Oregon Coast

Why don’t people flock to Oregon like they do to California? So far the Oregon coast is every bit as stunning as California’s coast. The drive to get there was also beautiful – through the tallest evergreen trees you’ve ever seen. We spent our first two nights in Cannon Beach. The beach goes on forever! We could walk miles in either direction. During low tide we could walk right out to Haystack Rock.

We’ve explored tide pools in Florida before – even went out with flashlights during low tide in Florida – eek! Here you see tons of starfish, bright green anemones, jelly fish and crabs in the tide pools and on the beach. I’m really not sure why you’d ever swim in the ocean with all those things!

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The pictures don’t capture just how big it is. Our hotel room had a beautiful view of Haystack Rock and a balcony to feel the ocean breeze. If we weren’t exploring Ecola State Park and the beautiful vista’s along Highway 101 we were sitting on our balcony enjoying the view. One night we even ordered pizza and ate it on our balcony. Plus it’s sweatshirt weather along the coast – low 60’s.

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We are exploring the central coast next. Our drive to Yachats was very foggy – so much sea smoke that it was difficult to see the ocean. We are hoping it clears today. Our hotel is again right on the ocean but this time the coast is rocky. We walked along the coast and stopped to watch the tide crash against the rocks last night. The tide was coming in and the waves were huge – way over our heads.

Oregon is known for it’s craft beer so tonight we ate at a craft brewery called Yachats Brewing (original, I know!). They also smoke their own meats. It was the best meal we’ve had so far. Our server recommend a great coffee shop (coffee out here is also a big deal!) I can’t wait to try it!

Two interesting things about Oregon. No sales tax. So if anybody wants something let us know – a new phone, iPad, electronics… The 2nd thing, it’s illegal to pump your own gas! All gas stations are full service. I might move here just for that! Knowing this we wanted to get gas last night just in case there was a beautiful sunrise. We weren’t sure a gas station would be open that early so Jon asked at the front desk for the nearest gas station – 7 miles up the shore or 23 mile down.

“You don’t have any here in town?” Jon asks.

“Oh we aren’t that big!” says the guy behind the counter.

Funny because they have a brewery, at least 10 restaurants and 3 coffee shops, but apparently not big enough for a gas station 🙂

*We are sending our positive vibes Amber and Ellie’s way! Hoping they get stronger every day. And Erin’s dad – who was admitted to the hospital last night with an infection. Get well everyone!