Saturday, May 2, 2015

Relaxing by the Pacific Ocean

Hello my dear friends, we're home from our week in our caravan/trailer relaxing by the sea.  I just wish I could share the salty air aroma and the sound of the waves breaking on the sandy shore.  I was a bit travel weary after the trip to New Orleans, so a restorative week by the sea was just what I needed.  This is the view right outside of our home away from home.


But I just had to show you the beautiful flowers that my darling grandsons picked out for me for my birthday!  We even packed them up and took them to the beach with us!  


Kristi surprised me with a yummy German Chocolate cake for my birthday - do you see a photo bomber?  :-)


I was only home from my trip to New Orleans for two days before we were packing up and heading to the beach.  We had a bit of rain on the way down to north of Depoe Bay where our RV park sits by the sea, but during the unhooking of the truck to the trailer it was dry.  I snapped this shot of a daddy with his children running happy and free by the waves.


As the family runs along I snap a photo from further back to encompass the waves, sea and horizon.


We then set up "camp".  Dayle does the outside hookups while I run the slides out and get the kitchen set up with coffeemaker, toaster and paper towel holder.  The sun came out and we sat out in our folding chairs and enjoyed the day.  The site we have is much more sheltered from the wind than the ones down the front row.  We now take the one on the side and are liking it.  I saw this boat and zoomed in for a shot, it looks quite filled with fishermen!


The second day dawned sunny and beautiful, and as I was looking out at the ocean I saw something very unusual.. so I zoomed in with my camera and took a photo.  I didn't realize what it was until I downloaded the photos onto my computer.. it's a big group of sea lions floating - when like this the group is called a "raft".  I got such a kick at seeing all their flippers in the air!


More children having fun on the beach, building sand castles and "lakes".


Now.. if you'll notice, most of my photos this time are capturing calm pursuits and not my regular "haunts".  I felt my beach posts were getting too predictable so I purposely did not take my usual shots.  Most of these images reflect the relaxing week we had.  I spotted this pretty kite flying right in front of our caravan and snapped this.


I enjoyed the roses on the table all week, I also brought my wooden candleholder that was made from a 200 year old spindle from the Laura Plantation porch rail during the recent restoration - and I brought one of my Japanese fishing floats from my collection to enjoy all week.



These are used to float fishing nets in Japan, some get loose and are eventually found washed up on shores all up and down the west coast of the USA and many end up in Alaska.



We were blessed with several days of sunshine.. this is a shot from our caravan door with the sun sparkling on the sea.. LOVE this!



While we were sitting in the sunshine I hopped up to get a close up of the beach plant called Salal which was in bloom.  Eventually they will produce black berries which were used by the native people and are still used today.  


One day we ventured to have lunch at the Embarcadero Hotel.  We had our boat, Stargazer, moored at this marina one whole summer and dined here often.  So, this was another trip down memory lane.  Our boat was right out of this window with this view of Yaquina Bay Bridge.  I will never forget being at the helm of our sailboat as we sailed out into the ocean and back.  



As we drove back through the Historic Bay Front of Newport, Oregon we snapped a photo of this colorful little fishing boat named "Sea Pup".


Dayle spotted this restored old car as we drove through Depoe Bay, isn't it cute?

Another drive through Newport I snapped a photo of this old theater, it's for sale.  Wouldn't it be fun to buy this and run great movies and have popcorn and boxes of candy and soda for sale?


Another brilliant sunset.  More relaxing.  :-)


We've been staying here for many years and have never visited the Indian casino named Chinook Winds - so we decided to give it a try for lunch at their steak restaurant with a great view of the ocean.  After a nice chicken lunch we decided to drop a few dollars in the slot machines.  I used a free $5 voucher on the Wheel of Fortune and won $49.50 which I cashed out on our way out.  :-)


A pretty sunset.


I snapped one shot of our caravan inside for those who haven't seen it.



How's this for a pretty sunset?


The only regular thing I could not leave out is our visit to the Yaquina Head Lighthouse.  I was happy to see the new paint on it - last year there was a scaffolding around it!



I thought you'd like to see a close up of the Fresnel lens (pronounce fur-nel).  I think they are beautiful.  



I love the little "house" on the front of the lighthouse.  It's actually where the lighthouse keeper's office was and on the right is the oil room.



I also zoomed in to show you the pretty iron railing and the detail of the walk supports.



Such a pretty lighthouse.


I never tire of seeing this against the blue ocean.


On our way out to the lighthouse I spotted some wild iris is bloom on the hillside, there were many of these, I adore them!


I talked Dayle into going to the kite shop with me.. :-)  For years I'd wanted a colorful banner to hang off our deck and since he hadn't gotten me a birthday present.. I found one!  We also got 2 kites to bring home to the boys as a gift.


Another sunset.. which one is your favorite?


On our last full day we just kind of drove around and near the Hatfield Marine Science and saw these gorgeous Balsamroot flowers in bloom.



We also saw these wonderful sea oat type grasses but for the life of me I cannot find the name of them on "google".  Do you know what these are?  (ETA: This is "Briza Maxima", or called "Quaking Grass" or "Rattlesnake Grass" for obvious reasons.  Thanks to Geraldine from Berkshire, England - she has these!)


From the same area we got a shot of the Yaquina Bay Bridge.



We drove out to the end of the jetty on the south side and I spotted this wild rose bush with beautiful blossoms.



The morning of our departure from the beach Buddy was looking fetching in his perch where he can keep an eye out for all the other dogs being walked down to the beachside.  When he spots one, he goes yip yip yip!



I directed Dayle to the trailer hitch and lowered the trailer onto the hitch - then waited in the truck while he finished all the hook ups - and the Coast Guard helicopter flew by.. I was happy to see him turn around and come back in time for me to snap this shot.  :::wave wave::



One last shot of our little slice of heaven as we pulled out.


We pulled in after a 3 hour drive home and I was so happy to see so many more flowers in bloom!  I put my banner together on it's bamboo pole and Kristi stuck it in a flag holder on the deck.  Isn't it pretty?


And so, home again.  Kristi got some new plants and planted them today after talking to me about where I'd like things.  She got me a dwarf lilac for my birthday!  How is your Spring going for you?  Do you have any fun trips planned for the Summer?  ((hugs)), Teresa :-) 

28 comments:

  1. From one beautiful place to another!!! Great shots, I love the photobomber! It must be a treat when you find a float. What a long trip it had!
    I started a new blog. 1 post so far. Gardensandcamera.blogspot.com

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  2. What a gorgeous spot, it sounds completely relaxing. Your caravan is so cosy, perfect for watching the world go by. The banner is lovely, a good momento from a nice week away. Hopefully we'll get to go to the sea in the summer, the mountains too. The little legs are all in training. Enjoy the rest of the weekend Teresa. CJ xx

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  3. Hi Teresa, I'm just trying to catch up with blogs after a very busy week. Sorry I haven't been around. Your trip to the beach looks wonderful. I'm so glad you were able to have a nice, relaxing time. It sounds really great. I love that flag, it's beautiful. I have a small collection of seasonal garden flags and I really love to change them out through the year. I hope you're having a good weekend.

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  4. I'm relaxed just looking at your pictures. I love the beach. You really did capture some awesome pictures. I'm quite fond of the Coast Guard helicopter though. My husband spent 20 years as a mechanic in the Coast Guard. Those copters were always flying around :)
    Shan

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  5. Boy, you sure have a LOT of fun. And I love that you photograph it (beautifully) so that we can enjoy it too!

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  6. Can't decide which sunset photo I like the best - so I'll love them both!
    The new banner makes me think of a phoenix bird - a flash of bright fire flying by.
    I'm so very happy to see little Buddy. He's a lot like our Rosie. She loves to perch on the back of the sofa and bark at passers-by.
    I just have to make a trip to see the Yaquina Head Lighthouse in person one day. We've yet to go to the coast and we've been in Oregon for about 10 years, now.
    Now that you've been on two trips so close together - does that mean we blog readers won't get to enjoy more travel photo's? I sure hope not. I know for one I sure enjoy traveling with you from my computer.
    Take care and Happy Belated Birthday!

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  7. Nice shot of the sea lions.
    I've tried to grow wild iris here in Canbyland but I never could find the right micro climate.
    Maybe you would have better luck where you are. They are one of my faves.
    I grew up going to Newport in the summers - if I were to win the lottery, I'd move there.

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  8. Gorgeous captures, Teresa! Just the ticket I needed to relieve my headache. Thank you so much for sharing.

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  9. Love your post from one of my very favorite places in the world. I like the calmness of this post. You could just read the contentment ooozing out of every word. I think my favorite sunset is the first photo. But you really can't go wrong with any sunset pictures from the Oregon coast. :-). I wish I were going to be there longer this week so I could take a drive over to the coast . Maybe one weekend Dennis and I can make the trip. See you soon.
    Blessings,
    Betsy

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  10. Tim and I were sad to leave the coast after enjoying those gorgeous sunsets and snapping lots of photos of them, too :) I'm glad you had a good week and I loved the photos you shared along with your narrative. I have not downloaded my photos yet, but will try to soon and post some of them so you can see some of what we saw. It was especially fun to see your photo of the waving sea lions! Please give Buddy some love pats from me. xx

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  11. I don't get to the Oregon coast often enough, so really really enjoyed this trip with you! My fave photo of sunsets is the one where the sun is reflecting off the waves, with little bits of gold here and there, and where the bit of water at the very edge is gold also. You take lovely photos and I'm so envious you got to stay there a whole week with views of that beautiful ocean every day. I don't see how you have the energy to go on that long trip to New Orleans, and then the long drive to the coast, and around everywhere, and then home again! I'm exhausted after your trip! Hope you have some time now to relax and enjoy your beautiful place. The flag is gorgeous and the bright colors will brighten up the gray days (that only happen now and then, right?) :-) Marilyn

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  12. Love the picture of the sparkling sea!

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  13. What a wonderful relaxing week...I can smell the sea from here ;0)x

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  14. A lovely peaceful post, Teresa. Just so nice to spend time at the coast and watch the different sights that come along....and very relaxing after your trip to New Orleans. So glad you had a lovely birthday...the flowers and cake look gorgeous. I loved the sea lions shot...and the sun sparkling on the sea.
    Wishing you a happy week.
    Helen xox

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  15. Oh boy, you sure do have an eye for great pictures and also a way with words. I've enjoyed all your recent posts - almost felt like I was there with you. I loved all your sunset photos and wouldn't even try to pick a favourite. That birthday cake of yours looked amazing - Kristi must be a fantastic cook. I guess you're ready for a nice long rest after such a hectic few weeks away. xox

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  16. Beautiful photos Teresa as ever. Love relaxing holidays by the sea. We hope to go soon. The first sunset photo is my favourite! Hugs Anne x

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  17. Happy Birthday Dear Teresa!!!! Love all these beautiful photos, what a great vacation! Love the third sunset the best but I would love to see them all! Kites, oh my, such fun and colorful!
    Keep enjoying your vacation and R&R.
    xoRobin

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  18. How can you pick a favorite sunset picture? They are both magnificent. I am so glad you had wonderful blue skies, gorgeous views and a relaxing time especially after a busy and wonderful trip to New Orleans. The ocean is just amazing, sparkling like diamonds in every picture. The lighthouse looks beautiful with its new paint job.
    Glad you are home and enjoying your family. Happy Late Birthday.
    Meredith

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  19. love reading about your travels.

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  20. Oh, such lovely and fun pictures, as always, Teresa. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful part of this great country with us! :) I have to ask...what type of camera do you use? I'm thinking, at one time, you said a Panasonic, but I could be mistaken. Also, is it a DSLR or a point & shoot? I ask because the quality of the photos is amazing!

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  21. I just love your pretty flag/kite shop find! How cheerful! I love the INSIDE view of your moving home.
    What gorgeous images you always treat us to !

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  22. It is a dream of mine to own a theater and have it be a center of the community. What an opportunity to find one for sale! Your beach holiday sounds very relaxing. I enjoyed all your lovely photos. Happy birthday!

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  23. Looks like you had a wonderful birthday! Camping out by the coast looks so relaxing to me. I always enjoy your photos here.

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  24. Another amazing break, couldn't choose between the sunsets they were both magnificent. You are truly blessed with a wonderful family, you had some wonderful birthday gifts.

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  25. As always, beautiful photos. Looks like you had some gorgeous weather despite the early rain.

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  26. OMG what gorgeous photos of your time away!!! I especially love the sunset pictures and the one with the sea lions - how amazing to have witnessed that sight! I didn't know the collective term for them so have learnt something new today!! A beautiful record of your time by the sea. J9 x

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  27. You always manage to capture such fun and interesting things during your times away from home. I loved all of the pictures you shared with us. One thing for sure, you are living life to the fullest. And, oh, by the way, Happy Belated Birthday to you!
    (((HUGS))) Susanne :)

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  28. Loved your photos, the grass in you photo is Briza maxima (quaking grass) I have some in the garden here in Berkshire England, I love them and they seed every where.
    Geraldine x

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