This Okie girl likes to travel just about anywhere, near or far from home. On my third fall vacation on the Oregon coast, I found my favorite places, discovered new ones, and brought home all the photos and memories I could jam into 12 days.
My friends and I fly into Portland to spend the night before heading for the coast. Our traditional beginning is to stop at the fruit and vegetable stand and stock up for the week. It’s not that we don’t have good fresh items at home, but it’s fun to see the bounty of Oregon.
The fruits and vegetables delight, as do the dahlias. We see fields of them blooming, ready for picking in September.
This year, we stopped for some wine tastings along the way. The vineyards are gorgeous and lush in the Oregon valleys, even with the droughts that have plagued the state. We visited Raptor Ridge, Adelsheim, and Stoller – all wonderful vintners whom I have worked with in Oklahoma. It was fun to see their vineyards in person.
Not only are the vineyards and orchards full of ripe fruits, but the hazelnut harvest is underway in the fall.
Our other favorite stop is always Farmer John’s for some strawberry shortcake and more fruits and vegetables in another beautiful Oregon valley.
On the way out, we noticed this reminder of the fires that are always a threat to this beautifully wooded state.
Our next stop is the ocean, traveling through valleys that end with the sea, heading south to Depoe Bay, located on the central Oregon coast, our headquarters and home for the next week. The sun was shining, the air was warm and our view of our little cove on the north end of Depoe Bay’s sea wall was magical.
It was a homecoming this time, all of us familiar with the setting. We spotted whales from our balcony, spouting close by. That was a first for us, even though this is the whale watching capital of the world. 
Our day ended with the sunset seen from the sea wall
before we headed to the comfort of The Spouting Horn, overlooking the world’s smallest harbor, for our first taste of seafood, followed by homemade pie. I had Marionberry pie because I can’t get that at home. The lady who makes the pies is in her 80s and I take advantage of her skills at every opportunity.
We ended our first day in front of the fire, enjoying the warmth as the evening cooled. We were back in Oregon, ready for our next adventures. I woke early the next morning and went walking along the point, looking back to see the fog come in over Depoe Bay. 
This Okie girl feels right at home, even though it couldn’t be further from my beloved Oklahoma. It has a special place in my heart.
Come back for more Oregon adventures tomorrow.
Confetti Thoughts 