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Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Southbound Oregon Coast--Astoria, Ecola SP, Tillamook

August 21, 2013

As we decided to drive back down the Oregon Coast we had to leave Seattle a day earlier than planned. This time Christian was with us after he flew back from New York to Seattle. He was on a Bermuda cruise with Jonathan, Celia, and Caitlin that sailed out from NY. This time we turned to 8/12 from Olympia towards Aberdeen and then the 101 south, a much easier drive. We spent a couple of hours in Astoria, at the Astoria Column and of course back to the Bowpicker one more time for the delicious fish and chips. The line was even longer this time around!

Astoria, Oregon

Much better weather this time.

many fishing boats on the Columbia River

The $2 pass that we got last week was still good.

Much better view than the week before.











Ecola State Park/Cannon Beach/Tillamook Rock Light House

Ecola Staet Park has the dramatic views of the coastline and Haystack Rock. The road to the park extends two miles north of Cannon Beach and there are many picnic areas, viewpoints, and two beaches. We missed it the week before because the sign was blocked by trees when we drove past Cannon Beach. I think it would be nice to stay a night in Cannon Beach and enjoy this unique town.

Tillamook Light House off the shore


Cannon Beach and Crescent Beach

Haystack Rock--the unofficial symbol of Cannon Beach

Still at the Ecola State Park


Haystack Rock from south of Cannon Beach

Gorgeous Oregon Coast

Tillamook Cheese Factory

Tillamook Cheese Factory--one of the top 10 visitor attractions in all of Oregon.

Open from 8~8 in the summer. No wonder the lights were still on when we went past here the week before.


Watching cheese being produced on a self-guided tour. These are huge blocks of cheese to be cut into smaller blocks.



After the tour tourists can sample different kinds of cheese and shop from a wide selection of items in the gift shop. We decided to have a light dinner here at the cafe. Not too many choices and the food was just OK.


Ice Cream counter

My club sandwich

MOR's hamburger

Christian's mac and cheese with salad

Dessert was the ice cream cones from their creamery. This huckleberry ice cream was a disappointment, too sour for my taste. Nothing like the ones we had in Montana. The waffle cone was great though. Christian had the Grandma's cookie dough or something like that and he said it was really good.
After dinner we continued our drive to Lincoln City where we would spend the night. Unfortunately we had traffic delay due to road construction so by the time we got to our hotel it was around 9pm.
A long day!

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