Traveling as Two: Tillamook

After a day of rest, we were excited to plan a little day trip. I couldn't come all this way without crossing the border into Washington, so we started making our way up the coast.

Before we got here, I didn't realize how much of Route 101 was forested areas and not just driving along the beach.

My sweetie read online about an airplane museum that was housed in an old blimp hangar from WWII. His dad served active duty in that war so we were excited to check it out. Since it was Veteran's Day, we even got in for free.

They had all sorts  of displays; airplanes, trains, cars, fire engines... The hangar was huge!

After we left the museum, we continued on our trek to Wasington. Our next stop was Rockaway Beach. It was quiet and beautiful and the sand was packed hard so we could easily walk near the water in our street shoes.

We gathered a few shells for Baby Doll before we climbed back in the car and headed for Seaside, a little resort town with a carousel mall. 

We explored the little shops and bought some souvenirs before my sweetie rushed us out the door and down the street so we didn't miss the sun setting on the water.

It was definitely beautiful, even with the clouds obscuring the reflection. With the darkening skies, we hurried on. We were spending the night in Astoria, right on the Washington border.

Instead of going out for dinner, we ate in our room so we would have time for the hot tub before bed. Tomorrow was going to be a very busy day.

Traveling as Two: Cozy in the Condo

One thing we have realized as we get older is that when we are traveling, we have to plan a down day here and there. After all that extra hiking on Monday, Tuesday felt like a sleep-in day. The problem was that we needed groceries or else we had to order in again. So we put on our shoes and headed for the car. As we took to the streets in search of the local Safeway, we inevitably found a few other places we wanted to stop. The first was called the Christmas Cottage.

I have never seen so many ornaments in my life!! You could find pretty much anything in there. We bought a couple of cute Covid-19 ornaments before we wandered next door to a chocolate shop.

My sweetie was so excited to try one of their chocolate dipped Twinkies. I thought the dipped Oreo was better, but we both loved the chocolate peanut patty.

We finally got our groceries and spent the rest of the evening planning our next big adventure.

Traveling as Two: Newport

I have been to Newport Beach in California, so when my sweetie said we were going to Newport, I figured we would be spending most of the day in the car, but as it turns out, there is a beautiful little port by the same name in Oregon.

This looks just like Arial's rock!!

We hiked our way up to the lighthouse, but it was closed for renovations (before COVID-19 could get to it...)

Then my sweetie suggested we visit the tidepools down on the rocky beach. After about 6 flights of rickety wooden steps and a visit with the ranger, the shifting rocks kept us from doing much exploring.

I did see some lime green anemones before we made our way back up those steps so we could finish our hike back to the parking lot.

I wanted to see the sea lion dock, so after we left the park, we drove into town. It wasn't hard to find them; we just followed the continuous barking.

When we started giving them names that sounded suspiciously like our kids' names, we decided it was time to leave.

I love bridges and harbors and looking at the various boats.

Finally, we made our way to a seafood place my sweetie found. It had a market beneath it and the fish was fresh and delicious!

We each had a different variety of cod, but my favorite was the seared tuna appetizer. 

Tired and full, we headed back across the bridge to our condo. Another day gone and we still have so much we want to see.

Traveling as Two: Lincoln City

Oh my gosh, I'm sorry! I've been so busy living my life that I haven't been sharing it with you. We arrived in Lincoln City too early to check into our condo, so we decided to drive around a little. My sweetie and I have always wanted to drive the Pacific Coast Highway, the iconic Route 101.

This was our first glimpse of the ocean, and we couldnt wait to see the water splash up against the huge black rocks!

Oregon is so beautiful. I'm amazed at the variety of the plant life and you know how much I love the water.

Sure love my sweetie! He is always so willing to pose for me. After looking around a bit, we were grateful that it was finally time to check into the condo. 

We are right on the water and we watched the sunset from the patio. Then we ordered pizza and watched sappy Christmas movies until bedtime. (I know, but we are getting old!!) Can't wait to tell you all sbout tomorrow!