normal. Such wonderful weather.....as long as swimming in the ocean isn't in your plans (it certainly isn't in my plans).

There was a lot of beach sitting happening that first day at Cannon Beach. We waited until the tide was low and went exploring around Haystack Rock (the beach is famous for it, it's the beach in the film Goonies). Haystack Rock is a protected area and nobody is allowed to climb on or near it but with low tide it formed some beautiful tide pools that had some cool sea life in them. And it made for some beautiful pictures.

We decided to stay in the Hallmark Resort which is directly on the beach right in front of Haystack Rock. It was a beautiful place and I highly recommend it. It was quite something to wake up and see the ocean.

Just celebrated our 17 year anniversary.

The hiking around there is just gorgeous!  We pulled off of the highway on a big shoulder and found a hiking trail that was pretty much like walking into a rain forest. It was a nice way to kill and hour while the hotel was getting our room ready.

The hydrangeas in town were so pretty and in every color imaginable.

I have one more post about this vacation that I will post tomorrow.