Layover on the Oregon Coast
Finally we are arriving in Oregon! We have both been really excited to check out this state and spend some time learning about several of the towns we have chosen to explore.
Our first stop upon crossing the Washington/Oregon border was Astoria. The Megler Bridge leading into town was pretty awesome, and that’s a huge understatement. Kileigh reminded the kids that the movie “Free Willy” was filmed partially in Astoria and the surrounding area. Claire and Henry kept a watchful eye out for killer whales while we crossed over the bridge, but much to everyone’s disappointment not a whale was spotted. It was amazing just how steep some of the roads in Astoria were, if we lived in Astoria we would have to keep the kids off of their bikes in certain areas or it would spell disaster.
First and foremost we wanted to check out the 14th Street Cafe in downtown Astoria. Kileigh and I had made an unsuccessful attempt to buy this adorable little coffee shop this time last year, sight unseen. Unfortunately, by the time we rolled into town the cafe was closed for the evening, we missed it by an hour. It was such a surreal feeling seeing the place in person.
It’s always a trip to wonder the what ifs in life. What if we had purchased this business? Looking from outside the windows looking in, it was almost too easy to imagine.
Since 14th Street Cafe was closed, we knew we would have to find another place to snag a treat as a reward for the kiddos patience after a longish day in the car. 
We opted to enjoy a little ice cream treat on the pier. After the kids had eaten their ice cream, and most of ours, we once again loaded up in the car. 
As we were buckling into our seats a light rain that had been falling stopped and a beautiful rainbow appeared overhead. We jumped back out to snap a few quick pictures and took in the “serene” moment.
Back in the car with bellies full of ice cream, the kids were getting tired so we decided to spend the night in nearby Seaside. We booked our room online and drove to the hotel to put the kids to bed. Claire was delighted to find that she would be getting her own “room” at the hotel and reluctantly agreed to share her bed with Henry. We all needed a good night sleep so we went to bed at a reasonable time with visions of what tomorrow’s journey would bring.
We started the next morning driving straight to McMinnville, followed by Woodburn, Keizer, and the capital Salem. It didn’t take too long until we started to realize that we were really missing the coast and being able to see the ocean.
One interesting side note from our lunch at Red Robin in Woodburn was Claire’s new found love of salad with ranch dressing. While asking for a to-go box for her chicken she decided she also needed another side salad (did you know they are all you can eat?). Henry was getting a bit tired so he and Kileigh went to the car while I waited for Claire to finish her second salad. She took her time and savored every last bite.
After Claire had induced herself into a salad coma we loaded up and took off for Newport, a small little coastal town. The terrain changed from rolling golden hills to dense forests pretty quickly. As we made our way into town a thick blanket of fog obstructed the view of the ocean so we would have to wait until the next day to see the water again. The kids were ready to put on their pj’s and relax. 
Thank goodness because Kileigh and I needed to spend some time catching up on our blogging and working to tackle our ever growing and never ending dirty laundry.
Our plan the next day was to head to Portland and meet up with Kileigh’s dear Americorps friend Samantha, AKA Princess Sammy. And hit up a not-for-profit bookstore…we love Portlandia!!
