Oct 22, 2008 - Japanese Garden in Portland

I wonder if this garden would be as beautiful any other time of year. The brilliant reds, oranges and yellows of some of the trees added so much to the vistas that I'm wondering if all green trees and bushes would have such a stunning effect.

This garden is a walking garden as there were only a few benches or other places to sit. Even in October there were enough people that I felt we had to keep moving in some places so as to not gum up the works.

I'm so glad we went to the Japanese Gardens because they were breathtakingly beautiful. It would be nice to find a bench and spend the day soaking up the delights while engaging in a bit of reading on the side. Oh, some nice refreshing herbal tea would be nice while I was reading.

Oct 22, 2008 - Vietnam Memorial in Portland

This memorial located in Washington park is a Solace Garden. It consists of a 1200 foot spiral path within an immaculately landscaped bowl containing lawns, flowers and low hedges surrounded by a mixture of tall trees. Along the path are understated monuments which name soldiers killed or missing. Each monument is year specific and effectively communicates the progression of the war: a slow beginning escalating to a crescendo then diminishing before the end.

I was reminded of a labyrinth as we walked this slowly inclining circle. The act of walking in a circle is an inducer of a meditative mindset (and heart-set) and before we reached the first monument I was feeling contemplative.

Each spaced monument covers a 5-year period of the war. At the top were listed a few tidbits from everyday life in Oregon, what was happening in the nation and in the world and mile markers in the war. The rest of the memorial listed names of Oregonians who had lost their lives in the war.

The slight effort I had to put into walking this path, along with the feelings I had reading the monuments and the time to contemplate on the spiral walk filled me with thanksgiving for all the people who have defended the liberties I enjoy today. And, of course, I felt great sorrow for the lives that have been lost in preserving freedom.

Oct 22, 2008 - Tillamook Cheese Vistors Center

The three of us love a good gift shop and, believe me, this is a good one. And it's big, with so much variety and so many Jim Shore items! The first picture shows Mom and Candleman in the front gift store. We found a cute steer weiner dog for Kristi and a Santa ornament for Jen and John.

In the back area is another shop that features cheese, jams, Tillamook sourveners, pie filling, soup mixes, candy, etc. Did we ever find some wonderful things back here.





The last picture shows part of the dining area, the ice cream counter with just a little line, the back shop to the right, and the fudge counter even further right. Not shown in the picture is the food counter. Several years ago Katie and I ordered such a delicious hamburger, so all three of us ordered a hamburger based on my opinion. The hamburger was NOT very good this time.

This large area is crowded during the summer. We were glad that there were short or no lines. We had ice cream cones last night and they were so delicious we ordered another for the road. The black walnut was my favorite, but I also liked the Huckleberry Swirl.

Oct 22, 2008 - Chasm Bridge (Neahkahnie Mt)

Chasm Bridge features stone masonry on the bridge and on the railings, which extend nearly uninterrupted around the mountain. It provides a spectacular view of the ocean.

Mom and Candleman enjoying the ocean panorama and what looks like a good discussion. Hmmm. . . how can I take pictures and still get in on the talk?!









The sun was coming through the clouds like it does for first visions. It looked so elegant shining down the side of the mountain and, though I knew I wouldn't be able to capture the look on film, I had to try. Without the picture I'm sure I would forget this sweet nature moment.

Oct 22, 2008 - Tolovana Beach

We stopped at Tolovana Beach to get some pictures of Haystack Rock which is just off the shore from Cannon Beach. Candleman strolled down the beach as Mom and I tried to soak up the sight, feel and sound of the beach so we could keep it with us. (We thought this might be the last view of the ocean for this trip.)

There was one little seagull on a log right by our feet. Mom decided to throw him a bit of her muffin. Withing a minute there were at least a dozen seagulls hoping for some muffin. It was crazy!

Calndleman soon joined in on the fun. They would toss crumbs into the air and the seagulls would fly up and grab it before it hit the ground. There may be laws about feeding the seagulls, but we sure had fun.

Oct 22, 2008 - Seaside

It was interesting to note how one hotel/motel is connect to another by their parking lots. The blue awning in the background was a different hotel. This went on for most of the length of the beach.

I quickly snapped this picture from the car window as we drove down Seaside's main road on our way back to the hwy. I thought that doorway was so attractive.

Our original plans were to drive from Seaside to Portland on hwy 26, but since we didn't get to spend the quality time we had hoped to in Tillamook, we made a a change. We decided to drive the nearly 60 miles back to Tillamook and then drive to Portland on hwy 6. This way we would also be able to see some of the sights we missed driving in the dark last night.

Oct 21, 2008 - Seaside

We arrived at Tillamook just minutes befor closing time. We each enjoyed our first ice cream cones from Tillamook. Since it was getting dark we drove straight to Seaside where we stayed the night in a hotel right on the beach, unfortunately we were all too tired for a stroll before bed.

It was fun to see the star fish lights all down the main street in Seaside. We didn't see (or notice) those on previous trips that showed us Seaside in the day.

I also tried to get a picture of the Lewis & Clark statue at night. The silhouette turned out kind of nice I think.

Oct 21, 2008 - Cape Meares Lighthouse and More

Our last stop on the Three Capes Scenic Drive was Cape Meares. We haven't done this complete drive before only the smaller loop from and back to Tillamook. For this route we left Hwy 101 about 8 miles north of Neskowin. The first cape was Cape Kiwanda, the second Cape Lookout and the third was Cape Meare.

From here we got another view of the 3 Arch Rocks. We could see the arch in two of the rocks from this vantage.


















The last time Mom visited Cape Meare the lighthouse was under construction, so we felt strongly that we needed to bring her back so she could see this little gem at its best. Unfortunately, we arrived too late and the gift shop was closed. The walk down the long slanting ramp was so hard on me this time. My knees were killing me and walking down a slope is the worst.

Candleman walked to the Octupus Tree (a Spruce) and took a few pictures for us to see.

Oct 21, 2008 - Oceanside

Before entering Oceanside we took this picture through the windshield of the Three Arch Rocks.




















I purchased The Photographer's Guide to the Oregon Coast before the trip and it provided some useful information. It's from this book that I learned about Maxwell Mountain Rd in Oceanside. We followed this one lane, twisting road up the mountain and passed houses that had beautiful views. The end of the road featured a panoramic view of the ocean, the town and another view of the Three Arch Rocks.

I will forever dream about sitting on those people's back patio, reading my book, sipping on lemonade and mostly watching the ocean. Can you just imagine?!

Oct 21, 2008 - Cape Kiwanda

Thirteen miles north of the Hwy 18 junction with Hwy 101 is Cape Kiwanda. This was a beautiful beach which features the coast's 2nd Haystack Rock ( the other is in Cannon Beach). That person walking up the beach (top pic) is Candleman.

Unlike other capes on the coast, which have an igneous history (big chunky black rocks), Cape Kaiwanda is sedimentary in origin - more like our cliffs in Utah.

We sat on a huge log and watched the surfers for quite a while. One had a motorized board so he didn't have to paddle further out from shore after each run. You can't really see all the surfers in this picture, there must have been 8 -10, but you can see the pretty sandstone rock that is striking with the ocean waves.

I took my shoes off and enjoyed the feel of the sand in my bare toes.

Oct 21, 2008 - The Otis Cafe

We passed the Otis Cafe on our way to see the Drift Creek Covered Bridge. A few minutes later we drove back and, in a brave mood, stopped for lunch. Boy, are we glad we did. It was 2:30 in the afternoon on a weekday and all 5 tables were busy the whole time. And in the time we were there (45 min), 12 loaves of Molasses Bread went out the door.

I absolutely loved that molasses bread. The whole wheat was good, too. Their clam chowder was delicious and Candleman said the chicken fried steak was very good.

We will go back if we are ever back. Otis Cafe is located on Hwy 18 just off the coast hwy. I wonder how much they would charge for shipping on a couple loaves of molasses bread?

Oct 21, 2008 - One Covered Bridge

The only covered bridge we saw today was the Drift Creek Bridge. I was located only a few miles off Hwy 101. This bridge was saved from destruction by a family who took it in
parts to their property and reconstructed it. They made an agreement with the state that it would be available for the public to view it.

I was disappointed that it was the same type and look as my favorite little North Yachats River Bridge. We clicked a picture without even getting out of the car, even though the story about the bridge was touching.

Oct 21, 2008 - Connie Hansen Garden

I don't know where I read about this garden, but when I did I thought it might be worth a look since it wasn't out of our way. This garden is located at 1931 NW 33rd St in Lincoln City - only a block from the highway. Of course, late October is not the peak season. If we ever come back in the late spring we'll have to stop again.

The garden was built over several decades by Connie Hansen, an avid gardener and artist, after she moved to this coastal town in the early seventies. At this time, the garden is run by The Connie Hansen Garden Conservancy, a non-profit group committed to preserving this garden and sharing it with the public.

Even at this time of year there were beauties to delight us. I was astonished that there were so many flowers in bloom. And was most surprised to see fuschia growing as hardwood bushes and cyclamens growing outside in the ground. Both of these plants have only been known to me as indoor potted plants.

Oct 21, 2008 - Cape Foulweather

I learned since we've been home from our trip that Yaquina Head was named Cape Foulweather until 1873 when the cape 10 miles up the coast received the name. So in 1778 when Captain James Cook named Cape Foulweather he was naming Yaquina Head. I'm just surmising things here - not really sure.

The only building on Cape Foulweather is a gift shop named Look-out Gift Shop. I think that's just to keep us confused since there is a Cape Look Out further up the coast.

Oct 21, 2008 - Yaquina Head Lighthouse

It was a beautiful day when we visited this lighthouse. Mom and I strolled around the grounds and visited the lady in the lighthouse who was greeting people. This is neither here nor there but I remember she was reading a David Baldacci book that I haven't read yet. Can't remember the title, though.

Candleman climbed up the 114 steps to the top where a guide explained the daily jobs of the light keeper. I remember something about adding oil and trimming the wick.



















The pelicans were out in number on all the rocks around the Yaquina Head. It was fun to watch and listen to them. I didn't see any of them scooping up fish wish I wish I would have.

Oct 21, 2008 - Yaquina Bay Lighthouse

We saw this lighthouse from across the bay when we were out on the south jetty taking pictures of the Yaquina Bay Bridge, but waited until this morning to visit it, rather we visited the parking lot and nearby picnic area. This is the oldest wood-frame lighthouse in the state and is no longer used as a lighthouse but a museum.

I thought this little clump of trees was typical of coastal trees and the two birds courting in the treetops added special appeal. If you look close you can see the Yaquina Bay Bridge in the background.

And yet another tree. I like trees and can't resist a picture of an interesting one.

Oct 21, 2008 - More McCullough Bridges

A second look at the bridge in Newport - the Yaquina Bay Bridge (1936). This time in the daylight and from the north shore.

The next bridge we saw today is the Rocky Creek Bridge ( 1927) The only way to see this one is to leave Hiwy 101 on the Otter Crest Loop which was once Hwy 101, but now is a one-way roadway. The cove is called Whale Cove. Recently discovered artifacts and historical research have led many to believe Sir Francis Drake landed here. I'd like to learn more about that.

That last McCullough bridge we saw today and on this trip is the one in Depoe Bay. (1927) This bay is famous for being the smallest bay in the world.

Oct 20, 2008 - Sylvia Hotel in Newport

We spent the night at the Sylvia Hotel in Newport. Since we arrived after dark the first two pictures were taken in the morning. We had to get shots of the outside of the this interesting hotel to keep it sharp in our memories. The hotel is situated right on the beach with the Yaquina Head Lighthouse just up the coast a short distance.

Sylvia Hotel is a booklovers hotel. There's no TV but lots of books in the 3rd floor library. Candleman and I went to bed at 10, but Mom stayed up reading by the warm fireplace.

We arrived at the hotel in time to have dinner. They serve dinner family style, meaning that everyone sits down at 7:00 and the food is served in bowls that are passed around the table. We had to call in advance and let them know our choice of 3 entrees.

Candleman had rack of lamb that he said was great and Mom and I had scallops and shrimp that was okay. We sat at a table with a couple from Beaverton, Oregon. The owners have us play a game where we tell two truths and one lie. The others can ask a few questions to help them figure out which is which.. We had a lot of fun. The dining are is called the Tables of Content. Clever and cute.

Mom stayed in the Shakespeare room that was decorated really cute. There was a sign above the sink that read, "Out Damn Spot." And in the bathroom another sign reading, "To Pee Or Not to Pee . . ."

Candleman and I stayed in the Herman Melville room. It was decorated as cute as the Shakespeare room, but it was still a fun room. The hotel is very old, but they are doing some fun things to fix it up and the book references all around the hotel added so much to the theme. It was a wonderful experience with only one draw back. Our room was on the 3rd floor (next to the library) and the dining room was down 3 flights. My knees were killing me that day and the climbing was especially bad.