Yaquina was a MUCH better experience. The lighthouse itself wasn't open for tours, as the national parks are a little short staffed this time of year, but there was a great visitor center for us to explore.
From the visitor center, we took a short trail down the the tidepools and the lighthouse. The tidepools were amazing. We explored them for a good hour or more.
The kids enjoyed exploring the shore looking for anemones and sea urchins. We even spotted a few fish, crabs, and sea slugs.
Rylee was especially interested in all the organisms we found in the little tidepools. She and Justin spent a good long while scouting the shore for more sea life, and she wasn't shy about touching anything. Connor was less interested in touching things. We took a lap around the lighthouse, where we even saw a few gray whales off the shore.
Then we took the trail back down to the car and headed to downtown Newport for some lunch. Most of us had this amazing clam chowder that was topped with butter and baby shrimp. It was SOOOO good. Then we did a little shopping.
We spent a pleasant afternoon in downtown, then we headed back to Grandma Kathye's. Grandma had bought some local salmon and crab for dinner, and the girls helped her make crab cakes for dinner. They were delicious, and the salmon was the best we have ever eaten.
The girls played cards with Grandma and Mark, and Connor played a little guitar while Justin and I checked out some local campgrounds for next time. It was a little sad to spend our last night together, but we are so glad we had the chance to hang out with Grandma and Mark. They were awesome to open their home to us, and we made some great memories.
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