Going Coastal

We went coastal a couple weeks ago, meaning, of course, that we paid a weekend visit to the Oregon coast. We stayed in Newport, one of my favorite coast destinations (been going there since the 80's). We stayed our first night at The Waves Motel (not recommended) and then driven by mildew, a lack of an elevator, safety issues, and general shabbiness we spent our second night at the Greenstone across the street. Much better--clean, new, tasteful, pleasant views, covered parking, and an elevator. And it didn't cost too many $ more.

We met my friend Lynn Jeffress and ate at Local Ocean, a newish place down on the waterfront. Clearly the best restaurant in town--everything's fresh (purchased from the marina each morning), the place is always packed, and it's very family friendly. Ian fell asleep on my shoulder and stayed there the whole meal (he'd had a big day at the beach!). We also enjoyed Panini's for coffee and morning treats and Nana's, an Irish restaurant/pub with fabulous authentic Irish breakfasts.

All in all it was a low-key trip. We mostly went to see Lynn, frolic on the beach with Ian, see the Oregon Aquarium, and enjoy the Labor Day weekend. Great weather too. Here are some pics:

Ian found a kelp "whip":

...and he and Lynn decided to make a jump-rope out of it:

At first, I was a little uncertain but then thought, What the heck!:

Oh...umm...er...

Oh yeah, I still got it!:

Here's K and Ian at the old Yaquina Bay lighthouse (K looking fabulous if I do say so myself):

Here they are at the front of the lighthouse:

And here they are at the back of the lighthouse:

And here's the Spanish Inq--no, I mean Ian and I gazing at the waves. He had just warned me that I was starting to get red (sunburned) on the place where my "hair is missing":

You ate sand?

We ate sand:

Adios.

~CD

To Barry and Jacque: All my Love to You Both.

Lynn, Paris, Book

As you know, I like to promote my writer friends, so allow me to direct you to this blog http://www.ipreferparis.net/ on which my friend and former "Caverns" comrade Lynn Jeffress published this piece: http://www.ipreferparis.net/2009/05/-new-monthly-feature-my-private-eye.html. We saw Lynn when we were in Paris on Sept 7-9 and visited the very Ile St. Louis boulangerie featured in the little article. It was all part of a couple of fun days wandering around Paris parks and streets. On this trip we hardly did any interior sight-seeing--we just kept out of doors (splendid weather) and loved the hell out of the place.

Lynn is currently stateside, too, and at the Oregon coast where we plan to see her tomorrow, in fact. She's excited about her first book of short stories, "The Dali Code," which is scheduled for release soon (she just finished editing the proofs). Look for it.

Here's Ian and K in front of a certain tall object made of iron.

Adieu,

CD