The Coast

One of the first things we did when I got to Oregon was heading out to the coast. I went with my Grandparents, Aunt Karen and Uncle Don, and of course I brought the boys. We drove from Eugene straight out to Florence and up as far as Newport. On our way to Newport, we stopped at the Sea Lion caves. My Grandma and Aunt came with me and the boys down to the caves. It was beautiful looking out on the ocean and watching the Sea Lions in the water. We took the elevator down to where you can see a whole bunch of Sea Lions on a rock. Alex enjoyed being down in the caves and once we were out of the caves, it was fun to show him from outside how far down we were. Darek was a trooper and really enjoyed it as well.

Alex getting acquainted with the Sea Lions

My Grandma, Alex, Me and Darek inside the caves

A Sea Lion sunbathing on a rock

Several Sea Lions in the water

From the Sea Lion caves, we could see a lighthouse across the way. So our next trip was over to the lighthouse. We took the 1/2 mile hike up to the lighthouse. The scenery was just gorgeous and Alex found a fun little tree to play around. We didn't get to tour the lighthouse, but it was still fun hiking to it. After we came back down, I took Alex and Darek along the beach shore. We walked around and looked for some shells to take home. Well Alex decided he didn't want any shells. Instead, he found remains of a crab that he wanted instead. So we picked those up and took them with us :)

The view from the Sea Lion caves looking over to the lighthouse

Alex having fun exploring on our hike up to the lighthouse

Darek and I standing in front of the lighthouse

Looking down the coast from the lighthouse

We ate some lunch in the car while looking out at the ocean (BEAUTIFUL!!) and headed up to Newport. We stopped at a glass blowing shop. There were some amazing glass balls there and we were able to watch them make a few balls. Alex thought it was pretty amazing. We went to a few other shops and there were a few things Alex could play on. After that we decided to head over to a little science museum/aquarium. It was a really neat little place and we were able to see an octopus very close. We were able to pet some rays and starfish. And the best part... it was FREE!

At the aquarium... Is this not the cutest boy in the world?

Alex touching some of the sea creatures. He was VERY hesitant about it.

"Shooting" a cannon. He loved all the play things.

Alex getting to know a local walrus.

From there we went to one more lighthouse. By then it was a little cold and very windy, so we didn't stay long. We had gotten there just minutes after it closed, so we weren't able to tour that one either. Oh well. But after such a long day, we were all tired and headed back through Corvallis to Eugene. What a beautiful drive!

The second lighthouse we visited.

Getting a picture with Great Grandpa and Great Grandma. Although, I don't think my Grandpa knew I was taking the picture.

A cold little Alex in front of the lighthouse.

Alex, Darek, Me, Aunt Karen and Uncle Don

It was a very fun day and took the whole next day to recover from. :) I enjoyed seeing just a few of the many gorgeous places in Oregon.