Day 7: North/Central Oregon Coast

Our day started with a heavy drizzle and several whiny kids! We determined that getting on the road might help the situation. So we packed up and headed out. Our plan for the day included some back to school shopping, as we knew we would not be back to the outlet mall in Lincoln City before school started. So the girls were very cooperative (although slower than I'd prefer) while trying on clothes. We found many great deals at Children's Place on the $2.99 and $4.99 racks! Both girls picked out on item they wanted: Abigail a pretty patterned shirt, Norah a poofy black, red and sparkly skirt!

We took a break mid-shop and walked to J's, about 1/2 mile north of the outlet mall. Brett had done some research the evening before on Yelp, and really wanted to try this restraunt. It was great! A crowded little place with excellent fish, homemade potato chips, curly fried, and YUMMY clam chowder. The girls really like the chicken strips too! It was nice walk and great meal.

After shopping we headed to Newport. We stopped first at the Yaquina Head Lighthouse. It was BEAUTIFUL! We wandered through the information center and learned a little about the lighthouse and the surrounding area. We then took a walk, probably a little over half of a mile down to the lighthouse. We waited in line and actually walked up to the top of the lighthouse. It was very neat! If we had been wearing sandals and knew where we were going to camp we would have also walked down to the tide pools, but are hoping to save that for another leg of the journey!

All of us at Yaquina Head Lighthouse!

Brett and the girls in front of the lighthouse.

Norah and Brett at the top of the lighthouse!

The girls on the stair case.

We then drove through Newport and over the bridge to just south of town. We were able to get a full hook-up camp site at South Beach State Park. Our site was right next to the park, which the girls LOVED! We started the evening by going to the Junior Ranger class. The girls made "telescopes" and then walked to the viewing deck to look for animals. They also learned the rules of the ocean and Abigail made a friend. It was a great class and now the girls are trying to earn Junior Ranger awards throughout the remainder of our trip!

On the Junior Ranger field trip!

After a delicious meal of hot dogs, pasta salad and corn on the cob we brought a special surprise for the girls: new baseball gloves!! They had been asking for them so we got them a while back, but thought this would be a great place to use them. They were very excited! Although they don't quite get it yet, we did see some progress made this evening. I have a lot of work to do - right now Abigail is throwing like a girl and Norah think the ball is supposed to hit me in the shins when she throws it back to me!! The time of catch ended rather badly. When we told the girls it was time to go to the beach they decided to have one more toss - but Abigail wanted Norah to throw the ball to her this time (Brett had been with Abigail and I had been with Norah the whole time!). So Norah threw a nice hard throw to Abigail, which grazed Abigail's chin and sent her into hysterics. Although the embarassment outwieghed the pain it took some really good counseling before we were back to normal again!

Norah with her new glove!

Abigial with her new glove!
Norah and Brett took a walk on the beach while Abigail and I tended to the fire and worked on her Junior Ranger assignment. Once everyone was back at camp we roasted marshmallows and ate delicious smores! The girls requested showers tonight - not in the morning - they must really feel dirty......so we enjoyed a nice hot shower and headed to bed for a nice dream filled night......ahhhhhh........

CAMP FIRE SMORES