Vacation Photo Overload

Too many photos in random order.  

The big bad Columbia.  In real life you could see Mt. St. Helens above those two boats.  

Mt. St. Helen's actually visible in this one.

Trying to get a good sunset picture but some car parked in the middle of my photo...

The house we stayed in (circa 1915) had really interesting ceilings.

Bridge to Astoria.  We didn't go on it this time, but it's four miles long and kind of freaks me out driving on it... Hi, Oregon!

Guinea pigs on vacation.  Like regular guinea pigs except in a smaller cage...

Kid having fun.

My offspring.  I'm still taller than one of them...

We were indeed here.

Ocean Park!

Chasing birds...

The entire family.

This crab was very much alive.  I named him Sebastian.  We threw him back in the ocean and he didn't say thank you... I think this is my favorite photo from the entire trip (even the ones with faces in them.)

Razor clam's under this sand!

Footprints.

The kite.

The kite again.

Front yard.  There's a blue speck, on the center leftish side, that is a grocery/hardware store parking lot.  There were also two bars, 3-4 restaurants, a gas station, another grocery store, a library and a yarn/ice cream/coffee shop (all my favorite stuff in one building) and of course the beach within a 5-10 minute walk. I think I'm in love... My kids were not impressed when I told them the high school only has 250 students and is 12 miles away, but otherwise, it's my dream town.   When can we move?

Cranberry bog.  The "self-guided tour," was this picture.  There were a few signs, and a brochure.  It was free so I guess I can't complain too much. The lady in the museum/store was very nice though.

Cranberry Museum.  They supposedly have delicious cranberry ice cream, but not the day we were there.  We did buy some cranberry honey and some taffy.

Sunset attempt #1, stupid clouds.

Chasing birds the other direction.

I liked the different colors of sand...

 Looking south.

I still haven't downloaded my phone... I guess I will add those later...

Phone photos:

Three little guinea pigs went on vacation...

Not only does this store have all my favorite things, it's steps from the beach.  

Mini-golf.  The course wasn't the greatest, and not just because I suck at mini-golf, or that clown.  I hate clowns...

Cranberry Museum.

Book I attempted to read while on vacation.  I've heard such great things, but the first 28 pages had about 15 characters and some of it was written in 2nd person... I will try again later.  

Birthday cake on vacation.  Yes, please.  The kid requested gummy bears be put on there...

If you ever read anything about Long Beach Marsh's Free Museum is on the must-see list.  I think the store part has taken over the weird exhibits (most of which seemed to be out of order on this trip) but we always go in anyway...  

Weird story about Long Beach, in 2006 we tried to go here, in May.  Nothing, and I mean nothing was open on a weekday except this museum. We couldn't even find any food.   Which was annoying as we had a toddler and were staying in a hotel.  We actually went home early because there was nothing to do and it was foggy and rainy and we like to eat...

  We avoided going back until 2016, and now we love it... The place has redeemed itself except when we tried to go out for lunch, and had problems finding anything that was open...  Weekdays are apparently hit or miss in the Long Beach food department even in August...

Inside one of the many stores in Long Beach.  Just like the movie, except it didn't really grant my wish...

The arcade... where many of my vacation budget was squandered... 

Skeeball and Pac-man are my arcade things, and Funland has both... 

I love signs...

The candy store had a gigantic saltwater taffy display.  I don't like saltwater taffy but made sure we got at least one pickle flavored one just for fun.  Yes, it really did taste like pickles.