Day 1- Oregon Coast and Lincoln City Motel 6

 Day 1. 

I got started EARLIER than expected, because at 5:45 in the morning my body told me IT'S TIME to WAKE UP! J helped me finish loading up the car and I was off.  

For the first time ever there was absolutely NO traffic in Tacoma.  I had to pinch myself.  

The drive down was lovely.  If someone could please tell me what wonderful things I found at the side of the road, they looked like giant weather vanes. 

Got down to Cannon Beach around noon. Walking barefoot on hot sand followed by feet in the ocean is the best way to start the summer.  There was a lovely mist over the entire beach today.  6-12 vertical feet of dew drop fog.  There were some fantastic sand castles on the beach. 

That being said it was very crowded, and overwhelming, so my stay was limited to an hour.  I made a REQUIRED stop at Schwieterts Candy Shop for the necessary salt water taffy for this leg of my trip. While they were certainly a few flavors short of their advertised 94 flavors, I was just excited that they were open and providing some flavorful summer treat options. 

I then took a scenic route down to Tillamook.  The plan was to tour the creamery and get food. But again SOOO many people.  We're talking hundreds in a small enclosed space.  So I after 30 minutes of standing in line to get inside I did the self-guided tour, took 25 minutes but was interesting.  I think I would do better on the Moo Booth Quiz at the Minnesota State Fair after this one. 

So just for that it's worth it. (My Mother knows all the dairy Facts). I stood in line for food for 30 minutes, and didn't move so I left, went to the Safeway in Tillamook and got food that I know I can eat. 

Then took the very scenic drive another hour down to Lincoln City, OR.  I cannot express enough how beautiful this part of the country is.  I've never driven south of Cannon Beach on the water and this drive was nothing short of spectacular.  Ever turn I took was breath taking.  

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I am trying to focus on the positive, but I also live in the real world. So here's the not so shinny side. Staying on the coast in the summer is hella expensive, so a few nights are in low budget hotels.  Tonight was Motel 6 in Lincoln City. 

Pros: Very friendly staff, Free onsite parking, A/C, Microwave, Fridge and Freezer in room, Elevator, and free Wifi. 

Cons: The parking lot is so uneven and difficult to park in, Pet Friendly (I'm sure for some this is a pro, but as someone allergic to everything, its not), No coffee machine and morning tea/coffee service canceled due to covid. Ice Machine right outside my door, Paper thin walls and not so clean space.  The floor had not been swept, a layer of dust was visible. Parts were sticky and I didn't feel comfortable being barefoot. 

I brought several Turkish towels for this trip for these exact moments when I need to have my own sheets. 

Bed itself is squeaky. But I've slept on worse. 

Nearly 300 miles driven and and 6825 steps walked. 

Signing off for now

-C