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Oregon Coast Trip

Our new annual theme of a quick trip somewhere exciting and new with our friends, ventured us to the Oregon coast for a few days over spring break. We rented a vacation home, right on the beach, so the thrill of listening to the waves crash the shoreline every night was divine. We enjoyed a beautiful day of weather, perfect for our whale watching excursion, and fun, affordable places to stop along the way. It was definitely a trip well spent, relaxing, and one I'd recommend!



Sunbathing seals


The boys

The girls. :)

View from the vacation rental 

Waves crashing the shoreline
Our first day we did a whale watching trip out of Depoe Bay. The trip itself was quite fun, but a bit nerve-wrecking getting out of the harbor. The harbor is pretty small and the passageway to the open ocean was narrow. The waves were quite insane and a bit rocky as the 30 foot fishing vessel felt like a roller coaster, hitting those waves head on. The open water wasn't much better, as the boat swayed to and fro. I felt bad for a couple and their small boys, who ended up getting sea sick. The boys were scared beyond belief and cried most of the trip. I was surprised how well Madelynne took the boat ride, as she sat there on the way out, not really frightened at all, and ended up falling asleep in Brad's arms out at sea.
But the trip didn't disappoint and we saw five or so gray whales. It was exciting. 

View of the harbor entrance

Harbor seal that greeted us on the way back in

The opposite side of the harbor

Ready for her first whale watching adventure

Capsizing swells. 

There she blows!

Swells again!

Gray whale 

Gray whale 

Spouts

The next few days were spent exploring Newport and Florence. We ventured to the Sea Lion Caves and the Oregon Coast Aquarium, ending the long day, wet, rainy Saturday in Pacific City at the Pelican Brew Pub (boys request). Saturday was jam packed and fun, enjoying a marine/coastal themed trip with our fearsome crew. :)
Deep Sea Divers and Explorers!


Our favorite spot at the aquarium

catch of the day

Moody lighthouse from the Sea Lion Caves

Watching the sharks and sting rays


Deep blue sea!

Fascinated

Right above

Smiling rays

Waiting and Watching

Sea Lions
Jelly's 
Brew sampler

The trek home was up the Oregon Coast, stopping in Tillamook to tour the cheese factory, stopping at Canon Beach and Ecola State Park to revel in Goonies film sites, and enjoy the trip home. The trip was fun and eventful, and always not enough time. 
Indian Beach, OR

Steve and Nikki


Ecola State Park, OR


"Hey, you guys!"


She loves to pose

Running

Cheese samples


Window

Astoria, OR-Brew pub

Everything is "Can I kiss it?"


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