While we were driving next to the Columbia River Gorge, Casey & I commented over and over on the beauty of the forests. I had never seen so many trees that were so huge and crammed together on a mountainside. So many different types of pine trees inter-mixed with oaks and maples and others that I don't even know about. My breath was taken away.
When we drove into Portland we kept on telling the kids that this city was enormous and they wouldn't believe it. Well, they didn't believe us because they couldn't see it through all the trees. For me normally as you drive through a city and are looking for a restaurant or place to shop all you have to do is watch for their big sign. You couldn't see the signs in Portland through all the trees! Simply amazing.
As we made our way to the coast we were stunned by the beauty of the countryside. The green was so clean and vibrant. Flowers, plants and bushes were big and lucious. I could go on and on.
Monday as we made our way to the coast, the family was in great anticipation. My kids have never seen the ocean before and we were all excited. We were headed to Newport and some of the beaches and a lighthouse there. Mists rose above the water, over the beach and into the heavily wooded mountains to create the most romantic, quaint, village-like scene I had ever scene. Truly beautiful!
the kids found jelly fish washed up on beach
enormous piece of dock washed up from Japan tsunami
Cobble Beach- doesn't have sand, instead it has these
beautiful smooth black lava rock.
walking down to beach through lush forest
A huge thanks to our cousins, Todd, Jen, and their kiddos, for being amazing hosts and sharing their part of the world with us, it was an adventure we will never forget!
During the vacation, my kids kept asking me why we don't live here (in Oregon). I have to admit that I asked myself that many, many times.
