The Oregon Coast - Wow

We were not sure what to really expect,  but the Oregon Coast is stunning.    Many times there was no one in sight at a beach.  During low tide it seems like these beaches go on forever.  The stunning rock cliffs, splashing waves and numerous access points along the long coast make this a very special place.

                            Tillamook Dairy cheese tour (free - yea!) in Tillamook, OR was fun.
                                               Lots of free cheese samples as well.  (yum)

        Nika hanging out in a tidal pool near Pacific City, OR.   Now she just needs a tennis ball.

One of the many light houses.  This one is south of Pacific City, OR.   Chilly breeze,  definitely a jacket day.
In the visitor center at a light house,  looking way down to the water.   We actually could see Gray Whales from here.   We noticed that the volunteers that work in these light houses are amazing and really enjoy explaining the history of the area and the habitat of the animals that frequent the area.

Okay,  you might not be able to tell from this photo,  but Nika has a tennis ball about 2 ft in front of her,  she is waiting patiently for someone to throw if for her.   We could walk to this beach from our Pacific City  Thousand Trails camp site.  (10 min walk).   Interesting enough,  you are actually allowed to drive and have camp fires on the beach.   We were fortunate to have a view of the ocean from our campground site.  (sunsets were spectacular)

                                                Our trail to the beach from our camp site.

Berry berry nice.   (black berries)   When they are fully ripe they fall off easily in your hand.  Just watch the thorns!


Making wild black berry jam!   Black berries grow profusely in Oregon along the coast. (considered a nuisance by some of the locals because of the quick growing thorny vines).   We enjoyed stopping in various locations and picking and grazing on these delicious sweet berries.  The home made jam is delicious.  We also make a batch as more of a syrup to use as a topping on pancakes and ice cream.

Our first Grey Whale siting!    There were several resident whales in the area.   We also saw Sea Lions and Harbor Seals.    With the waves splashing against the rocks and wind catching the spray,  this was crazy beautiful.


                                                Fun to look at the tidal pools during low tide!

                     Exploring the rock outcroppings during low tide.  Interesting formations.



                                                         Up on one of the many bluffs.

Note from Mark -  So we were visiting the Heceta Head Lighthouse north of Florence, OR.  While hiking up to the lighthouse,  Judy saw a young girl sitting on the edge of a cliff vista and she was distraught and crying.   I watched Judy set down beside this young lady and put her arm around her and comfort her.  It is interesting to see how God works thru people when they are willing.  A friend of ours (thanks Dave)  recently sent this verse to us that sums this up -  "Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.  Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith."  Galatians 6:9-10

                                             Photos of the Heceta Beach Lighthouse area.


We took a break from the coast and spent a day at the 2019 Oregon State Fair in Salem, OR.  It was fun seeing all of the differetn animals being judged,  unique quilt displays, etc..   There was a lot to take in including a clown husband/wife act that the kids (young and old) enjoyed.   It was a good getaway for the day.



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