My first grade job ended, and recovery was definitely the order of the day. Suddenly, I realized we had a four-day weekend coming up for Veteran's Day. Not only that, but Emily's band season was over, so she had a free weekend. And Larry had a rare weekend off, too (well, mostly), since he got an extra day off for the holiday. Woo hoo! Could we be lucky enough to find a room at the beach for a family getaway?
The planets aligned and I was able to get an ocean front room at the D Sands motel in Lincoln City. We were on our way!
Larry needed to sleep after working Friday night, so Emily and I drove ahead and got our weekend started. Larry would catch up later. Our first stop was the Tanger Outlet Mall, which, in addition to offering shopping galore, was the site of the Chowder Festival and Cookoff. For a measly $5 admission charge, we could sample chowder from ten restaurants and vote for our favorite. Yum! It was a delicious way to start our weekend. Neither of us chose the ultimate winner, but that just proves there's something out there for everyone.
Chowder tasted and shopping done, we headed for our motel. Uh oh. We didn't realize that the D Sands has no elevator. A third floor room accessed only by stairs was not going to work for me and my cane. Suddenly we had no room. Thankfully, the staff at the D Sands called around and found another room for us, just down the road at the Ester Lee. This, too had an ocean view, and there is a reason this motel's slogan is
Our room also had a gas fireplace, so, despite the cool temps, I was able to open the window and enjoy the relaxing sound of the breaking waves - and enjoy a fire at the same time!
Views from other spots on the property were quite nice, as well.
On Saturday Larry and Emily decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather (the planets truly were aligned!) and go for a hike at Cascade Head. While they were gone, I shopped a bit in town, visited a book store to find a book to replace the one I finished too soon, and attended an Arts and Crafts Festival at the Cultural Center. This is an old school building that now lives its life as a place to take classes, attend events, and enjoy activities pertaining to the visual and performing arts. I happened upon the arts and crafts show and found it to be the perfect place for Christmas shopping.
I then decided to take a drive down to Depoe Bay for a more dramatic ocean view. The Side Door Cafe in Gleneden Beach was a delightful lunch stop en route. I was craving a salad and their bronzed salmon ceasar hit the spot.
Depoe Bay always offers that classic "waves crashing against the rocks" view that is so powerful. And it did not disappoint that day.
With the sun beginning to set, I hurried home, and was able to capture these pictures of a beautiful sunset from the window of our room!
The planets aligned and I was able to get an ocean front room at the D Sands motel in Lincoln City. We were on our way!
Larry needed to sleep after working Friday night, so Emily and I drove ahead and got our weekend started. Larry would catch up later. Our first stop was the Tanger Outlet Mall, which, in addition to offering shopping galore, was the site of the Chowder Festival and Cookoff. For a measly $5 admission charge, we could sample chowder from ten restaurants and vote for our favorite. Yum! It was a delicious way to start our weekend. Neither of us chose the ultimate winner, but that just proves there's something out there for everyone.
Chowder tasted and shopping done, we headed for our motel. Uh oh. We didn't realize that the D Sands has no elevator. A third floor room accessed only by stairs was not going to work for me and my cane. Suddenly we had no room. Thankfully, the staff at the D Sands called around and found another room for us, just down the road at the Ester Lee. This, too had an ocean view, and there is a reason this motel's slogan is
"AHH... What you can see from the Ester Lee!!!"
The view from our room was important to me since my ability to walk on the beach is limited these days. I wanted to be able to see and hear the waves. And I could. This was the view from my window. Not too shabby.
Views from other spots on the property were quite nice, as well.
On Saturday Larry and Emily decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather (the planets truly were aligned!) and go for a hike at Cascade Head. While they were gone, I shopped a bit in town, visited a book store to find a book to replace the one I finished too soon, and attended an Arts and Crafts Festival at the Cultural Center. This is an old school building that now lives its life as a place to take classes, attend events, and enjoy activities pertaining to the visual and performing arts. I happened upon the arts and crafts show and found it to be the perfect place for Christmas shopping.
I then decided to take a drive down to Depoe Bay for a more dramatic ocean view. The Side Door Cafe in Gleneden Beach was a delightful lunch stop en route. I was craving a salad and their bronzed salmon ceasar hit the spot.
Depoe Bay always offers that classic "waves crashing against the rocks" view that is so powerful. And it did not disappoint that day.
With the sun beginning to set, I hurried home, and was able to capture these pictures of a beautiful sunset from the window of our room!
Larry and Emily returned from their hike, cleaned up, and we went to dinner at The Bay House overlooking Siletz Bay. It was much more upscale than we'd realized, but we had a lovely dinner that was the perfect end to a lovely day.
We left for home the next day after a relaxing few days at the coast. We certainly lucked out with our lodging and the weather. And we are grateful! Who knows when our schedules will all sync again?
We left for home the next day after a relaxing few days at the coast. We certainly lucked out with our lodging and the weather. And we are grateful! Who knows when our schedules will all sync again?
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