The Oregon Coast

I finally went to the coast, after two months of moving to Portland. And let me let you, pure bliss! I don't know why I waited so long. Those of you who know me well know that I LOVE the beach. Living on the beach in Spain for a year was a dream come true. Yearly beach visits to Mexico just doesn't cut it. I'll have to start going to the coast here more before fall sets in.

First stop: Tillamook Cheese Factory

After watching huge blocks of cheese being cut into smaller blocks for packaging to retail, we got to sample about 8 different kinds of cheese. My favorite - colby jack. After which, we enjoyed some delicious ice cream.

Next stop: Mo's

Where we ate THE BEST fish and chips EVER. SO GOOD! I will go to the coast again just to eat at Mo's. They are known for their delicious clam chowder, but the last time I ate clams my head looked like a giant helium filled balloon. No clam chowder for me.

Final stop: Cannon Beach

For you Goonies fans out there, this beach is in the movie. The big rock on the beach is known as Haystack Rock. I remember stopping here as kids when my family drove from Seattle, WA all the way down the 101 to Californa and back home to AZ. It was an awesome trip.

The beach here is definitely not like the beach in CA or Mexico, BUT it was still FAB. The wind was blowing and was a little chilly, but that didn't stop me! My roommate kept telling me I probably wouldn't want to change into my swimsuit. But it was actually warmer than I thought it'd be. I soaked up some sun while listening to a little Bob Marley and Jack Johnson.

Everyone always says that you are crazy if you swim in the ocean on the Oregon coast because the water is so dang freezing, especially when the wind is blowing too. Just try me. I've been swimming in Canada quite a few times and now that is freezing. This actually felt refreshing and I wasn't even that cold. Nor after I got out of the water. I know......shocking, right?

360 degree view of Cannon Beach: