Coast Trip

I actually did it. I took a trip without the kids! Troy and I went with another couple to George, Washington to watch a Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers concert at the Gorge. Wow- what a great venue. It was an outdoor concert right on the banks of the Columbia river. We had to wait in line for a few hours to get a good spot (General Admission). We had awesome seats and a rockin' good time. Petty is one of our favorites, and he never stops in SLC, so we decided to go to him.

The wait in the hot sun. My friend Cynthia and I rigged up some blankets to allow a bit of shade.

The concert venue was really cool. Amazing sound and views.We scored some good seats on the tiered grass section right up the middle. I wish we would've had some of those midget lawn chairs, but a blanket had to do. My butt fell asleep a few times, but it was so worth it.

We camped out at the National Petrified Forest the 1st night- not far from the concert. It wasn't that shady, but we got to meet some wildlife (like a rattlesnake in the bathroom). The next morning, we headed for the Oregon coast. We camped out near the coast in Cape Lookout State Park. It was amazing to camp out in the woods right by the ocean. I loved falling asleep to the sound of the waves and getting to watch the sunset. Wow.

There is a replica of Stonehenge in Washington we swung by to visit. Washington was fun to drive through- tons of fruit trees. We stopped at a fruit stand and grabbed some cherries to snack on.

Cape Lookout Lighthouse

I loved the little waterfalls trailing down the cliffs, through the seashore, right into the ocean. I didn't like the waterfalls when my bladder was full, however.
It was very windy on the coast. There were gorgeous cliffs, rocks and waves to be amazed by.
We spent a day beachcombing. We were on the hunt for agates, jade, and shells. We brought home a great stash for the fish tank's enjoyment.

We saw some starfish, a lot of barnacles, and a few sealions. Oh- and a little crab.

Troy is totally holding it. He's so brave.
One of our favorite side-trips was to the Tillamook Cheese factory. Awesome ice cream- not so awesome crack in the windshield.

We enjoyed some clam chowder at this little run-down shack in Tillamook. It was soooo good. The toothless chef was very talented. He also sells pretty much every kind of hot sauce ever invented.

The drive home was long, but it was nice to just have a car full of adults. It was actually relaxing to take a road trip without kiddos screaming and whining for things. I did miss the kids, but was proud of myself for being able to handle a bit of time apart. My parents watched the kids for the 4 days I was gone. I returned home to find my fence repaired, and my flower garden beefed up. I love my parents! Thanks for helping with the kiddos!