A Weekend Getaway in Nehalem Bay, Oregon

We enjoyed our last visit in Nehalem Bay so much that we decided to go back for a nice weekend getaway and to try our hand at crabbing. It helped that I was doing this also as a story for Travel Oregon who I have been honored to do stories for in the past.

  

We did not end up catching any crab but fortunately Jetty Fishery sells crab and oysters and they cook it for you on the spot! We ate our delicious crab and oysters along with some beer while enjoying this great view.

We then spent the night in Wheeler, Oregon which was nice considering we usually end up doing day trips and enduring a long drive back home to Portland.

Nehalem Bay, especially in the Winter, is a lovely place to escape crowds and the hustle and bustle of the city.

Portlandia and My Day as an Extra

Remember this post from last summer? Well I finally got to see myself on the Battle of the Gentle Bands scene. I am at minute 2:17 in the red dress.

 I can't wait for the February 1 episode when I get to see myself awkwardly dance down the aisle at a wedding.

Nehalem Bay, Oregon

This New Year's Day weekend we headed down to the northern Oregon coast for some fishing and a leisurely drive down the coast. The coast was sunny with clear blue skies but reminded us that it was still winter with a chilly breeze.

Camp 18 Logging Museum and Restaurant resident cat

Squirrel watching during breakfast

We stopped at the famous Camp 18 Logging Museum for a late big breakfast by the Nehalem River and peaked at some of the old logging relics at the museum. The restaurant has a ton of wildlife to look at including squirrels and birds while your eating. Full with clam chowder and eggs Benedict we headed off toward the coast.

We stopped at a little crab and oyster stand on Nehalem Bay and ate the most delicous crab fresh from the bay and a beer. I was eyeing others who ordered delicious looking oysters next to me vowing to order those next time.

The beach was the next stop and promised solitude from the usual crowds during the summer with a large deserted beach and a beautiful sunset.

Seals at the Bonneville Dam

A New Year is here! I can't believe it quite yet. I don't have any words for 2013 or specific goals. I have a list of 30 things I want to do before I turn 30 that will challenge me and have been long awaited goals. Those will keep me busy for a while and each time I accomplish one I can't wait to share it with you.

Having another 4 days off has been wonderful but it is strange having so much time off I wonder what to do with myself since the weather hasn't been too inviting and by that I mean freezing cold outside!

We went to the Columbia Gorge and the northern Oregon coast again. I can't wait to share those with you  tomorrow! But for now these are photos of seals at the Bonneville Dam trying to eat Sturgeon and fighting off the sea gulls at the same time. It was very entertaining!

Photos From the Columbia Gorge, Oregon Side

The Columbia Gorge separates the state of Washington from the state of Oregon. There is a highway on either side in both states. Driving from Portland you witness the houses give way to wilderness and endless opportunities to look at wildlife and go for walks by the numerous waterfalls that abound during the winter time. We stopped at Multnomah Falls, one of the most popular waterfalls outside of Portland.

Multnomah Falls

We even got to see a little snow high up in the mountains.

Swans

There is beauty to be had here even in the winter time.

 
We stopped to have lunch at Cascade Locks as well enjoying some yummy soup and a big slice of German Chocolate cake.

I love this time off. I can't wait for a few more days at New Year's.

Merry Christmas From Oregon!

I have been spending the wonderful holidays with my partner and he and I have pretty much relaxing at home by the Christmas tree. We did make one journey out to the Columbia Gorge yesterday for a drive to get out since it stopped raining for a few hours. We walked around and saw flowers, berries, white swans, and seals attacking sturgeon. More photos to come! In the meantime Merry Christmas and I hope you have a wonderful holiday!

Clamming in Siletz Bay, Oregon

I went clamming on Thanksgiving day for Purple Varnish clams all by myself for the first time in beautiful Siletz Bay on the northern Oregon coast. Go during low tide and easily dig them out by using a clam gun which suctions out the sand and clams. I eventually talked my mom and dad into being my assistants. Clams are easy to cook with butter and garlic on medium heat for about 4-5 minutes. I like to add mine to spaghetti - yum! Just remember to get your license to go clamming and call your local hotline before you dig them up because at certain times they can be toxic to eat!