Tillamook, Oregon

   

We’ve traveled from central Oregon to the western coast of Oregon. We drove through forest land and mountain passes and arrived to a very different landscape: not so dry, in fact very moist, lots of fog, low-lying clouds and cool ocean breezes. Time to switch out our shorts back into our jeans and sweatshirts. We also got to drag out our firewood for the first campfire of the trip. 

Here is Jack posing to show the view from our campsite:

Two years ago, on our first Pacific Northwest RV trip, we stayed just down the coast in Newport, Oregon. At that time we saw road signs on the way for Tillamook and recognized the name from the cheese and ice cream we buy in Houston. Made a note to visit Tillamook next time and here we are.

This is the longest place we’ve stayed put in our RV yet. We’re spending six nights here. It worked well as a rendezvous spot to meet up with our kids. Ryan and Meredith drove here from Seattle for the weekend. It was about a four-hour drive. Lexi was in Seattle for the weekend and she and Max were able to come meet us Friday night. It was so nice to have a mini family reunion. 

We thought this would be a cute touristy town, but it’s not so much. Clamming and crabbing seem to be the big attractions here. We walked out to the tide pools one morning when the tide was out and saw people digging up clams.

The other big attraction here is of course the Tillamook Creamery.

We went on the free self-guided tour at the visitor center which had just opened this summer. Our first stop was the cafe for cheddar biscuit egg and cheese sandwiches. Yumm. We learned about where it all starts: the cows.

Then we looked through windows at all the machinery involved in making and packaging the cheese. We got to sample several varieties of their cheese and cheese curds. Finally, time for some Tillamook ice cream!

We took a walk along the beach at Cape Lookout State Park:

Looking out at the bay from our campsite we saw some objects in the water:

Thought maybe they were birds. Got out the binoculars and discovered they were sea lions (or seals, not sure which). As the tide goes out, sand spits poke out of the water and the sea lions like to lie on them in the sun and sleep. I tried to count them and came up with more than 200.

Our hearts go out to those in the Redding, California area affected by the recent wildfire. We were just there ten days ago.

Tomorrow’s plan is for me to drop off Chris at a golf course and I will visit the Pioneer Museum. That way we’re both happy. 😀