Beach Day at The Oregon Coast
My sister and I drove to the Oregon coast to fill our souls with a full dose of ocean sounds and sandy toes. We got an early start at 6 A.M. to take advantage of the low tide, which exposes the rocky tide pools and makes the entire beach accessible.
Of course not booking a hotel keeps it fairly frugal.
We spent more time that I'm willing to admit playing with the "Panoramic" photo setting on our phones. We are silly geese!
Portland was forecast to be 88 degrees, but the Cascade mountain range between Portland and the Pacific Ocean keep the beach much cooler. Oregonians know to bring layers for unpredictable weather. You can see how misty it was.
As always, the tide pools teemed with life.
We spent almost four hours exploring the beach.
Our next stop was Tillamook's Tacos La Providencia food cart, which consistently delivers delicious Mexican food for hungry beach combers.
My sister and I started to drag from our early start, so we drove through Dutch Bros. coffee, (her choice) where we got a large mocha, split into two cups. Naturally we had to stop into the Tillamook Goodwill for a relaxing browse.
I walked out empty handed, but still looked up at least a dozen items. Like this $14.99 pool cue organizer shelf:
This fantastic $12.99 "coastal grandmother" aesthetic sweater:
This $6.99 Southwestern style vase:
Next up was a visit to the Tillamook County Pioneer Museum, where my sister was able to get in for free as a "professional courtesy" due to her affiliation to the American Museum of Natural History in NYC. My admission was $7.
I've wanted to visit this museum for years and can now check it off my bucket list.
This museum is exactly what you'd expect, but also surprising. There's a lot of taxidermy, but also full size diorama rooms, geologic samples and antique transportation.
However much taxidermy you imagine is in this museum -- triple that amount!
Some of which has absolutely nothing to do with the Oregon coast:
I'm pretty sure that Smokey The Bear was artificially taxidermied:
It was giving SNL "Alan" vibes.
Where was I? I yeah, Museum content.
My sister took this photo for our friend Lise, as she teaches basket making classes. Tiny Katy for scale.
Unfortunately I somehow tweaked my back, which brought our adventures to a screeching halt. We'd planned on driving up the coast to enjoy Highway 101 and then head home, hitting Camp 18 for dinner. Instead we drove straight back after purchasing gas station Ibuprofen and Diet Cokes.
We may have shortened our beach day by a few hours, but we still enjoyed the drive back, thanks to an impromptu Dolly Parton playlist. Even made it home in time to watch "9 to 5" through the free Philo app. Not only does that movie hold up, it was waaaaay ahead of its time! That woman set an example we can only hope to emulate. She will be sorely missed!
Katy Wolk-Stanley
"Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without."
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Sorry to hear about your back pain, but it looks like you had a wonderful excursion prior to that.
I just finished "attending" a webinar on solar energy. Although the price has come down massively since the 1970s, it is still too expensive for me. I'd have to shell out about 10 grand. The payback time would not be for another 10 to 15 years. I am 71. Not to sound pessimistic, but chances are I won't be in this house when I'm 81 to 86 years old.
I then went on BASE Power's website as they've been advertising a backup battery that is supposedly better than a Generac generator. But they say it is not in my area yet.
I have a natural gas space heater in the den and some battery powered fans and a gasoline generator, still in the box, from Harbor Freight. Hopefully, the Texas electric grid won't go down again, because I have no idea how to use the generator if it does. At least the heater will keep me from freezing if it occurs in winter weather.
Goodbye Dolly. What a woman. What a fun way to spend the day. Sorry about your back. Feel better.
1. I sold a couple items on Ebay. I packaged them with reused boxes and bubble wrap.
2. I've spent the day listing as many items as possible on Ebay and one item on Marketplace.
3. I filled my tank with the cheap gas at the station by my mom's house Monday night. It's Walmart which tends to match the Sam's Club price.
4. I have cabin fever but I decided not to go to the estate sales until I've caught up on my death pile as well as all of my kids old toys I'm listing for them.
5. I've mowed my lawn, weeded, did my weekly pool maintenance and hung my clothing to dry on racks. I walked for free exercise. I'm eating all the leftovers. I've downloaded library books on my Kindle but I've been too busy to read.
I love going to museums, so much fun. I am sorry about your back but looks like like fun until then. No one in my family likes to browse thru thrift store, Goodwills except me. So much fun, thank you for all the pictures.
What a fun and frugal sister day! The tide pools look so interesting, too. Hope your back is feeling better.
Sooooooooo sorry about your back. Those mystery tweaks are the worst!!!
PS I always love your magical tide-pool photos. Teeming indeed!
That sounds like a fabulous day with your sister up until your back gave out. I spent part of today with my sister where we went to the local senior center for their $5 lunch, visited with friendly people, and picked up several books and a couple magazines from the free library there. Then I drove through my childhood neighborhood, where I stopped at a Little Free Library and found a couple books, brought boxes to a local charity that dispenses household goods to the needy, and then went to Aldi and spent just $23 for a bulging bag of food.
In other frugal happenings:
1. Attended a free waterski show with my husband. He spent $5 on concessions.
2. Renewed TSA Pre-check for both of us and chose the cheapest online option.
3. Gave a lazy Susan to someone who requested one on Buy Nothing.
4. Received a $50 gift card to a local restaurant from a company we worked with on our remodel.
5. Picked up a book from the free table at the library and put it in the book bin for our winter vacation. Just four months away!
P.S. Dolly! What a gem. My favorite line of hers: "It costs a lot of money to look this cheap."
Dolly, and also Tim Curry and Shelley Fabares, all gone on the same day, or close to it. All favorites of mine. It's so sad to see the stars of my generation passing.
My grandson just left after helping me out a bit. He carried and stored an air conditioner, reinstalled a smoke detector, and unstuck a very stuck window. I paid him with a thrifted T-shirt.
Now the windows are all ready to be washed. A professional service will come tomorrow and Friday. No cost to me, except for what I pay in my assessment fees, of course.
Yesterday I set out to go to Walmart, but I noticed the tire light was on. So I went straight to Midas. They got me in quickly, and, alas, two tires were needing to be replaced. The total cost was a bit under $300, which was less than I expected.
While the tires were being installed, I walked to Goodwill, where, ironically, I found a package of Always Discreet. I had been going to Walmart specifically to get pads! They were $3, whereas a retail package costs $22 now.
I also bought a cute timer that looks like a ladybug. Unfortunately, it does not ring, so not much use as a timer. I was thrown off because it does tick. Anyway, I'm going to use it as a paperweight.
I also stopped at Dollar Tree and bought gingersnaps.
I am hoping for temperate weather since my air conditioners are now out of commission. I did leave one just under the window so it can be easily set up again if need be. But I hope I won't have to. I have good fans, and it's almost September, so luck may be on my side. If not, I have already cleared it with a friend that I can hang out at her house.
Dolly affirmed the dignity of all people and was inclusive of all. In a world of hate, be like Dolly!
My blood pressure drops 10 points just looking at your beach photos.
My handy cousin walked me through putting on a new belt on my riding lawn mower. Used my new to me socket set. He then helped me bolt on locking casters for my large air compressor and Install the hose reel. Priceless.
We then put a new accessory on my tractor and unloaded a large dresser out of the back of my truck.
I paid him for parts and sent him home with prunes, tomatoes, bok choy, cucumbers and jalapenos.
I then planted the seed to remodel the guest bathroom, replacing the tub for a shower, a new toilet, vanity and add a linen closet.
I love the 'I planted the seed' comment, although I do wonder at the amazing greenness of your thumbs if you can grow a whole new guest bathroom just by planting a seed...
Oh no, sorry to hear about your back! I hope it's feeling much better soon. Looks like an awesome day of beach adventures with your sister. So great to be able to spend that quality time together. And to celebrate Dolly's life as part of the day is just the icing on the cake! I'm sure Dolly would be pleased to know she was part of your day with your sis.
I’ve been laid up since Friday pm with food poisoning and diverticulitis. It required hospital admission over night and then a trip back 48 hrs later for some additional medication. Armed with several meds I think I may live. However the bland diet is very boring. I missed several hours at work. Thank heavens for Medicare as my most expensive medicine was $58. Of course I am bracing myself for the hospital bill. I’m crossing my fingers I can fly next Thursday for my housesitting assignment in So Cal
OMG, Kathy. Get well soon!
Oh gosh, get better soon!
I hope your back feels better soon.
It would have been difficult for me to pass up the pot. Ten years ago I found a small Asian handmade pot scrunched behind some other stuff at Value Village. It was quite dirty but no chips or cracks and, best of all, was the half price tag color. I remember the price - $3.99. Just this week I decided to do that Google camera thing to find out its comparable price. On one auction site a nearly identical one was $3000 and $2,300 on a different site. I did learn that it was made in Korea in 1860 approximately and used for pickling vegetables originally. So that was a find but think I’ll keep it.
I feel sad about Dolly, too. She was such a totally nice, sweet person.
Yesterday I listened to her original version of her song, “I will always love you.” Just heartbreakingly beautiful.
I agree about Dolly. I teared up this morning watching the King’s Band (UK) play 9-5. She was quite the enigma!
One of my other favorite places to visit in Tillamook is the Latimer Quilt and Textile Center. They have changing exhibits every other month. It’s small, but packed. I’ll have to remember the Pioneer Museum for visiting grandchildren.
Glad you had a good time! I actually enjoyed seeing the panoramic pictures. Didn’t realize you could do that.
The Oregon coast holds a special place in my heart. Glad you got time there with your sister before your headache hit.
1) DH's coworker offered him a Southwest $1k voucher for $850 (anyone can use), and it expires in a year. DS19 is in college & SW flies from our home airport to his college airport. We will definitely use it - if not for that, then to visit my parents, etc.
2) I have been eating through the roasted vegetables & chicken sausage I made on Sunday. So far, it's made 2 dinners for 2 people, and 2 lunches. One lunch left. It's a very inexpensive meal.
3) I finished off all of the garden goodies from a coworker: zucchini, cucumber, & lots of tomatoes. The tomatoes in particular were amazing.
4) Found a few gift cards in the cleanup I've been doing.
5) Got our most recent power bill (which includes gas for heating the water/cooking) & it was $75, which includes a $10 solar cost. We don't due our true up until the end of the year, but we also haven't need our A/C at all. The weather has been glorious. What a lovely summer.
The Oregon coast holds a special place in my heart. Glad you got time there with your sister before your headache hit.
1) DH's coworker offered him a Southwest $1k voucher for $850 (anyone can use), and it expires in a year. DS19 is in college & SW flies from our home airport to his college airport. We will definitely use it - if not for that, then to visit my parents, etc.
2) I have been eating through the roasted vegetables & chicken sausage I made on Sunday. So far, it's made 2 dinners for 2 people, and 2 lunches. One lunch left. It's a very inexpensive meal.
3) I finished off all of the garden goodies from a coworker: zucchini, cucumber, & lots of tomatoes. The tomatoes in particular were amazing.
4) Found a few gift cards in the cleanup I've been doing.
5) Got our most recent power bill (which includes gas for heating the water/cooking) & it was $75, which includes a $10 solar cost. We don't due our true up until the end of the year, but we also haven't need our A/C at all. The weather has been glorious. What a lovely summer.
The Oregon coast holds a special place in my heart. Glad you got time there with your sister before your headache hit.
1) DH's coworker offered him a Southwest $1k voucher for $850 (anyone can use), and it expires in a year. DS19 is in college & SW flies from our home airport to his college airport. We will definitely use it - if not for that, then to visit my parents, etc.
2) I have been eating through the roasted vegetables & chicken sausage I made on Sunday. So far, it's made 2 dinners for 2 people, and 2 lunches. One lunch left. It's a very inexpensive meal.
3) I finished off all of the garden goodies from a coworker: zucchini, cucumber, & lots of tomatoes. The tomatoes in particular were amazing.
4) Found a few gift cards in the cleanup I've been doing.
5) Got our most recent power bill (which includes gas for heating the water/cooking) & it was $75, which includes a $10 solar cost. We don't due our true up until the end of the year, but we also haven't need our A/C at all. The weather has been glorious. What a lovely summer.
Beautiful beach pictures!
Hope your back gets better soon!
Katy, this is off-topic but I thought you might be interested so I am sharing this article from the New York Times. They have a weekly feature called "The Hunt" which features homebuyers and their search for their next (or first) home. The feature usually covers buyers in the NY area but this week it is about a Portland resident who is "a TV and movie costume supervisor, personal stylist and former vintage clothes seller".
https://www.nytimes.com/quiz/2026/08/27/realestate/buy-portland-oregon-house-freelance-income.html
I miss the Oregon coast!
1. I haven't been feeling well the last few days, my kids graciously gave me a cold. I should really teach them that not *all* sharing is caring. I did have the energy the other day to make a chicken pot pie. It was delicious and made for an excellent leftover lunch yesterday when I really felt crumby.
2. I finished the Briar Club! It was very very good! Even had a few twists and surprises! Highly recommend it if you enjoyed the Calamity Club. It follows a group of women in the early 50s with nothing in common other than they've all come to live at Briarwood House, a small boarding home for women.
3. Once I finished that Briar Club I downloaded "Ward D" by Freida McFadden. It's a little spooky so far! The narrator does a good job of adding character tones, something I always look for in a good audiobook!
4. We waited 45 minutes past our service window yesterday for a tech from the internet company to come and plug in our wifi. Completely threw off my youngest daughter's nap time and left me very irritated. He did bring up a package that was left at the bottom of the stairs for us. We're up on the third floor so he was almost forgiven. He was worried about someone walking off with it since it wasn't delivered to our door. Saves me from ordering another package!
5. Dinner last night was waffles. A lot of waffles. I barely felt like cooking and my brain was too foggy to piece together a meal so I made a double batch of waffles. I scrounged up a banana for the kids to share (and then ignore) and some dairy free yogurt. Now I have a quart bag and a gallon bag of waffles in my freezer! Maybe today I'll have energy and inspiration to make something a little more well rounded.
I'm glad you and your sister found things to do that were fun and frugal. So much of spending time with people can be done without spending a lot of money if we decide to just enjoy life. So much of contentment is a decision in how you live and think.
This Summer has been especially challenging with large costs to my vehicle. I bought new tires for $800, my alternator then died for $400, my car then died and took another $900 to fix. My AC has been struggling and now refuses to work without a good cleaning, $300 for an indoor coil clean this Friday. All my discretionary money is gone and I hope I can make it through another month or two without any more big expenses.
I'm often reminded of the fragility of people and things and trying to make sure what I do is good for me and who is around me is also good for me. I always enjoy this blog. Thank you for keeping it going all these years.