Oregon, Here We Come!

With Bobby at the airport, it was time for us to head for the Oregon coast with the kids. Our plan was to stay in Astoria and see the sights. Well, best laid plans and all that, we couldn't find a place to stay in Astoria. So we headed south to our next favorite destination on the coast, Tillamook! We decided to stay at a Harvest Host venue---Blue Heron French Cheese Factory.

Unlike most Harvest Hosts, this one allows you to stay for two nights. We would be able to remain in Tillamook until Bobby arrived with his car.

 Of course, when one stays in Tillamook, the first thing to do is visit Tillamook Creamery where they make cheese and ice cream. The single scoop cones are huge and delicious.

 The following day we took a ride to Cape Meares. It is the shortest lighthouse on Oregon's coast. This is the kiosk located in the parking lot. It is downhill from the kiosk to the lighthouse, with views of the seastacks on either side of the trail.

Now when you aren't used to walking up a long, steep hill, you stop for a rest at the first bench you see.

We continued on past the parking area. to visit the octopus tree. It is enclose in a fence so no one disturbs this unusual tree.

 The tree doesn't have a central trunk and no one knows why.

From the octopus tree, it was off to see on of the tallest trees in Oregon. It was tall, but not as tall as the tree we saw in Washington. Not far from the tallest tree, we found this burly tree. We couldn't tell is the big knots were burls or the result of the tree getting its start on a nurse tree.

After sightseeing all morning, we worked up an appetite. We stopped in Oceanside at The Schooner to have lunch. Then it was back to Sol to relax for the afternoon. We expected Bobby to arrive in the wee hours of the morning.

Bobby drove straight through from LA and arrived in Tillamook around 6:30 a.m. After he rested, he and the kids returned to his house in Washington. Bob and I moved Sol to Tillamook Airport and RV Park since our 2 nights were up at Blue Heron.

Previously, we stayed at the airport in 2008 and 2010. Since our first stay, the price has increased from $5 a night to $15. There were improvements--the picnic tables were new and the sites had been paved.

 While at Tillamook Airport, we did a little geocaching and we revisited Munson Creek Falls. The falls are over 300 feet tall, but you cannot get close to the foot of the falls as the trail is closed. It is still an impressive sight.

After spending two nights at the airport, it was time for Bob and I to start heading east. Bob's dad had a mild stroke and we were needed in Arkansas.