2014 Vacation, Part 3: The Coast

Now finished with the Portland leg of our vacation, we headed ninety minutes west to give our greetings to the Pacific. We spent the day and that night in Seaside, tested the cold ocean waters, explored a tide pool, and walked the beach.

It was mid-morning when we arrived at the endless expanse of water. It was a normal, cool day on the Oregon coast. The daily fog hadn't yet been burned off by the sun.

Even though it was chilly, it's hard not to wear shorts and a t-shirt if you're going to the beach. And once clouds let the sun come through, it warmed up to nearly 70. The kids (and I) had fun getting our feet wet and dodging waves.

We took a short drive south from Seaside to Cannon Beach so we could poke around the tide pool beside Haystack Rock during low tide.

It's a popular tide pool so there were volunteers around to share information with people and make sure they don't damage the wildlife. They were helpful in explaining things like how to safely touch an anemone and how if you put certain barnacles in shade, they will slowly close up.

We saw a few giant sea stars - one hanging out on a rock and another lounging in a shallow pool.

A gull was using the exposed animals to get himself a nice meal.

Haystack Rock is also known for being in several scenes from The Goonies, including the opening car chase scene that goes onto the beach. After looking at what the tide pool had to offer, the kids decided to get themselves in the water - at least as much as the cold ocean would allow them to.

After the salty dip, the kids posed by an equally salty sea captain before we headed back to Seaside.

We had found this place (notice the sign) earlier in the day and had to come back later to eat there. Finn got a t-shirt to commemorate "his" restaurant.

We enjoyed the view from our hotel room, but the best part was opening the patio door and hearing the waves.

"Julia, which way to the beach?"

Bucket head!

Sunset frolicking in the waves.

Julia really wanted to perform her famous back float in the ocean, but it was just too cold. Finn attempted it.

And finally, contently warming up in shades.

The next morning we headed north back towards Washington and where we started the trip.