The Oregon Coast
After a whirlwind trip, we are home safe and sound. Wow, what an amazing adventure, one that I will cherish always. Thank you for taking the journey with me through words and pictures, and a heartfelt thanks to my two amazing girls who love a sense of adventure, exploration and learning, and my husband for indulging our wanderlust. Herewith is my final blog entry -- the Oregon Coast. Short and sweet!
YACHATS & ASTORIA
The Oregon Coast may be the less popular and, therefore, less expensive and less populated cousin to the California Coast, but I would argue that it is just as, and perhaps more so, breathtaking and scenic -- beautiful and peaceful water, amazing hiking trails, great national and state parks and, as I mentioned in my last blog, very genuine people. If you have a chance to visit, I would highly recommend the central and north coast, with Yachats (pronounced "Ya-hots") and Astoria being at the top of my list. I think that pictures best convey this part of the trip.
LEWIS & CLARK NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK
Sydney will be studying the Lewis and Clark Expedition in school this fall and so it was great to have an opportunity to visit this park. You may recall that the expedition was commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson shortly after the Louisiana Purchase to find "the most direct & practicable water communication across the continent for the purposes of commerce", but it was nice to revisit the history in more depth. For example, did you know that there was a slave -- York -- who was part of the expedition?! It was fascinating to learn more about him, as well as so many other facets of the expedition -- the route taken, the conditions they faced, the Native Americans who helped along the way, etc. And, if you're looking for some additional reading, be sure to add "In Search of York: The Slave Who Went to the Pacific With Lewis and Clark", by Robert Betts, to your reading list!
Another national historical park and another Junior Ranger certification!
ROAD TRIP STATS
Number of Hotels = 7
Total Miles Traveled = 1,920
Hours Spent Planning Itinerary = Too Many to Count
Fun Alternative to Music While in Car = Books on CD (highly recommend The Chronicles of Narnia)
Return on Investment = Infinite!
Okay, that's all for The Metz Girls Road Trip 2013! Have a happy and safe rest of summer, and hope to see you soon.