From the path to the Cape Meares Lighthouse.With Patrick in California on business and us facing a super hot week at home, the kids and I decided to hit the road. We invited cousin Colin to join in our adventures, and after a pancake and bacon breakfast, we were on our way.
First stop, Tillamook, for an impromptu visit with Grandma Kitty and a visit to some of her favorite places.
Southwest of town, we found the Whiskey Creek Fish Hatchery. For $.25 you can fill up a tin with fish food. This place is off the tourist track and the fish are highly responsive to food thrown in. Just beyond the hatchery you can see the mud flats and there are often herons and egrets out fishing there.
Fish Food.
Feeding the Fish.
A Beautiful Place for a Picnic Lunch.
On a sunny day, the short hike down to the Cape Meares lighthouse is gorgeous, with panoramic ocean views of the coastline. To the north you may get to see one or more of the threatened birds who are protected at this National Wildlife Refuge: Marbled Murrets, Peregrine Falcons and Bald Eagles. We knew the Murrets were somewhere in the vicinity because of the loud noise they make and we finally spotted them out beyond the lighthouse floating in a large group in the water.
Cape Meares Lighthouse.
This lighthouse was built in 1889. The lens is a Fresnel (pronounced "Fraynel") lens and was made in Paris, France. Unfortunately, in 2010, a couple of people decided to shoot bullets through it, causing horribly expensive damage.
Looking up into the lens.
The lighthouse is open daily April through October from 11 am to 4 pm. You can go up into the lens with a guide during those hours.
We wanted ice cream, but decided to skip the Tillamook Cheese Factory, because we have seen it before and it's usually crowded on beautiful days like this. Another great place to get Tillamook ice cream south of town is the Bayside Market and Deli in Netarts, one of the little towns you drive through on the way to the lighthouse. Walk past the big tank of live crabs, past the register and the jewelry displays and you will find a small ice cream counter at the back front of the store. It has a smaller selection, but friendlier service, and is a great way to finish off a south Tillamook trip.
Shark Tunnel!!!
After saying goodbye to Grandma Kitty, we headed for a place the kids have been talking about for over a year: the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport, specifically the shark tunnel at the aquarium.
Sofia watching a Sturgeon.
More Shark Fun.
A great tidepool tank, with anemones and abalone, starfish and sea cucumbers.
Up Close to a Green Moray Eel.
Colin exploring the shipwreck exhibit.
Pacific Sea Nettles, one of my favorite exhibits along with the huge jellyfish tank.
We enjoyed our visit immensely. Sofia loved seeing the Octopus, which was out and swimming around. Otis and Colin pick the sharks as their favorite, especially the big Sevengill Shark.
After dinner we checked into our hotel near Nye Beach, a big favorite of ours and an adventure in itself. We'll post more about that tomorrow. Here's one of the kids all time favorite parks, near the Newport Performing Arts Center and just a couple blocks from our hotel. Check out the slide coming out of the shipwreck:
Oh yes, the kids wore themselves out running back up that hill over and over.
Lots of fun spinny things.
More spinning fun.
And finally, back to our hotel to wind down with a friendly game of Mastermind.
Can you tell where we are?
Here's a hint:
