Hay you guys!!

Even though I gained some time on the return trip up the trail, finding a parking spot to access Cannon Beach proved to be difficult. It was a picture perfect Friday (as I said earlier), so I held back the frustration. After a few laps and u-turns around the town, I finally found a spot and headed to the beach.
Looking back toward Ecola...





Looking south...



And finally, Haystack Rock...







Birds chillin' on the rock...



I hung out for awhile and searched for sea life in the tide pools. There were signs everywhere warning visitors to be careful of your steps, and if you looked closely you could see why. I didn't see starfish or anemones, but did see barnacles "breathing" in and out, grabbing nutrients from the water. Very cool. I have some video, but it's HD, and needs to be trimmed down. I'll post on FB at some point.

I left Cannon Beach and headed south to Tillamook. Again, having no idea what I'd see, but knew I'd be eating cheese before the day was done.



Haystack Rock II? I had to get out at this overlook...



Looking out over the Pacific...







South toward Tillamook and Tillamook Bay...



Wow...






I headed down into Tillamook, and its Bay...more breath-taking landscape.









Cheese!! Yes, I took the tour, and I must say, this cheese was tasty...



Could this day have ended any better?



Why yes it could. I synced up with Bradley on my drive through the Cascades and into Portland and he told me to pick him up at his friends' house. I gladly obliged, and was greeted with the friendliest group of strangers I've ever met. Hospitality and a fresh cold one go a long way in my book.