Vacation day 9 - homeward

After a great night of sleep on comfortable beds at the Inn in Pendleton, we started the journey home. While the drive isn't bad it is on the boring side as the landscape gets pretty flat and bare. I was happy to see wide open spaces that I am familiar compared to the thick forests of the coast.  I got more great knitting done and just have the toe to complete on the first sock of a blue pair of socks that I am naming after Depoe Bay.

We pulled into home just after 1030 pm and was greeted by Amy. So very good to see her. She helps us unpack the van with her amazing wagon. We made an appearance to greet Bear and Emily. Back in our domain, China and Fergie made an appearance and both were vocal about our return. I am glad to have one day at home before returning to work.

Vacation day 8 - back

We spent our last morning on the coast having breakfast at the seaside restaurant from the night before. It was fun to zone out and watch the waves.

We headed inland after breakfast back to Beaverton outside Portland to visit an old college friend of mine. My friend and her husband bought a store that specializes in legos and minifigs a year ago. Lynnette and I had a great time visiting, I even got to speak to her husband the phone. He works weird shifts so I didn't get to see him. I definitely want to go back and spend more time with them. After a few hours it was time to leave.

We stopped at Garlic Jim's on our way out of town you know it is good pizza when you don't miss the cheese. We left during rush hour traffic so it took a while. But soon se were head back up the Columbia river. This time we called ahead for a room in Pendleton. Their beds are very comfortable at Knights Inn. Don't know if we will make it all the way home on day nine or not

Vacation day seven - down the coast

We woke up to a beautiful day, a little chilly and a little dew on the tents. After coffee, we did the slow pack up allowing the parts to dry before packing. But soon we were on our way.

We traveled to Newport, making stops along the way. Ate lunch at the Chalet which had gluten free options. Then we set out to find a motel. We found an inexpensive one and then ser out to explore the town. We found the old Baytown and walked its street along the pier.  We like how the stores were very different from each other and that we could see workers on the dock. We had a coffee while we finished our walk.

We took a scenic ride around the port that lead us to Toledo, Oregon. A few minutes later we were back in Newport.

Preston found a great restaurant at the sea side for dinner. It wasn't in any of my lists but it had a great gluten free menu. We had a table at the window and enjoyed a filling and wonderful meal.

Back at the motel, i finished the second sock and cast on another pair with yarn i brought along with me. A shower ended the day.

Vacation day six - the north coast

We woke to cloudy grey skies again but after we left those behind when we left the campground. We headed north today up to cannon beach with a stop on the way at Rockaway beach for fudge.

Soon we found ourselves in the charming beach town of Cannon Beach. We stopped and checked out haystack rock and then head to the main tourist area. We found a delightful yarn shop that lead us next door to a cafe that served wonderful gluten free sandwiches. Pictured is the triple club. As gluten free bread is small they do 2 sandwiches to equal a normal sandwich.

After that amazing meal we continued our journey to Astoria and over the bridge to Washington. We turned around and headed back to the campground. We stopped at Rockaway for pizza. So very yummy.

Back at the campground and across the water some one is setting off fireworks. I wonder if they are from Utah as the 24th is pioneer day.

Vacation day 5 -Whalen island

The morning came very grey and foggy with the tide out low. We enjoyed our coffee out on the little patio.

We then went down the coast, finding camp lookout completely booked. The ranger did give us a list of local campgrounds. We found a great site at the county campground at Whalen island. We pitched our tent then headed down the coast stopping as we went. We made Depoe bay for fish and chips at baywalk cafe where a friend had told me about last week when she was there.

After a chilly walk at Depoe bay after dinner we headed back to the campground, where it was sunny unlike everywhere else.

Vacation day 4 - the coast

We made it to the beautiful coast!

Sunday night was great at the oxbow regional park. We got more raspberries from Burns farms on our way to see Emily's friend Heather. Heather and her husband run oblique coffee in Portland. The coffee is amazing, they roast it themselves. They were also nice enough to receive a package Amy overnighted for me that contained my medicine that I forgot. We enjoyed great coffee as we planned where to go next.

A couple hours later found us on fumes in Cannon beach at the only gas station in town at the RV park. We were so happy to see it. We continued down the coast expecting to camp at Camp outlook or lookout. But Rockaway beach caught our eye and Preston found us a room on the beach.

We took a walk on the beach then a walk to a great fish joint for Preston. The only gluten free food they had was calm chowder and Cole slaw. As milk isn't agreeing with me that much we just fed Preston. I did have a few spoonfuls of the chowder, it was incredible. The man at the restaurant directed me to upper crust pizza. He was so right, that was amazing gf pizza. I will come back to both places.

Back at our room we watched the waves and I knitted. We took another walk on the beach. Then I knitted until bedtime, watching the ocean. It did get colder but it was so amazing.

Vacation day 3 - Portland

Sunday found us on the roads through and around Portland. Due to a bad address we were detoured to the wrong part of town but the view going over the many bridges was worth it.

We made stops at a gluten free bakery, a wonderful yarn store and found delightful gluten free pizza. We found a wonderful campsite in Oxbow Regional park just a few miles from Portland. We were asleep by 1030.

Vacation day two

After about six hours of sleep we were back on our way. Most of the day was watching sagebrush along the road. Then about 5 pm we started on the road along the Columbia river which got prettier and prettier along with way. We had so much fun that we had to drive past Portland and almost to Salem to find a room for the night.

Preston found a wonderful hotel off the highway that was awesome. Big king sized bed, with a separate area with mini frig and microwave. By that time I was done so I crawled into bed and didn't stir until late morning.

Vacation day one

We took our time last night packing for our trip but it helped us hit the road relaxed. After work yesterday, we kicked the summer break off right by starting with dinner at our favorite restaurant Stella's with Amy and Em. They helped us pack up and Amy kept me sane. They saw us off which made us feel so loved. It is going to be so weird to travel without them. Plus they didn't laugh too much when we came back 15 minutes later as we remembered something we forgot.

We traveled to Burley, Idaho got a room at a hotel only to find people in it and the motel completely book so down the road to Twin Falls is was and we found a room quickly and off to bed it was.

Today we will continue our journey to Oregon.

Stormy Tuesday

Ten on Tuesday

Ten on Tuesday topic is 10 Ways to Beat the Heat.

1. Stay indoors. It is what keeps my at work is the wonderful a/c, I have control of the office and it can get a little chilly - Love it!
2. Go to the Mountains. We live just minutes from them so a quick evening up the canyon, or a weekend in the Uintas' help
3. Drink lots and lots of water.
4. Read in the comfort of a cool house, stories about winter help keep me cool.
5. Knit socks. or anything small, fingerless mitts, hats, etc
6. Eat light. Cold salads are perfect, especially since our local produce is at it’s peak.
7. Go to the movies, they are always cold year round.
8. Wear sandals and keep the feet cool.
9. Go swimming.
10. Take vacation to the Oregon coast or maybe Washington, heading out on Friday just me and the hubby.

Sundays for socks

I have been working on my sock blanket so much that I have had to make Sundays the day I actually work on socks for Christmas gifts. These are for Preston. This is still the first sock.

Love

My wonderful hubby left a card and gift on my desk at work for me to find this morning.

Ten on Tuesday

Time by myself always recharges me. I have to take it even when out on a vacation with friends and family.  Most of my family and friends are that way and I really don't get those that hate to be alone.  I do have several things that I like to do when I have time by myself. Ten on Tuesday is about that this week.

1. Sit outside and enjoy the sounds of nature/or city while enjoying a cup of coffee. I really like to do this in the morning. When we are camping I love being that first person up when the camp is still silent and enjoy the world around me waking up.
2. Knit.  One of my most favorite things to do alone or in a group.
3. Read. I love to read and I read a lot. I usually have at least 10 books checked out from the library at a time.
4. Watch reruns of my favorite shows. Gilmore Girls, Doctor Who, Buffy, Warehouse 13, Eureka..etc
5. Take a walk either around my neighborhood or at a park
6. Reorganize my area, bedroom, craft room, office
7. Go to the yarn store
8. Write a letter or note to a friend/family member or catch up via the internet
9. Make lists of things to do, things to learn
10. Take a nap

Weekending

 

We had a great time this weekend. On Friday, we heading back up to the campsite. It was so green, we stopped at the diner for dinner. It was good timing as a storm hit while we were there. When we left it was done.  It rained at night but during the day on Saturday it was beautiful.  On Saturday night, a big storm rolled in. Preston and Amy finished cooking our tin foil dinners and made dutch oven cake while Emily, Bear and I stayed warm and dry in the teardrop trailer.  This was a much needed relaxing camping trip. I finished my book for book club today. We were very relaxed and happy when we headed home yesterday late afternoon.

Knitting on Sunday

I got a little knitting done on the way home from our camping trip.

July 4th outdoors

We went up Wednesday night to set up camp with Amy and bear.  During the night it rained and had a lightening show.  The rain was awesome to wake up to and it didn't rain hard enough to make it muddy. We enjoyed a wonderful breakfast and hung out mainly around the campsite just enjoying doing nothing! Don't you just love my new camping coffee pot? I sure do! Hubby and I had to work today but we are headed back up this evening to finish the weekend.  I love that I live in a state that I can be camping in the mountains in an hour or less!

Yarn along

Joining Ginny today in Yarn along. Two of my favorite things - knitting and reading.

Knitting - Sock Yarn Blankie

Reading: Gone Girl

Heading out tonight for an overnight camping trip, back tomorrow night, then back out on Friday.

Tasty Ten on Tuesday

The 4th of July is just two days away and that means burgers on the grill!  Today’s Ten on Tuesday topic is: 10 Favorite Hamburger Toppings.

1. American Cheese
2. Lettuce
3. Tomato
4. Fry Sauce
5. Mushrooms and Swiss
6. Avocado
7. Sweet pickles or bread and butter pickles
8. sauteed onions
9. bacon
10. Most importantly - Gluten Free Bun!!
    

Monday Knitting Update

Socks on the Run

Odessa Redux 2

Toddler Socks

Sock Blanket

Crooked Little Scarf

Three finished projects for photos
Still working on Sock Blanket, now 14 rows and 20 inches, 133 blocks
Crooked little scarf
Sermon Socks 2 - no picture