Back to the Oregon Coast

After a wonderful week spent with our daughter we made the trek back to Oregon Coast.  We wanted to do the I-84 route up around the Cascades and along the Columbia River Gorge.  It took us a couple of days with a stop over in Pendleton.   I had always heard of the Oregon Wine Country but had never been.  We cut over to McMinnville and soon we were passing by lots of wineries.  I do think we will have to take a little while and go spend some there exploring.  The casinos nearby all have concerts occasionally and I think when the oldies come we should make a trip of it.  We are certainly looking for fun things to do since we'll be kind of settling in and not on the road as much for the next little while.  We both really enjoyed the traveling, but are looking forward to the chill factor of just hanging around. Newport is a fun town with lots to do and is within driving distance of other places to see.  We love the Oregon Coast and have enjoyed ourselves so far.

I love walks along the beach

This bird caught a little fish while I was watching

Bridge over Yaquina Bay

Sunset through the trees

For the past two weeks we have enjoyed wonderful sunshine and really nice temperatures.  Yesterday was foggy and we had a little ride up the coast.  We needed to get warm rainproof jackets so we went to the outlet shops in Lincoln City.  The shops were not crowded at all and all the stores had more than enough help.  We found nice warm rain gear at a great sale.  Afterwards we had a quick lunch at Mo's on the water and watched the rain.  

A rather informal Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving was a little different from our past life.  In years past, we spent the entire day cooking a large meal for the entire family, digging out the good china, crystal and silver.  Since it was just the two of us in restricted space, we did a turkey tenderloin in the slow cooker, stove top stuffing, canned cranberries and steamed broccoli.  Nothing fancy, and it passed for a Thanksgiving meal.  I remember my folks going to the beach for Thanksgiving many years ago and having turkey TV dinners.  That Thanksgiving is one of the ones they remember the most.  I think this one will be one of our most memorable.  Usually Eric had to work so the schedule changed each year.  This year it was just nice to have him home and no stress!

I signed us up for Whale Watching and Counting for the annual migration.  You count the whales going by and talk to visitors.  Sounded simple enough and definitely a way to get outside (hence the rain gear) and enjoy what there is.  We had to attend a day long training session starting at 8am.  The instructor was Dr. Mate from Oregon State University.  He has been studying whales and pinnipeds since the 1970's.  I would go hear him lecture again as I enjoyed it very much.  Our travels have taken us to lots of wonderful places and most center around animals.  It was funny to hear him mention places we have been, some 20 years ago, and remember our experiences there. 

The weather goes from sunshine to sideways rain.  Dark clouds are all around and the sky is blue over the water, at least for now.  Today is a lazy day, watching the waves crash and getting little things done.  We did some cyber Monday shopping, I reorganized a cupboard, and I think we will catch up on our DVR'd shows.  Boring, but beats going to work every day.  

Dreary Monday Morning

Gidget waiting for the rain to stop.  She hates going outside in the rain!

The sun pops out for a second or two