Cannon Beach, Oregon

There were so many amazing sites in Oregon, but Cannon Beach was one of the highlights.

I've been to the Pacific Ocean before, but this spot was breathtaking.

It was a little cool for bathing suits, but rolling up your pant legs worked just as well.

The water was a transparent green, actually picture perfect green.

This beach is famous for it's monoliths, those huge rock formations.

The large structure on the right is called the "haystack".  

Can you see the people standing beside it? It gives a nice perspective to its size!

Hugging the coast were these amazing beach homes. 

They are quite a distance from the ocean but there were warnings for tsunamis evacuations posted if needed....yikes!

No worries for us though, the day was perfect!

After our seaside walk, we toured the one-main-street town.

The homes were very pretty...loved the large windows and siding.

The side yards were just as neat...

...as well as the garages.

We stopped for lunch at Bill's and had a tasty lunch of clam chowder with fish and chips.

It was a perfect day.

Portland, OR....Saturday Market

One of the special treats visiting Portland was shopping the Saturday Market. 

It was in a shady spot in the green walking area of the university.

The day was crisp, cool, and sunny!

I love visiting Farmers' Markets...the products are beautiful!

Loads of fresh vegetables...

And loads of people! Apparently Saturday is a big shopping day!

There were gorgeous flowers...

...and tons of veggies!

The location was perfect...an easy walk from just about anywhere!

There was even fresh eucalyptus!

There was a musician playing a didgeridoo, an instrument native from Australia.

Of course there were bakery items...

...these cinnamon rolls were very hard for me to resist!

There was also fresh lavender...and yes, it smelled divine.

Of course there were luscious berries...

and something I had never seen...purple peppers!

It was another lovely day!

Portland, Oregon...City Life

We took a walking tour of the city and as a "tourist" I discovered that Portland is one of those "cool" towns.

You know, the kind with a huge appreciation of the arts, youth, and green living.

There were people walking with their pets, riding their bikes, taking the trains, and drinking one of their favorite beverages...coffee.

I'm not a huge coffee drinker, but I drank my share of the delectable delight...

and what every Portlander knows, coffee goes better with some type of bakery treat.

The choices were limitless, I had the try this one...

...the Oregon Croissant.

And yes, it was as delicious as it looks.

We visited an amazing store, Powell's Book. It covered an entire city block and filled approximately 3 stories!

I would classify this place as a super-huge Half Price Books. There were previously read books and new books sitting side by side on the shelves.

We roamed and roamed...gotta love the smell of knowledge!

More Portland flavor...

...steps in the library.

Can you find the hidden words?

More attention to details.

This is an another example of the amazing spaces we found...

...two buildings connected to form a new space.

Stores took up shop in old warehouses,

and filled them nicely!

There were new items...

...and vintage items.

 My weakness...

... and their back-plates.

Basically, tons of inspiration!

The city was truly a feast for your eyes!

Portland's Japanese Gardens

I've never been to a "real" Japanese garden before...this one didn't disappoint, it was breathtaking.

Quiet pathways led you to special spots.

There were authentic structures...

...and rock gardens. 

Do you see the man and his "rake" on the right side of the photo below? He was actually making the checkerboard pattern. 

The patches of grass were representing sake and cup.

There were soothing waterfalls...

...and quiet resting areas.

Our day was a bit overcast, however this trellis was a treat to see.

 

It was another great day!