More trip pics

Did you know that if you've had one serious case of bronchitis, that you're susceptible to recurrences? I know that now.

But I think I'm on the mend, and I'm easing myself back into every-day stuff, like posting more of our Cannon Beach trip pictures. Aren't you happy???

Some of our favorite haunts were closed for off-season renovations (like the bakery- oh no!), but we were still able to visit a few of our favorites, like this market.

Which has benches outside for political discussions...

They're probably not far enough apart.

This fence (on a residence) blows me away.

This is a gallery- I love the weathered look (maybe it's on purpose, or maybe it really is just an old building, either way, I love it).

Our younger son's favorite shop, and his belated Christmas present.

These buildings are new and right across the street from our motel. Insomnia coffee made the best mocha latte I've ever had.

The Hub, standing on our front porch.

A smart birdie who knew if he stood there and looked at us pitifully, we'd pass french fries out to him.

Down on the beach.

And one last view of Haystack. In twenty-six years, I have never left Cannon Beach thinking that I'd spent enough time there.

Cannon Beach

You all know how much I love this place, so we'll skip the preamble and get to the pretty pictures.

 The view from our room. That's Ecola Creek- we were not tempted to dip our tootsies in the water.

 Sunset on the Pacific

 The Rock!

 The Rock, closer!

A rare afternoon find on the sand.

 It took a few tries to catch the irridescence.

Self-explanatory

 Also self-explanatory

 There had been some high tides lately.

We've used these beach stairs for 26 years and counting

Not as many seagulls in the winter, but some stick around.

I do love the panorama function on my phone camera.

Ecola Park

I took a lot of pictures on this trip (man, I love the camera in the iPhone 4)- enough that I can divide them out for several days' worth of posts now that I'm finally working on a computer with some speed (I'm looking for a tablet- the mini is officially retired).

Today, I bring you the drive to Cannon Beach, and our visit to Ecola Park. We went there first, even before we checked in, because the sun was shining and the sky was blue, and that can be a rarity any time of the year in Coastal Oregon.

 It had snowed recently in the Coast Range- the roads were clear and dry though.

Lots of very tall trees, the kind that fall over in a wind storm.

 I always take this picture. I don't know why.

 Ah, the Goonies view. The drive up to Ecola Park is amazing, but there is no place to stop and take pics of craggy trees and hanging moss. Lots of room for photos at the top, however.

Another Goonie view (the subject, not the scenery).

 Looking the other direction. Lots of pretty.

 More pretty.

And even more.

 The wind sculpts the trees.

 I saw a lot of this airy, hairy moss.

 New growth in January. Imagine that.

So beautiful.
Tomorrow: Sand!

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry, for tomorrow we Diet

We're home and I'm trying to get caught up. Today's post is brought to you by Carbohydrates...

 A new coffee place opened up right across the street from our motel in Cannon Beach. The coffee was amazing. And yes, that's chocolate whipped cream on top of my Caramel Mocha Latte. They serve Sleepy Monk coffee, which is faboo!

 I saw this display of local beers at the Portland Trader Joe's- I bought the Sleigher on the recommendation of the family Beer Guru. It was good, if a bit more hoppy than I like (though it paired excellently with artichoke crab dip).

 I always get Salmon 'n Chips from the Ecola Seafood Market, when I'm in Cannon Beach.

 Mocha from Camp 18, which is a very cool restaurant set in an old logging camp/

 Marionberry Coffee Cake- it was even better than it looks.

 Club Sandwich from Camp 18

 Fish 'n Chips from Camp 18

 New beer glasses

 Bock from Trader Joe's

 Sparkling Pinot Grigio- something I didn't know existed.

 Flaming sauteed shrimp on New Year's Eve!

 Lobster!

  I seriously didn't see the ingredient list until I saw this photo embiggened. I have to say that I was a little surprised, but it won't stop me from using it. It has a real bite...

 We had more than enough booze on New Year's Eve (it was a party, lots of people all bringing their favorites). In front is a bottle of Pendleton Whiskey, which was lovely and smooth, especially with a dollop of honey. That bottle near the left rear with the sealer top is a Huckleberry Vodka which is also amazing. I have not been accustomed to thinking of vodka as a sippin' drink (straight), but this qualifies. I don't know if we can get it here, but I'll be on the lookout.

 Cupcakes!!!!!! Marionberry, Triple Chocolate, Salted Caramel Chocolate...

And a drink by the fireplace in the evening as the waves crashed ashore.

It was a pretty amazing vacation, even when we weren't eating. Tomorrow, I'll start with the scenery pics. They put the cupcakes to shame.