Camping on the Cold Coast!

Due to our very positive coastal camping trip to Oregon last year we made a decision to try again.  Sadly we were unable to secure a yurt in Oregon but decided to give the State Park in Twin Harbours, WA a go...and the Unrau family decided to join us! 

 We started off our trip with a treat at Edaleen's!

 We got to camp after a long day of driving and set up.  It was rather chilly but the forecast was for sun so we weren't completely discouraged.  The next morning dawned with a heavy, wet blanket of moisture above us.  That darn marine layer.

 We decided to go and see how the beach looked in the fog. 

 Looking back at the campsite...just beyond the trees.

 Liam was the only one bold enough to wet his toes in the ocean that day!

 We drove to Westport for a field trip and found that it was a pretty little fishing town...and it was cold too!

 Oh please go away wind and fog!

But we were happy at the same.  A vacation is a good thing! 

We explored main street and the quaint shops. 

 This was the catch of the day which weighed in at something like 30 lbs!

 Kori was not convinced I had a good idea here.

 By day three we had a fabulous blue sky and bright sunshine.  The wind didn't go away but we could cope!

 I could never tire of a view like this.

 Sunshine = happy!

 So, we accepted the fact we shaved our legs for nothing and would not be putting on our bathing suits.  No matter...we read and watched the waves and just enjoyed.

 The boys really loved wave dodging and tried skim boarding.

 

 I think our husbands enjoyed all the cuddling...it was a good way to keep warm!

 Nate found a very clever way to keep warm!

 Back at the campsite it was marginally warmer.  There was plenty to see as the weekend approached at the sites began to fill up.  People watching...a favorite past time, right Kori?!

The shower house was quite close to our site as you can see.  It was handy but you had to pay for showers.  I thought that was a rip-off considering the yurts don't come cheap!

 Our little set up where we huddled around a blazing fire every evening. 

 Barbados heat would have been nice!

Kori takes such good care of Roger, making sure he eats all his supper. 

Pie irons are the quintessential camping food! 

One evening we walked to the beach to see the sunset.  The wind made it REALLY cold but it was gorgeous! 

 

 

Just waiting for that perfect shot. 

We had sun the rest of our time camping.  The wind wasn't so bad after you got accustomed to it.  We headed into town and had some amazing chocolate peanut butter ice cream cones. 

Then we rigged up a wind block and were 'almost' warm on the beach! 

Family pose. 

 

 

On our last full day of camping we had planned to eat out.  We knew there was some delicious seafood to be had and we were not disappointed.  We had some of the nicest fish and chips ever!  Roger, Blake and Keith also had clams. 

It was so good, I'd go back for another meal there anytime! 

Back at the site after dinner, it was time to try and burn up the rest of our wood but wouldn't you know it...the evening was quite balmy and we didn't need such a bonfire!! 

 Keith was in his 'pyro' element with all that wood chopping and fire lighting.

 

I can do it too!

I have to say that I really hate that campfire smell as much as I enjoyed sitting by it nightly.  Just disgusting!

 I stole some of Kori's pix off of Facebook so these are a little out of order. 

Hang ten!

 

 

Keith brought his magnifying glass to the beach and made a little art on the driftwood.

So artistic!

 

 Our handsome boys!

 

 Yep....on the last day I attempted to tan my legs...half of them anyhow!

 

After such a great week of camping with the Unraus we went our separate ways.  They headed north and we went south to stay a night in Portland.  I had a free nights stay at the Embassy from our horrible stay last summer. 

The hotel had been renovated since last year...very nice!

We had a nice swim before supper.

 

We ate dinner at the Irish pub down the street.  Good eats and a great atmosphere with live music and dancing.

 

 

Afterwards we headed to the iconic Voodoo doughnuts.  We weren't particularly hungry but it seemed like the thing to do in Portland.   The couple in the picture above asked Nate to take their photo...he looked a little unsure but was nice enough to be a good sport!

 

We had about a 45 minute line up with plenty of entertainment people watching.  Portland seemed busier this time but the ratio of 'normal' people to 'down and outs' is severely out of balance.  I just don't love the feeling of walking around Portland.  Give me Seattle anytime!

 

So the selection of doughnuts was very similar to last time.  I don't think they are the best doughnuts I've ever had but they are good and I do love a fresh doughnut!

 

It was a hot and sultry evening.  Not sure why Nate's all bundled up here....must have been still chilled from the camping?!

 

 After a our doughnut dessert back at the hotel we all had a good nights sleep.

Liam only fell out of bed once :)

 

The next morning after a delicious complimentary hotel breakfast (they do a great job!) we headed to the outlet mall to buy Nate's gear for his Outdoor Rec program at school.  He needed boots, coat, quick dry type clothes etc.  We bought everything at Sports Authority and had such a good rapport with the store manager he ended up giving us 20% off our purchase which saved us a ton of money! 

 

We finally pointed our car north and headed back to Canada.  We were over-fed, over spent and ready for our own bathrooms, beds and showers!  All in all a fantastic trip.  Thank you Lord for safety!