Happy Birthday To Me
I've made the turn toward 30. This past Sunday, I reached 28. I wanted to celebrate in away Teresa and I could both enjoy. We'd heard on the nightly news of whales migrating from the Baja Peninsula to the Coast of Alaska. Apparently, it was possible to spot these whales from the Oregon Coast. I scoured the Oregon Parks web site looking for information. I found a volunteer program that run from March 23rd to March 30th. Volunteers were stationed up and down the Oregon Coast and were set to help visitors see the migrating whales. One of the designated spots was in Pacific City, Oregon. We'd visited this small seaside town just last year. I decided another trip was the perfect way to celebrate my birthday.
Early Sunday morning, we started the drive to Pacific City. The ocean isn't that far from Portland. However, the drive can take about two hours. You pass over a few small mountain ranges on tiny country roads. The route directly to Pacific City was new to us and very winding. We had to traverse a few one lane bridges. This being spring time in Oregon, the weather was constantly switching from rain to sun; we even experienced hail.
Upon arrival, the clouds broke, and the day turned beautiful. The supposed whale watching site was near Cape Kiwanda just past a large sand dune. We'd been to this exact spot before, so we knew exactly where to park. There is a public parking lot right on the beach next to the Pelican Pub & Brewery.
We weren't the only people out enjoying the ocean. The beach was dotted with dog walkers, couples, families and even a few surfers. We leisurely strolled down the beach to the tall sand dune. We had to walk up and around it to reach the cape. I thought a few others were trying to find the state appointed volunteer because they carried binoculars. Alas, we couldn't find anyone who looked official. I was slightly disappointed, but we still stared across the horizon looking for a whale or two. Again, we were unsuccessful. I was hardly disappointed; this spot is tranquil. I am never surprised by the calming and peaceful effect of water, especially the ocean. Portland has a couple rivers, but it can't compare.
After a nice long gaze at the Pacific, we climbed back down the sand dune. I was hungry; it was time for lunch. We choose this spot on the coast not just for its beauty but the Pelican Pub. Its situated right on the beach and features world renowned beer. Plus, the food is excellent.
We were kindly greeted and quickly seated. Teresa ordered a bloody mary, and I tasted their seasonal English style ale. It was good, but I decided not to order a pint. Instead, I choose their Cream Ale. It was awesome. This ale isn't heavy and very gold in color. It has a nice taste without being over powering. Teresa had a sip and loved it. After figuring out our drinks, we ordered food. She had a vegetarian sandwich and I a cheeseburger. When ever I get the chance, I always order red meat. We don't eat a lot of red meat at home. To finish off the meal, I tried to more beers. First, I ordered the Cask Conditioned IPA. It turned out to be a smooth IPA without much bite. For my final drink, I tried a traditional IPA. It was a hoppy treat.
To keep from falling asleep, we took a long walk down the beach. The water is frigid, so we didn't dunk our feet. The surfers wore wetsuits head to toe. I don't understand how that is enjoyable. They must still feel the freezing water. As we continued down the beach, a few dogs ran up to greet us. Its always nice to say to happy drooling puppy. Hopefully one day, we will get a dog. After walking a mile or so, we stopped to sit and lean against a large piece of driftwood. I enjoyed relaxing and listening to the Pacific Ocean.
Before too long, we retraced our steps along the beach. Before leaving this beautiful spot, I decided to grab a souvenir. I walked back into the Pelican Pub to purchase a growler of Cream Ale. Even if I couldn't bring the ocean home, I could at least bring some good beer. The drive to Portland wasn't bad, and we made it home by dinner. I throughly enjoyed my Birthday day trip to the beach! Its unfortunate we didn't see any whales, but the view was still impeccable. I am not sure who'd win in a coastal pub war -- Pelican Pub or Warren Pub (another favorite just north in Cannon Beach). They're both awesome! What a great 28th Birthday. I didn't really notice my change in age. I think, the ocean has an amazing way of making any day a great one.
Alternate Ending By Teresa
Upon arriving home, we were surprised yet delighted to find that a young manatee had beached itself on our couch. It must have thought that our green couch was a bed of kelp. I don't know the specifics of how it managed to unlock the door or get onto the couch, but I wasn't worried because the manatee was HUNGRY! It demanded food in a high-pitched, plaintive squeak, and it would not cease until its bowl had been filled. The creature plunged its face into the bowl; the food was gone in seconds!
