Trip to The 55th Annual Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest

Thursday, June 6 - I left home around 8:30 AM, traveling north.  I stopped for gas at Fred Meyer in Hazel Dell.  I traveled I-5 north and then crossed the Longview Bridge to travel northwest to Astoria.  I stopped at Safeway to use the restroom.  I got a Danish pastry and Dannon Greek peach yogurt for late breakfast.  I traveled to Fort Stevens to photograph the wreck of the Peter Iredale  (Geocaching Virtual)..  I got an Oregon State Parks 12-month Parking Permit at 11:30.  I walked to the beach where I watched two long, colorful kites carry men into the Air to ride the currents and photographed the Peter Iredale.  The narrow, winding road with a huge pothole was unnerving to drive.

I traveled south on Hwy 101 to McMenamins Gerhardt Hotel.  I got three Passport Stamps and the prize.  I visited the second floor of the Annex to find the hidden room.  Very interesting.

I traveled south to Ecola State Park where I photographed the Tillamook Lighthouse (Geocaching Virtual).   I drove to Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock Motel Office.  I stayed in cottage 2B.  It had a large Living Room/Dining Room/Kitchen with bathroom and bedroom.  I parked at Public Parking in downtown.  I bought a 1/2 lb. of salt water taffy for Christopher at Bruce's Candy Kitchen.  I had pizza and a glass of Chianti wine at Fultano's Pizza for dinner.  I got a carton of Stoneridge vanilla ice cream at the market to take back to the motel.

Friday, June 7 - I drove south to the Lookout to photograph Haystack Rocke (Earthcache) and then north to explore Cannon Beach.  I bought a large almond pastry at the bakery.  Delicious!  I ate half and saved the rest to have later.  I was deeply disappointed that the Cannon Beach Library was not open even though the sign said it should be open.  I like buying books that are for sale.  I bought a book at Jupiters Rare and Used Books.  I picked up a couple DVD's at the motel office but did not end up watching them.  I watched HGTV instead as I do not get that channel at home. 

Saturday, June 8 - I watched film "McFarland" starring Kevin Costner on television.  I packed the car.  I walked down to the office to leave the DVDs and check out.  I had a late breakfast at the Pig 'n Pancake.  I walked down to the beach to watch the sandcastles being created at 1:30PM.  A few of them were quite good.  I stayed until they announced the winners of the Master's Division.  I wandered back to the Haystack Rock Motel parking lot to get my car.  I headed north and then west to Forest Grove.  I got a final McMenamins stamp and the prize.  I attended the GEOregon May Meet 'Greet at the Copper River Restaurant in Hillsboro.  I had a California roll with sliced avocado and a glass of Chardonnay wine.  I headed home.