trip to Oregon -- Depoe Bay

On Tuesday we went to Depoe Bay, just about 10 miles from our home base, where we booked a whale-watching tour and walked around the cute town, watching the surf crash onto the rocks and touring a whale information center.



Michelle's family, Max, Mim, and I went on the boat. When we went to the OR coast in 2000, we went whale-watching, but we never saw anything. The captain of the boat told us that a whale had been sighted in the bay an hour before, so we had high hopes.

It did not disappoint! We saw two different whales -- a whole lot of spouting, some views of their backs and bodies, and even some tail glimpses. The first mate said that one whale was doing shark impersonations, because he kept putting up only half of his tail. I was amazed by how close the whales got to shore, in waters so shallow they couldn't dive as they normally do and instead would go in sideways to feed. I had never seen a whale, so I was just thrilled. Whenever anyone would see a spout or another part of a whale, they would point and shout excitedly and everyone else would look where they were pointing. I couldn't help wonder if the whales had any idea we were tracking them. What would they think if they knew how excited we all were to see them?

Kristen in particular was just giddy with excitement. I had never seen her so happy, or heard her laugh so much as I did on that boat! That would have made it worthwhile, even if we hadn't seen any whales, it was so cute.

Our first mate, James, was just smoking hot, so that didn't make the voyage any worse... normally I don't even look at other men, that phase is so far in my past, but I just couldn't help myself this time. Wow. He reminded me of Vaughn on Alias. You can't really tell from this faraway photo, but... seriously. Smokin'.

Bob W. had stayed behind and done some shopping because he gets terribly seasick (the reason Lucas decided not to go -- good call). He told us that Marc and Lucas and Eva had gone to lunch and the candy shop and back to the condo. We decided to do the same and went to a restaurant that some of MimBob's friends had recommended (the Sea Hag, in case you're ever in Depoe Bay). We all had clam chowder, except for Max, who ordered cod parmesan with fries and garlic bread. He LOVED it, and told us about 10 times that it was the best lunch he had ever had in his life. The clam chowder was very good as well. Then we went next door to the candy shop, where we got about 20 different kinds of salt water taffy, fudge, and English toffee. Max told us on the way home that it had been a wonderful day.

When we got back, I took the kids to the beach and it was actually warm! No sweatshirts needed, it wasn't windy, and the sand was even warm on our feet. It was a nice change of pace, and the kids had a blast.

Bob & Mim had some friends visiting (the owners of the house at Black Butte), and all the adults went out to dinner.

the view in front of the restaurant

Michelle spotted 3 raccoons right out in front! When I approached to take a picture, they hid in the bushes, but this one emerged to take a peek.

It's always nice to have a chance to just be adults, not parents.

Max was in charge of Eva and all the kids had fun together. Our dinner was early, so we thought we'd come back and put Eva to bed, but she was already asleep when we got here! Sweet mercy.

The adults played Faces. If you haven't played that game, you should try it out. It's fun for kids and adults alike.

I even caught the sunset on the beach! What could be better?

I didn't prepare one meal that day, or do any dishes or laundry. I ate a lot of good food and had a lot of fun. I was pleasantly tired, but not exhausted, and I could hear the sound of the crashing waves. Max was right, it really was a wonderful day!