Scenes from the Washington Coast

All I can say is… I needed this. Last weekend, Daniel and I, and my family, took a little break from the everyday hustle, late nights, and early mornings and ran away to a little place we call “Maynard’s Doc.” Up on the Washington Coast rests a little 1940’s trailer with an extended living attachment that my grandma and grandpa own. They escape there when Grandpa feels the need to fish to his heart’s content. It’s not fancy, but what it lacks in space it makes up for in memories and charm.

Instead of walking you through each and every moment of the weekend, I’m going to try and let the picture speak for themselves and guide you on the best places to go when you’re in the Long Beach area. These places are our absolute favorite and are a must-do whenever we go to the “Doc.”

First, a stop at Camp18 off HWY 26. Many a memory has been forged here with my family. Countless burgers have been eaten and numerous walks have been taken along side the creek hidden behind the restaurant.

Dad made pancakes—obviously. He reigns the breakfast King.

And, no stop into Long Beach, Washington  is complete without the (somewhat terrifying) trip to Marsh’s Free Museum and gift shop. It has shrunken heads, an ominous piano that plays itself, and most famously, Jake the alligator man. Daniel found a nice little game of baseball, and my sister, Emma, got her fortune told by a 1920’s mechanical man in a glass box. When I was a kid this place was pure magic for me, and it’s still true to this day.

A stop for a picture with the largest cast iron skillet was priority number 1 for me that day.

Priority number one for my sisters and Daniel was hitting up the ole bumper cars. My face actually hurt after watching them, because I was laughing so hard! Daniel was just obliterating my sister Maddy who had no control over her car whatsoever. Pure comedy.

Then, off to the races for my sisters! These go-carts have been there since I was a kid. Let’s just say my family is just as competitive as I am and that has caused one too many run-ins with the go-cart attendants to count. Luckily, they didn’t recognize us this time, and my sisters were able to hop on  the track for some mild entertainment.

Side note: We all got new Adidas before the trip. I have baby feet and can fit into a size 5 1/2 kids and pay a fraction of what it would cost for an adult-sized shoe. No, I’m not cheap, I’m economical. I am also all-sorts-of-happy about my new kicks.

Since what really matters to my family is FOOOOD. Eating at 42nd Street Cafe is always—always—always a given. THE BEST FOOD. My mom ordered beignets while I contemplated ordering a jambalaya omelette. I ended up settling  on a curry-stuffed pita, frites, and a nice cup of hot coffee.

Then off to Ilwaco for some pictures of the marina. Lots of beautiful boats with odd names.

Close to where my grandparents live is the lovely and historic Oysterville. It is flat out picturesque. And, wouldn’t you know? They sell fresh oysters and clams everyday. So, we made a quick stop there and at the local grocery store for dinner fixings for the night. For appetizers, I steamed clams and made a nice butter sauce for them to swim in. Dad fried up the oysters, and Mom made browned butter and mizithra cheese pasta. We ate pretty well that night.

The next day was a stop at Waikiki beach near Cape Disappointment for pictures and pondering. My mom gathered driftwood and my husband attempted to play catch with my sisters. We all ended up pretty tired that day, and when the wind kicked in we just about froze to death. Dinner was a quick stop through the Corral Drive In for burgers and fries before grabbing, my favorite, elephant ears at a little bakery right next to Marsh’s. We were back at the Doc in time to watch another movie in dry, warm pajamas.

Our movie list for the weekend included:

The Suicide Squad
The Goonies (famously filmed in the area)
Moana
17 Again
What About Bob

Until next time! Enjoy all your beautiful weekends! I know I’ll be spending mine catching up from our weekend away, but it was so very worth it! Let me know if there are things YOU love on the Washington Peninsula!!!