Weekend getaway

Matt, Lavi and I took a short trip to the coast last weekend. It was perfect timing to see the leaves changing colors in Tillamook forest.

Matt and Lavi in front of the Tillamook Forest Center.


And since this was Matt's first time to Tillamook, we had to stop at the cheese factory for some ice cream...yummm...pumpkin.


We stayed at Susan and Doug's house in Netarts. Lavi got to visit Happy Camp again and run like a crazy dog.


She practically ran herself into the ground. She loves the beach and the sand between her toes.


We woke up to a beautiful sunny and windless day. First we walked down to the edge of Netarts Bay to look for some birds.


Then to Cape Meares. Here is the view of Three Arches from the other side.


Here's Matt and Lavi on the Bayocean spit (a stretch of land between the ocean and Tillamook Bay).


And on the way home, we stopped in Tillamook forest again because it was so darn pretty.


Not a bad weekend getaway (for the three of us at least...poor Namir had to spend it in the basement since we can't trust him in the whole house anymore while we are gone.)

Netarts, OR

Lavi and I were invited to spend the night in Netarts at Susan and Doug's beach house. This was the perfect escape from the hot summer weekend here in Portland. To get to the coast, we drove through the beautiful Tillamook State Forest and within an hour and half we were at the coast.
Here is Lavi soaking in the cool beach air as we drive along Netarts Bay.

We spent some time at a beach called Happy Camp. From here (and all down the coast) you can see the Three Arch Rocks wildlife refuge off in the distance.

Susan and Doug in front of "Susan's Rocks"

Susan and Lavi blowing in the wind.

It has been a long time since Lavi was at the beach. She had a blast chasing seaweed as it was blown down the beach. Here is a video of Lavi in her full glory:)


After the beach the tide was low enough for us to go clamming! We entered the bay from Doug's sister's house, which is located right on the bay (300 feet from Doug and Susan's house). Here is Dave (Doug's cousin), me and Doug.

Doug and I came back with a little more than our allotted clams (20 each), while Dave "mistakenly" brought back some oyster contraband. Here is Lavi "helping" Doug shuck the oysters...waiting paitently for her share. Unfortunately she did not get to enjoy them since these were some of the best, freshest oysters I have ever eaten.

Here is Lavi and her new best friend during the sunset.


Today, Doug took me and Lavi on a beautiful scenic drive and hikes of Lookout Cape State Park. Here is a picture of me and Doug above Netarts and the spit that seperates the bay from the ocean.

We also stopped at the Whiskey Creek Fish hatchery. Here's Doug in front of the salmon hatchery.


I am so lucky to have such wonderful neighbors!!!