Lisa's Culinary Atrocities

What a beautiful weekend I had a few weeks ago! As I said in my last post, I will be taking myself to many places in Oregon and beyond over the next number of months, for travel, food and downright adventure.  First trip: Astoria, Ft. Stevens and Cannon Beach.

I adore the ocean. I adore road trips. I adore Mini Coopers…it makes the whole driving thing soo much fun when you’re in a nifty car.  I got a Mini Cooper zipcar named “MeowMeow” of all things.  This car was made for me; she likes speed…and um, her name is MeowMeow!  I see why my Dad really liked his Mini and I think I need one.  Please feel free to donate…

Heading north towards Astoria in my little yellow gem, with wind in my hair and music in my ears, I followed a state trooper for about an hour going 70 on a 55mph highway—almost felt like my own personal escort! (Thank you, Sir.) 

First place of business: Pig ‘N Pancake; how could I resist a restaurant with such a name?  Across from me was a table of bikers. Next to me was a Grandma and Grandpa.  I like it!

I was really in the mood for a burger.  This past year has been very burgerie…not sure why, but a tummy wants what a tummy wants.  Seeing as I was at an award winning pancake place, I ordered 2 sourdough pancakes, as well as a chuck burger with pepperjack and fries. Who says I have to eat it all?

 The pancakes were really really good—sour, light, moist, soft, a little thin, but incredibly tasty.  I even gave them a well deserved out-loud mmmm, a loving sideways smile and a slow motion eye blink.  The burger was on a bun made just the way I like it: toasted on the grill with lots of butter. Steak fries..love em.  Hot, crunchy, soft.  The burger was juicy and tasted like a fire grill. I will say, though, that the pancakes were much better. My quest for the perfect burger continues.

From there I head to the Astoria Column.  I about had a dizzying panic attack winding up to the top of the 164 steps, but persevered. While up there I bravely took a photo of my little car a million trillion miles below me, then firmly pressed myself back against the wall of the column, introduced my moist palms to the chilly exterior and said a prayer:  “Please, let me live…there’s ocean to be seen and more to love!”  …I lived.

Next stop, Fort Stevens State Park: Battery Russell.  Part of the Fort Steven’s Military Reservation, Battery Russell served as a post to the Oregon Coast during the Civil War until World War II.  I had been there a few years prior with my friend Max and it is a great great place to take ominous black & white photos.  It’s creepy and beautiful and I love it.

Then to Peter Iredale shipwreck.  This was gorgeous…the remnants of a four-masted steel barque sailing vessel that wrecked October 25, 1906, on a beach of grey, fine sand.  People were climbing on the ship, which felt somehow sacrilege to me, but I thought it was neat to have the freedom to put oneself on something with so much history.  It was difficult to adequately capture the range of color and texture of this lovely skeleton.

Off to Cannon Beach.  I love the enormous rocks (Haystack Rock) that jut out of the water here, but the beach is crazy full of people.  I took a few photos and decided to spend the $5 fee for Ecola State Park.

A mere $5 is very worth it: winding roads canopied by gloriously dense green forest, soft inviting sand, crashing waves against prominent bolders, surfers, a bonfire, picnicking families…  Will need to go for a day picnic at some point in the future.

An outstanding day.  I felt such joy driving, sitting, reflecting, observing and just being.  The sea air and music of the ocean lull me to that perfect, peaceful place, like no other thing does.  Thank you ocean.