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Oregon Trip 2010
While the boys were here, we decided to take them on a trip into Oregon. Typical 2 day trip, hit the coast then book across to the middle of Oregon for some high desert fun. Usually these short little trips are a blast, and this one turned out to be one of the best.
We headed out early, but late enough to miss the morning rush hour. Around here every trip gets planned around potential traffic problems. The shot down I-5 was a breeze, and we made the cross over to 101 in record time. Personally I think a drive on 101 should be on everyone’s bucket list. Small coastal towns, to sweeping panoramic views of the Pacific. Just incredible. We stopped in Cannon Beach so the boys could see Haystack Rock and the other formations. Cannon Beach is a nice little town that really is tourist central in nice weather. And for the Oregon coast, nice summer weather is usually for 3 weeks in August. Cram it all in kids, cram it in.
After the required picture taking by the rocks, and a nice lunch at Doogers, we loaded up and headed back south on 101. By the way, Doogers is a great little place. The fish is fresh, the iced tea fantastic and the atmosphere has a laid back coastal vibe, with just enough tourist kitsch to make it fun. And it’s another “Kelly Recommended” place, so there you go.
The trip south to Newport was full of great sights from Tillamook Bay to Otter Rock. Like I said, a great ride. We pulled into Newport and decided to stay at the Shiloh Inn right on the beach. Marc checked his email and found out his orders had come through. He’s headed to Air Force boot camp on Dec 14th, and is going to be an Aviation Specialist. As always, I’m one proud papa. We decided to stay close to “home”, so we wandered over to the Shiloh Inn restaurant that was just next door. The dinner was good, with Marc getting scallops, Jake the roast chicken and Beth going with the steak. I went with the pork chop. 4″ thick of locally raised bone-in loin chop ambrosia. Killer chop. Honestly, the best I’ve ever tasted. I’d make the trip down just for a chance to have another. Man was it good.
Next morning we woke and headed east over the mountains. Route 20 is a great road, but holy crap is it a twisty one. Now don’t get me wrong, I love me some twisties, but yeesh. By the time we got over the mountains, I was ready for a rest. Yeah, I know, I’m old. Get over it. (coughs) After a bit more driving we got into Redmond and headed over to Smith Rock. Smith Rock is a beautiful rock formation that is a hit with the local rock climbing crowd. In addition it has several trails around it for the less vertically inclined of us.
It’s no secret I love the high desert areas of the Pacific Northwest. Something about being in the desert just feels right to me. Love it. Love all desert areas, but particularly the high desert areas here. We originally were all going to hike around the rock, but as it turned out, the trip over aggravated a blister that had formed on my foot the day before, so I sat it out. Look, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it, okay? Anywho, Beth and the boys headed out on there own and I decided to sit under a nice Pinon and read a book. I should mention that in the sun it was close to 90 and in the shade of the tree a cool 70. Nice. After a few hours the brave little explorers trudged back up the hill. They were winded and tired, but dug all the views.
We stayed the night in Redmond and had dinner at a Black Bear Diner. Palatable, but nothing special to be honest. The chicken fried steak was tasty, but not in my top five favorites. Next day we headed back home, this time taking 97 north to 26 west, then onto 5. Along the way we had a total drop dead, kick ass, jaw-dropping view of Mt Hood while on 26. Wow. Then later after we got onto 5, we got caught in a massive traffic jam. After sitting still for an hour or so with much bitching, swearing, and general kvetching, we got detoured around the mess and back on our way. When we got home we found out that not only was the snarl due to a 12 car pile up with injuries, but that a woman stuck in the jam went into labor. Remember, no matter how bad things seem, it’s quite possible someone else is having a much worse go of it. Lesson learned.
Another great trip in the books. If you’d like to see more pictures of this, and other trips, head over to my Flickr account.
Enjoy the ride people,
Gregor
Posted on August 13th, 2010 in Critic's Corner, Road Trips by Gregor.
Ala Carte: Beach, Cannon Beach, coast, desert rats, Doogers, Newport, Oregon, Smith Rock