Coming Home On the Road

July 12-18, 2019
Tillamook, Oregon

You know those landmarks that tell you you're almost home? Might be a corner store, or an old tree. It's a sight that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy about where you're going. 

One of the reasons I like Tombstone, Arizona, so much is that I get that feeling when we see the familiar mountain ranges, when we make that turn into town. There's another place that affects me the same way - Tillamook, Oregon.

Our first stay four years ago was only for one night, then we spent three weeks here two years ago. Returning this summer, I'm so excited when we cross the Netarts River, when we pass the sign for Munson Falls, when we see the road construction in town is finally complete. Not likely we will ever live here permanently, but it sure feels like coming home.

A week is not enough, and before leaving this time I make a two-week reservation for next August. We'll be coming from the north so we'll see if that feeling is the same :-)

This visit we're staying at the Misty River RV Park and our site is right on the Wilson River. We can't get completely level and satellite doesn't connect at the bottom of two forest-covered mountains, but it's a beautiful spot. We have lots of green space and the only access point for the river is next to us - perfect!

River in our backyard (and poop bags too)!

We celebrate our return at Las Margaritas. First impression isn't great with sticky floors and sad chips and salsa. But we're not quitters and the margaritas and entrees are delicious :-) 

Las Margaritas - cute and hard to miss!

We enjoy perfect weather, including one post-car wash rainstorm, during our stay. With a heat wave covering most of the country we appreciate how blessed we are to have the option to spend summer in the Pacific Northwest. For us, there just isn't a better place to be this time of year.

Our first morning Bill calls me outside to see our neighbor.

It's wonderful that we see more of them now - so majestic.

Can't be in the area without breakfast at Parkside Cafe in Garibaldi. Our favorite waitress greets us (Tessa gets a roasted turkey treat), and again - feels like home :-) They have the very best coffee! 

We continue north, enjoying the amazing coastal views, and turn around in Nehalem after enjoying a couple scoops from Buttercup (thanks again Eric and Laurel). The lemon lavender sorbet is still the favorite.

I love this view of Tillamook Bay from Garibaldi Harbor. 

A stop at pretty Rockaway Beach

A giant serpent rises above the water...

One of the best things about Tillamook is all the water - ocean, bay, creeks, sloughs and lots of rivers. We didn't see Nehalem Falls last time so we spend an afternoon along the river and under the trees. Several primitive campsites, but mostly very steep water access. 

A pretty combination of short falls and smooth pools.

One of the prettiest drives on the Oregon Coast is the Three Capes Scenic Drive. It includes Cape Meares, Cape Lookout, and Cape Kiwanda. Although there's a section permanently destroyed by mudslides that means it's no longer a real loop, it's worth making the drive to Cape Meares and turning around to pick up the rest of the drive. 

We chose a rainy day to make the trip this time. Still, the parking lot at Cape Meares lighthouse is full. The trail to Octopus Tree is muddy so we don't wait around for a spot.

Wind across the surf.

Seals on a sand bar in Netarts Bay

I swear they're looking at me!

Cape Lookout

Sweeping shore views.

Tall dunes.

Cape Kiwanda

Good friends Jim and Diana (ExploRVistas) worked with a special park ranger during their time in Prineville, and learned she had moved to Nehalem Bay State Park. On our last day we made the drive to see if we could find Ranger Mariah. Sadly we miss her :-(, but we check out the very large campground. Definitely popular with families, this is a crowded park with very tight spaces - in a really beautiful place.

Nehalem Bay State Park

Bummed we missed Mariah, but to help us feel better we make another stop at Buttercup :-))

After two months in Oregon, next we move north to Washington to see the only section of Hwy 101 we've yet to travel.

Back in SoCal......

Oh Ezra, you crack me up!