Day 24 June 30

 After leaving Camp Clark, we had to stop one more time at Pacific Seafood Peddler’s Fish Market for some creamy, hot clam chowder for “brunch”. Took a quart with us for later tonight. It was THAT good. Nehalem Bay State Park was very large with five camping areas including one that accommodates horses. After settling in, we walked down a few campsites to the Beach Access then hiked through the sand dunes to the coast. As we topped the dunes, our eyes were treated with spectacular scenery. Only an hour away from our last stop but very different terrain. The sand was soft and deep; a workout to get to the water and back. It was only 65° but the sun made it feel much warmer; however, the ocean water was very brisk. Hoping to go back down at sunset after our clam chowder dinner. A longer drive up the coast tomorrow to get to Sequim Bay in Washington. 

Day 22 and Day 23 (the wedding) June 28 and 29

 No internet and spotty cell for 2 1/2 days while we were at remote Cape Clark so no blog for June 28 and 29. 

A short drive took us to Cape Clark for our nephew’s wedding. Set up camp in a field then headed to the meeting area and beach about a quarter mile away. We were the first ones to arrive. The beach was breathtakingly beautiful. We hiked for miles on it over the next 2 days. Eventually around 100 guests joined the party. The weather was warm to cool with sprinkles to cold for us Floridians. Many friends and relatives were there. To make it short, it was a joyous weekend and very true to the spirit of the married couple. We weren’t allowed to take pictures of the ceremony but it was short, sweet and again, very Anna and Sam. The reception afterwards with catered Greek food was fun with many speakers telling stories and toasting the newlyweds. The festivities went on till dawn but we only lasted till 11. Sunday morning came too soon and we were off to our next camp, Nehalem Bay State Park on the coast. 

Day 21 June 27

  An excellent day on our excellent adventure! Started the day stopping at the Fred Meyers store, started in 1922, which makes Walmart look small. Picked up a few necessities then we headed for the Tillamook Air Museum which is housed in a former blimp hangar built in 1942. Hangar B is the largest clear-span wooden structure in the world. So much aeronautical and WW2 history packed into a two hour tour of this massive building. Then it was off to the Tillamook Creamery to observe how they make their cheese. We did a self-guided tour and observation of the facility complete with samples of cheddars. Their gift shop is massive where customers can purchase all of their products including t-shirts with pictures of their Loaf Love VW microbus which is suppose to resemble baby loaves of cheddar. Decided to have our grilled cheese in the camper with our own Tillamook cheese instead of eating with the masses of visitors at the creamery. Next we drove then hiked to the Cape Meares Lighthouse which is the shortest on the Oregon coast measuring only 38 feet tall. It operated  from 1890 to 1963 when it was deactivated and slated for destruction. Citizens of the town rallied to save and restore it in 1980. The scenery along the coast was spectacular. We drove home by way of Seaside and Oceanside Recreation Site where the beaches kiss the feet of the mountains and the ocean laps along the giant rocks. Finished our day at the Fish Peddler at Pacific Oyster devouring the best clam chowder I’ve ever consumed and succulent Dungeness crab. Tomorrow we head for Camp Clark for Sam and Anna’s wedding weekend. 

Day 20 June 26

 It was a fairly short drive on a two lane road through the mountains to Tillamook, OR. We have now made it from coast to coast. The weather went from blue skies and warm temps to gray clouds with a chill in the air. Tillamook is located amidst a tangle of rivers and farmlands and borders the ocean so you get a mixture of agriculture, dairy and delights from the sea. Had our first glimpse of the Pacific when we ate at a local color fish market. Delicious fresh seafood! Tomorrow we want to see more of the area. 

Day 19 June 25

 Woke up to some chilly temps in LL Stubbs Stewart State Park but by 1pm, it was up to 75°, so delightful. Took a long brisk morning hike on several of the extensive collection  of natural trails in the park. The path would go from wide enough for an ATV to just enough room for your foot but all were well marked with desirable views. Most of the trails are “horse friendly” so we had to play dung hop scotch for most of the walk. In one pile of manure, John spied a huge black slug, an invasive species, enjoying his breakfast. The underbelly of these forests are cool and pristine with thick untouched vegetation of Douglas-Fir, Pacific Silver Fir, Cypress, Hemlock, assorted Pines and so many different species of plants. We had fun with my Seek app identifying all the flora we passed. I was sure this one 3 leaf plant was poison ivy and was desperately trying to avoid it when it turned out to be Salmonberry. We’ve seen a lot of huckleberry products in this region from honey to licorice to ice tea and we finally got to see what the plant looks like growing out of a dead stump. Later we walked part of a 21 mile trail that borders the park built on an old railroad tract like our Pinellas Trail called Banks-Vernonia Trail, all paved and a favorite of bikers. Tonight we are determined to stay up and drive to the upper level of the park to see the amazing Oregon sky. 

Day 18 June 24

 Woke early this morning (Brandi & Danny’s anniversary :) to a rooster crowing and five smiling alpacas standing outside our camper waiting for us to get up. After coffee, Collins asked if we’d like to see his prize winning carrier pigeons. Of course! We learned so much about these winged creatures such as both male and female secrete “crop milk” for their young, 20 pigeons are called a kit, there are pigeon competitions, they spin when they fly and they are highly trainable. When we finally got on the road, the terrain was quite different than the day before. Massive mountains lined with railroad tracks hugged the shores of the wide Columbia River. We passed a massive waterfall cascading down the gorge and a couple giant dams gushing water while trying to control the river.  As we headed west, off in the distance was snow covered Mount Hood. Had an amazing lunch of smoked salmon in tiny Cascade Locks, home of the Bridge of the Gods. Transversing Portland’s interstate system was unnerving but necessary to get to our beautiful next stop, L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park. The park, established in 2007, is 1654 acres of well laid out trails for hikers, bikers and equestrians that weave through ancient forests. It is also known for being a favorite spot for amateur astronomers. Got in a couple trails today and looking forward to more hikes tomorrow.