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Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Traipsing Through Tillamook- Day One

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Troubadour was scheduled to teach a Team Oregon class last weekend in Tillamook.  A little town approximately 90 miles north and west of Corvallis.  Since he was teaching both Saturday and Sunday afternoons they put him up in a hotel for the night and I was able to tag along.

Our original plan was to ride the bikes up and back since there are a few good twisty roads in between the highways but, since we were waiting for a gasket for Lucy we took the car.

We arrived in Tillamook by 10 am.  While it had been dry and overcast at home it was raining in Tillamook.  Hubby wasn't thrilled about teaching in the rain but at least it wasn't cold, just really muggy.

We stayed at the Ashley Inn at the north end of town.  Luckily they let us check in early. 

(King room at the Ashley Inn)

I took a few pictures out the window to show how bleak the weather was and how dreary the view.

(Looking Northeast)

(Looking Southeast)

We wanted to try and find some lunch before Troubadour had to be on the range, but there wasn't much to choose from in the land of dairy and cattle.  We ended up at Safeway buying bananas and nectarines to add to the supply of Cliff bars we brought with us.

I dropped Troubadour off and instead of doing anything touristy I stopped at the Fred Meyer store next to the hotel and purchased a few snacks for the evening and items that might be dinner if we couldn't find a restaurant.  On the way out I stopped at the in-store Starbucks for an iced coffee and went back to the room to relax and read and putter on the iPad until it was time to pick up hubby.

I picked him up about 4:30.  He was a little wet but not too bad.  We went back to the hotel so he could freshen up and did a little more research on restaurants.  Urbanspoon.com had some good reviews for a Chinese place that had veggie options so we went there. Nothing to write home about unless you a count fortune cookie so stale I spit it out first bite.

We decided that since the rain had lightened we'd do the Three Capes Loop and stop at the Cape Mears Lighthouse for some photos.

On the way we saw the saddest, wettest, most miserable raccoon ever just wandering down the road.

(Sad little raccoon)

After a short drive up a twisty pot hole riddled road we made it to Cape Mears State Scenic Viewpoint and National Wildlife Refuge  I think that raccoon was headed the wrong way if he needed refuge.


When we got out of the car we decided against jackets since it was warm and so muggy. As we started down the path to the lighthouse I noticed a spider web with rain clinging to it like strands of mini pearls.



(Cape Mears Lighthouse)


(Long day - we look tired)
From the lighthouse we took another path around the parking lot to the Octopus Tree.  A massive Sitka Spruce said to have been one of the ceremonial trees used by the coastal Indian tribes.

(The Octopus Tree)

(now that's old)

(My favorite picture of the tree)



(Another silly self portrait)
Oh look, the thistles are blooming.

(We have thistles everywhere in Western Oregon)

(Back at the parking lot we took a picture of the information kiosk)

As we left the park we had a general idea of where we were headed, we thought.  We just followed the signs indicating we were on the Three Capes Scenic Drive.  We stopped in Oceanside for a picture or two since the mist had lifted a bit.




We then headed inland and found cows.  I had to take pictures for ToadMama.  I couldn't get close enough for really clear pictures though.




And we stumbled across Sand Lake Recreational Area.  A coastal destination for off road riding for motorcycles, quads, and ATVs of all sorts.  Oh, and more campers and big-ass trucks than you could shake a stick at.

(Biggest truck we saw there)

(Me thinks he is compensating for something tiny)
On the way out I asked hubby to stop the car to take a picture of a bright outbuilding.  I think they used scrap metal roofing to build it.

(Glad I don't have to look at it out my front window)

While I was taking the picture Troubadour asked me to turn around.  Apparently I was so mesmerized by the hideous colors I almost missed the beauty of the old house across the street.

(Even the old brick chimney is still standing)

(Makes you wonder who used to live there)

We made it back to the motel by 9:30 pm.  We were tired after a long day.  Next up - Day Two where I explored the Tillamook County Pioneer Museum, Tillamook Cheese Factory and Blue Heron French Cheese Company (they also had goats and old farm equipment).

- Au Revoir

"A teacher who is attempting to teach without inspiring the pupil with a desire to learn is hammering on cold iron." - Horace Mann
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42 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Thanks Roger. To be cheeky - it was cool the first day but the sun came out on Sunday - yay.

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  2. You two are so cute! Glad you at least got to see some cool things! We'll have to do a ride to Tillamook later this summer. :o)

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    1. Awww shucks. Yes we should try another ride. One where we aren't freezing and turn around and one where you don't have to detour because of an accident, lol.

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  3. Cool tree. The cows look delicious.

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    1. RE the cows: Must be the earrings that make them look that way. I thought it just made them look silly, lol.

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  4. Nice! Some of that scenery reminds me of the wild West Coast. Next time take the bikes eh?

    BTW: that tree ain't old: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T%C4%81ne_Mahuta

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    1. Now that is an old tree. Wow. Kudos to Man for not having chopped it down at some point.

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  5. That tree is amazing, looks like something from a sci fi movie or something, certainly doesnt look like it's from this world, specially in the photo that you liked best. Love the photo of the spider web too.

    Looks like it turned into a nice day out even if everything else was a bit uninspiring to start with. Hate it when you cant get good food :(

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    1. It was a cool tree to see up close.

      We made the best of our evening despite the weather. When you live in Oregon you must learn to live with the rain.

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  6. Love the photos brandy. That tree sure is wierd isn't it. Thats a nice photo of the 2 of you. You make a perfect couple.

    That racoon looks like he's saying take me home, i'm cold and wet.

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    1. Thank you sir. Yes that poor little raccoon looked like he needed a hug. Hopefully he wasn't sick. Maybe he was wet because he'd been digging in the water for fish or just climbed out of the shrubbery. Sad at any rate. And we have enough raccoons in the yard, Basil doesn't need another to watch out for.

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  7. Trobairitz:

    I just love the photos of the two of you the best. When Sonja and myself did the 3 Capes Loop coming back from IMBC2010 we tried to go to the Tillamook Cheese Factory but there wasn't a parking spot to be had, so we left.

    too bad about the gasket & the weather, but at least it was warm, and you had each other

    bob
    Riding the Wet Coast
    My Flickr // My YouTube

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    1. As we were taking the self portraits we were saying that you wondered where the people photos were so we'd take some for you.

      The Cheese Factory has a reworked parking lot so people are going in one end and out the other. I managed to find a spot in a corner but it was luck. Seeing the parking lot the way it was I almost didn't go in, but needed to kill some time.

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  8. You captured the very essence of the Pacific West Coast. And even though it is rainy and foggy at times, it is simply beautiful. The pics with the two of you are so sweet, and the tree photos impressive.

    As Bob mentioned all we had from Tillamook was lots of traffic and an overfilled parking lot in front of the Cheese Factory.

    I had to laugh at the truck, given the degree of nessecity for compensation, that poor lad must have a very tiny... personality.

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    1. It rains, but we don't mind it for the most part. W chuckled to see the tourists in the jackets and we were just short sleeved shirts. It was quite warm despite the rain and mist.

      Regarding the truck. Kind of makes you feel sorry for his girlfriend doesn't it, lol.

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  9. I really appreciate the photo of the spider web. Isn't it wonderful when pictures find us. I was going to comment on the cow's stunning earrings, but you beat me to it in one of the above comments.

    On teaching in the rain, I bet those students are going to be more prepared to face the wet you all call home than those who learned in the sunshine.

    Looking forward to day 2.
    ~Keith

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    1. The spider web just called to me. I don't think people stop enough to appreciate the smaller items of beauty in nature. People are in such a hurry to get to the lighthouse they overlook the little gifts.

      I don't know why they use such big tags for the cows' ears but you think it would have to annoy them on some level.

      I am sure the students were really glad to see the sunshine Sunday morning.

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  10. Even with the rain and mist, the photos are lovely.

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  11. Wonderful photos. The mist! So many memories! I can smell that lovely fragrance of the earth there. Thank you for taking us along. And the portraits of you two are really sweet.

    I think the poor raccoon seriously didn't feel well and you hit the nail on the head with that monster truck owner...

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    1. Ha, it wasn't just the earth you can smell around there and with the heat in the valley when we get in our car we can still smell the 'dairy air'.

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  12. Hi there Brandy & Hubby,
    Some nice snaps there you have taken, the dullish weather is the same over here in the UK at the moment, Wet Windy & Thunder Storm's, so much for summer.
    I do like the photo of the Peculiar looking tree & poor little Raccoon.

    All the best TT

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    1. Hope your weather has gotten better. Ours has sure warmed up all of a sudden. Blue sky and sunshine for days. Can't complain about that.

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  13. I am smiling ear to ear here. You took cow shots for me!?! And they're looking at you as they're supposed to. :-) You made my day.

    That really is one dreary hotel view. And that poor, dejected raccoon. He needs a hug. LOVE the spider web shot. And the stubby little lighthouse. And the octopus tree. What cool stuff! Even if you do look a bit tired in that first shot, I really like those pics of you guys. A rainy, gray, but memorable weekend. Thanks for sharing, and for taking those cow shots especially for me!

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    1. Yes, I did take cows pics for you. It had to be done. I was just glad we found some off the main highway. There isn't always a place to pull over and take pics.

      Day two has some interesting pics from the museum and such I just need to find time to get it drafted. It is too nice and sunny to be sitting in front of the computer inside for too long right now.

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  14. Where to start?? The trip looked great. Even with the gray day. That raccoon is just the most pathetic looking ittle thing. Poor thing. And you can't even call it sad panda!! ;)

    There was research here for "bent" trees that Native Americans bent them as markers; pointers to water, a trail, etc. we see many out here. But never that many for one tree!

    Great pictures of you and Troubadour.

    I had to laugh at the truck. Even the trailer it was pulling was lifted. I laugh though because I like big trucks. Granted,..that one is way excessive. But I used to be an EMT. Helped at too many accident sites. I drive a truck so that if someone hits me they are going under me and not through me. Strange to have that mentality and yet ride a motorcycle. Go figure. ;)

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    1. I can understand why people drive big trucks to feel safer, but the more big trucks on the road the less safe they make it for the little cars. A catch 22 sometimes. I wonder if people in the UK and Europe feel safe in their little cars because you sure don't see the giant SUVs we have around here. When we had our Nissan Versa I never felt unsafe. Small, oh yeah, but not unsafe.

      I did chuckle about your comment about not feeling safe in a small car, but still riding a bike. Maybe it is because you have more maneuverability on the bike. Faster acceleration and braking for avoiding incidents.

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    2. I know. I know. Catch 22. Had that discussion as well. At least with the fuel prices many people have given up the large SUV's. And there are some wonderful little diesels and hybrids coming out. I'm keeping my eye on those!

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    3. I would have loved to have bought a little car when we traded in the Versa but it wasn't practical. with only one non-motorcycle vehicle we needed something that would tow so the Subaru was it.

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  15. I really enjoyed this little journey!

    Looking at it all from drought-ridden Ohio was very refreshing!

    Ah, rain...!

    Would sure love some of that!

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    1. If I could send you some rain for relief I would. Our weather finally warmed up but I don't think we'll hit the drought stage any time soon.

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  16. Even dreary scenery has beauty when seen through the lens of an arist. Great photos - all of them. How do you manage to look good when travelling?

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    1. Thank you m'lady.

      And I think you need to clean your glasses if you think I look half decent when traveling. I really didn't like the pics of myself but for Bobskoot I put them up since he likes people pictures. Wait until you see me in Baker City after riding 450 miles (700 km) that day. I imagine I will be really travel weary.

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    2. Trobairitz:

      I could stare at beautiful photos of you (& Troubadour), all day long, and my glasses are clean. don't forget to pack your new Un-Crocs© & sundress you mentioned a while back.

      bob
      Riding the Wet Coast
      My Flickr // My YouTube

      ps: thank you again for posting your photos

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  17. We went though Tillamook last year, or close enough to it on our ride through that state. I don't remember much of it, but after moving to kansas with the heat and the flat, I'd take it. I like it here, but what you bumped into is a lot prettier.

    Brady
    Behind Bars

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    1. Yeah, with the heat wave going on in the med-west and back east I just can't complain about our weather. Rain, mist sunny and warm. I'll take it.

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  18. Tillamook is on my to do list some day. My stepdaughter graduated from OSU in Corvallis. I've been there and to Newport. Such a cool part of the country. :-)

    That poor raccoon looks so sad. :-(

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    1. It is cool that you have been out here. We've actually enjoyed the area more than we thought we would. We've been here over 11 years now and can't see moving away. Tillamook is small even compared with Corvallis. But there are some touristy things to do. Bring a clothes pin for your nose.

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  19. Tillamook is one of my favorite stops, including the cheese factory. Not sure why as there isn't a whole lot to see. Great photos. Looking forward to part 2...

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    1. I'll try and get part 2 up this afternoon or this evening. I think hubby might be going on a dual sport ride so I'll have some time to kill.

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  20. Superb pics. Even in the rain and damp it looks pretty scenic.

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