We crossed over into Washington just for a bit. The pine trees are lush, full, voluptuous and slenderly tall. Mountains flank us. Homes are nestled in hills masked by pines, beeches, birches. Pristine northwestern beauty. My only disappointment is that we didn't stop anywhere to take pictures. We just kept driving. Yellow flowers dotted the highways. So many yellow flowers.
Mom is explaining to me "Deal or No Deal." About "the women in beautiful dresses." Now she is talking about "One Versus A Hundred."
The trees here in Oregon--yes, we're back--are not as green as Washington's. We're meandering through the mountains, heading towards Astoria. It looks like it's going to rain soon.
Rose City Country Club
In Oregon it is the law that you cannot pump your own gas. The attendants must pump it for you, for they know how to do it properly to prevent fumes from being emitted into the atmosphere. Dad thought that was crazy. So far the last two attendants who pumped his gas had not capped the tank properly. The Prius is a sensitive automobile. If not properly capped the check engine light comes on. Dad said he wouldn't want to live in Oregon.
We saw a lot of espresso shacks in Oregon and Washington. We made it to Astoria.
Welcome to maritime port of Astoria
Picture taken through window
inside the Columbia River Maritime Museum
We drove along highway 101, caressing the coastline. Saw the beaches, beautiful and rugged. We meandered through small communities, beach communities and farming communities. It was a very beautiful scenic day. We ate lunch at Clemente's in Astoria. We stopped at Tillamook in the afternoon and visited their cheese and dairy factory. Dad bought a strawberry ice cream cone. Real strawberries. He said that was the best strawberry ice cream he's ever tasted. We're staying the night in Newport at an EconoLodge. Yikes! There's no bathroom light. Had clam chowder at a local restaurant. Delicious. Hoping the night passes quickly so we can get out of this lodge.
Lunch at Clemente's
According to the sales lady inside the maritime
museum's giftshop, this was crab season
and Clemente's is a good place for crab
The piano without a player...
no boogie-woogie ragtime
Delectable juicy and flavorful crabcakes...
When I ordered it the waitress told me
the restaurant didn't have any.
Then why list it on the menu???
She went to the kitchen and minutes
later informed me that the chef will
make it for me.
(Apparently crab season started THAT day.)
Had to stop at this bakery!
It looked TOO good to pass up.
I ordered six items:
apple fritter for Dad, 2 pieces of baklava
for Mom, 2 berry pockets (resembled
blueberries but not) and...
...this for me.
Reminds me Palmiers
(It took me three days to finish it.)
Charming house in Astoria, nestled upon the hill
overlooking the town.
Heading towards Newport
Awesome Clam Chowder
*All photography were taken with my iPhone.
© 2010 Sriprae P. McDonald
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