We have an annual tradition of spending a long weekend on the Oregon coast at Cape Lookout with Stephanie and Dave. So last weekend we packed up and headed out to spend three nights in the excellent cabins there at the state park.
The cabins are deluxe.
They have bunk beds and a futon/sofa, electricity, heat, a grill on the porch, a little kitchen sink, refrigerator, and microwave, and a bathroom with hot water. With all the camping we do---this feels like luxury.
And, now that we are spoiled, I can't imagine doing a beach trip any other way....with kids (and a dog) it is sooooo nice to be able to play, get sandy and wet and know there's a hot shower waiting.
This is the view from our cabin porch.
Since we adopted the tradition of coming here, we have gotten incredibly lucky with the weather. The only truly rainy, stormy trip was last year's....and Dave and Steph didn't come because they had just welcomed their daughter, Tess, into the world. So we consider them good luck---because we when they are with us we get good weather. This year was no exception; miraculously, in the last days of October (with rain in the forecast) we enjoyed two days of stunningly warm and sunny weather.
So if Cape Lookout is so awesome and we come here annually, why is this the first blog entry about it? In all honesty, it's because I take too many pictures! It takes me forever to sort them, edit them, and organize my thoughts and by the time I do....it's Halloween, the First Snow, Thanksgiving....and the time has passed. So, just a heads up---this one is a long one---with lots of photos!
This is the day we arrived. And, despite rain showers, Jonah enjoyed the ocean. The foul weather gear he wore was no match for his exuberant splashing, he got completely soaked by sloshing water up over the top and into his knee-high waterproof boots. Jesse literally poured a cup of water out of each, back at the cabin.
Cape Lookout is so pretty. The waterfalls spilling into the ocean are beautiful.
The following day, we woke up to blue sky. It was unexpected so we decided to take advantage and hike out to Cape Lookout. It's about 5 miles round trip and the trail takes you out along the peninsula of the cape.
The trail is about 400 feet above the ocean so there are beautiful views. There are also a few exposed spots where you can see clear down to the water below; Jonah was carried for those just to be extra cautious.
Jonah and Aunt Steph
Handsome boy, just like his Daddy.
At the main view point, Ezra got to stretch his legs. He's very good at standing now with the support of an object or by holding his hand.
Look at this view! The weather was unbelievable.
I call this picture Hero, because after about 3.5 miles, Jonah was done hiking, but there was more to go. I will say that with all of Jonah's zig zagging and side trail loop arounds---he probably did cover close to 6 miles. Jesse carried both boys the rest of the way without even slowing down. That's about 75 pounds these days.
Once we returned, it was back to the beach.
I like this sequence of photos with gradual clothing removal.
It brings me so much joy to see Jonah having such fun.
Can you hear the squeals of delight?
What an afternoon! So much grinning and laughter.
After hot showers it was time to get ready for dinner.
Sometimes, the blurry photo captures the mood the best. Both Jonah and Ezra are real good outdoors kids. They soak it up.
The following morning was misty and sunny and gave way to another beautiful day.
Jesse took this photo. It's my new favorite one of me and Ezra. The light is just incredible.
The beach dead-ends at the Cape just south of the cabins---so it is the prefect place to let Daisy run around off leash.
Miss Didymus turned 10 this year. She's still quite the sprinter when given the opportunity.
Daisy is a good dog. Even with occasional tormenting from Jonah, she still loves to be his adventure companion.
Jonah is wearing an entire outfit of handmedowns. Shirt from cousin, Mario, pants from neighbor, Callan, and boots from friend, Dylan. We are so appreciative of those 2nd hand clothes!
Later in the day, Jonah and Jesse did a hike while Ezra napped.
Sunburst.
Cute Selfie.
Jonah snuggling 1 year old cousin Tess.
Tess is adorable. I got to take lots of fun pictures of everyone. I borrowed a really great Nikon camera lens from my friend, Amy, which is responsible for all the great closeups. I enjoyed using it so much---it's now on my wish list.
Dave, Steph, and Tess
The west-coast cousins.
All Ezra wanted to do was play in the sand. He loved throwing it up on onto his head.
Jonah is a really great brother and Ezra thinks the world of him.
After attempting to take a photo for our Christmas card (I didn't get the shot),
it was time for one last evening frolic in the ocean.
There were a lot of photos like this....blurry and gleeful.
I love this picture.
That's a wrap. Once again, Cape Lookout was fabulous.
Looking forward to next year already!
