Kariann HaskellPlauged by grey skies, our first trip to Oregon was saturated with water and new territory. After our usual first stops to get the necessities for this trip, we headed off.
Brownsmead showed some promise of finding abandoned structures, we braved the exit off the Columbia River Highway. Some homes sinking into the bog below, some occupied by intense doggos, we spent little more than an hour scouring the community. I still loved capturing the decaying buildings being swallowed by the River.
Astoria was our next stop, and we found the Ship Inn Fish and Chips *To our dismay, Ship inn is no longer in business and the building has been torn down*. We were the youngest people there, save our server. The order was simple, fish and chips + beer. Beer was fantastic, IPA and hoppy. With some perfectly fried halibut, we devoured our food while having a beautiful dreary view of the Columbia River. Sadly, Ship Inn closed not long after we visited.
Cape disappointment was a disappointment. It was dreary, extremely windy, and cold. It was difficult to enjoy any view for a period of time before moving to a new location to find some warmth in the car. We retreated back to Oregon.
Sunset came swiftly as we settled in for the evening in Cannon Beach. We had a small cottage rental through Inn at Haystack Rock, that had a seven minute walk to the beach. We walked up and down Cannon Beach, battling the elements.
Leaving Inn at Haystack Rock early the next morning, we head out to Ecola State Park. The roads wound through sheets of moss and wood.
The overlook was clouded over, but still a beautiful site. After some time we made our way to Indian Beach, where we found the perfect color of blue Oregon rocks, as well as plenty of gulls
We had a plan for the day : to visit Kelly’s Marina and try our hand at crabbing again. We rented a crab pot and bait, and we set off for a spot and a chance to catch some crustaceans.
Not sure if we are terrible crabbers or not, we caught only a few who were too small to keep. Regardless of our luck, we enjoyed the pier and drizzly morning in our ponchos for shelter.
Garibaldi, Oregon was our next stop, with our eyes set at Piers End at the Historic. This is a pier that extends out in Tillamook Bay. We were graced with a few sun rays at this location, that quickly dissolved with the moving clouds.
Sweet Relief Tillamook was a welcome sight, where we found some incredible caramel infused ice cream and gummies. A quick lunch later, we explored Oceanside beach, confused initially by all the people searching eyes down on the ground. Curious, we inquired and were told about the Agates that these beaches are known for. The rest of the time was spent searching with the crowds, being teased by the waves and the sun setting slowly to end our afternoon.
That evening, we stayed at the Three Arch Inn, a small hotel overlooking the ocean. The room was large, warm, and therapeutic for our rain drenched night, where I ate the entire carton of ice cream and journeyed into the night.
With two hours of road travel, our last day was spent driving back through Portland to make our flight back home. Our final indulgence was Henry’s Tavern at the Airport before we took off. Two beers later, we scramble to our gate, nearly missing our boarding. Wouldn’t be a trip with us without a kiss with catastrophe.
