Fourth of July Fun

You know what I love? Plans. And planning things. You know what I do not love? Last minute anything. Sometimes I need to be reminded that spontaneity can lead to the most wonderful times. Thankfully, I have Brandon in my life for just that reason. Uncertain about getting time off from work for the 4th of July until the last minute, it was July 3rd when Brandon accepted his friend's invitation to join his family for their annual horse camping trip on the coast. So, despite the ongoing exhaustion still lingering from the wedding, we scrambled to get everything packed and again loaded up the car to go camping. 

It didn't take long for me to get excited. After all, there is almost nothing I love more than the anticipation of going somewhere new. We would be spending the next few days near the coastal town of Manzanita, camping in a horse camping site at Nehalem Bay State Park (side note: the horse camp sites, although further from things like toilets, are the only sites I would recommend here - the regular sites are so close together and that's just not my thing; of course you do have to have an actual horse to use these sites). On the way, we stopped in Tillamook for lunch at Pelican Brewing Company. I am not much of a beer drinker, but I enjoyed their Pre Prohibition Cream Ale. And the Tillamook poutine and fish tacos were fantastic, especially the fish tacos. 

Once we arrived at the state park, we settled in for days of all the lovely camping things. The best kind of camping is nothing exciting. It is the chance to simply be, to gather around the campfire with friends, to walk through the woods, to share laughter and delicious meals. I think that's what I love about it - laying down the cell phone and picking up the conversation. Camping calms my often anxious mind and forces me to step away from all of the distractions to better focus on relationship, on the things that matter. This camping trip was no exception. 

There was much to love about this camping trip. We arrived too late for the local 4th of July parade, but we enjoyed homemade pie; an All American dinner of hot dogs, baked beans, and watermelon; and fireworks on the beach. Well, Brandon and I enjoyed the fireworks. Sydney mostly clung to us and cowered in fear. Poor thing. 

We walked along the water, letting the children and dogs roam free in an effort to exhaust them. We explored tidal pools and enjoyed the views. The Oregon coast is inexhaustibly beautiful.

We relaxed at the campground, read books, took naps in hammocks, explored, rode horses.

We took turns making really good food, each of us bringing our own set of relative talents to camp cooking. If there is one certain thing, it is that we ate well. But all meals paled in comparison to the 28-day aged steak that our friend, who also happens to be a chef, prepared for everyone. With side dishes prepared by his wife, also a chef, we had a meal that one would pay good money for in a fancy steakhouse.  

We even spent some time in the quaint coastal town of Manzanita, sipping wine at a quirky, dog-themed tasting room. As one does while camping.

But my favorite thing of all was the hike up Neahkahnie Mountain. We began the 3 mile out and back hike at the South Trailhead. There is a Northern Trailhead, as well, if you're in the mood for a slightly longer (5 mile) and potentially more challenging hike. Regardless of where you start, where you end up is here: 

Switchbacks, narrow trails, final scrambles up rocky terrain - all of it was worthwhile for a glimpse of this expansive view. It was a lovely hike that made me feel slightly less guilty about all the delicious food I had consumed in the previous days. 

After three wonderful nights of camping, it was with some reluctance that we packed up our gear and headed home. But not without one final stop at the newly remodeled Tillamook Creamery. Part factory tour, part opportunity to buy stuff, and part of my Oregon Bucket list, we couldn't miss the chance to see some of the magic behind our favorite cheese. There was also ice cream. We did not stay especially long because it was super crowded, but did a quick version of the free self-guided tour before purchasing 5-year aged cheddar (which I have never seen in stores) and marionberry ice cream. We decided to forego the cheese samples due to the long lines, but it was still an informative and delicious stop. If possible, I would recommend going pretty much any other time than the Saturday after a holiday. 

I thoroughly enjoyed our 4th of July camping trip, my first with someone other than just Brandon since moving to Oregon. I love camping with my husband, but there is a different kind of enjoyment in camping with a group of friends/family. Not that it was all fun and games. With 8 adults, 4 kids, and 7 dogs, and 2 horses, there are bound to be a few hiccups. Despite that, it was a camping trip to remember, a reflection of the best of the values celebrated on the 4th of July - freedom, family, and maybe a bit of a sense of adventure and exploration.