The Breathtaking Oregon Coast - Part 1

Leaving Portland, we wanted to see the Oregon coast for the first time ever, so we actually drove northwest and back into Washington State so we could cross the long bridge into Astoria, Oregon.  The drive was beautiful.  

Here's the bridge across the Columbia River over to Astoria.  It's too long to fit in one photo.

And this is the portion leading right into the city (under repair, thus the coverings on the left side).

We didn't actually stop in Astoria as we wanted to see as much of the coast as we could and get some quality beach time in, so we continued south from there along Oregon Coastal Highway 101.

Friends Terese and Rick recommended that we check out Cannon Beach, and we're so glad we listened to them.  There are many possible places to stop along the way, but this was a real treat.

We were hungry for lunch when we arrived so started with that. We found this great little authentic Mexican place where we could have Paisley join us outside while we ate.  The food was delicious, and the setting perfect.  And Paisley loved it too!

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Barry's chicken enchiladas

Some folks at the next table offered to take this photo of the three of us.  Of course we were thrilled to get it!

My fish tacos

Proceeding down to the beach, we found it absolutely stunning and incredibly wide.  Just look at it!

Cannon Beach

The houses along the seashore looked like something I associate with Nantucket or Martha's Vineyard -- not that I've ever been either of those places!  They were charming and beachy, though, and I am sure they cost a pretty penny.

I was determined to get my toes in the Pacific Ocean, and I did.  And yes, it was boo chilly!

We ended up walking a long ways down the beach to get to the far side of Haystack Rock so the sun would be right for photos.  Here it is to the left in the photo below.  Note that the haziness in the photo is from sea fog and not camera blur or a smudged lens!

Haystack Rock is on the right below with smaller rocks to the left....

Barry and Paisley in front of Haystack Rock

The crashing waves were awesome!

After enjoying our long beach walk, we had room for a little dessert, so walked back into town and spied this cupcake place, Simply Cakes.  Sounded good to us!

Paisley was hoping we might bring her something.  Sorry little girl, not this time!

I got a chocolate-peanut butter filled cupcake for myself and a chocolate-raspberry filled cupcake for Barry.  We inhaled them.  So so good!

Hitting the road again and continuing south to our destination for the night, tiny Rockaway Beach, we stopped several times along the way at overlooks to take photos.  The scenery speaks for itself.  Beautiful beaches and mountains side by side -- stunning!

Beautiful Manzanita Beach

Ahhhhh....

Up next:  Rockaway Beach!