SonjaM's extra special day (July 20, 19xx)

After leaving everyone at the IBC2010 in Bend, Oregon on Sunday we (with my riding buddy SonjaM) headed for Lincoln City for a couple of days to relax, ride, take photos, do nothing . . . and we did all of that and more. Eventually it was time to leave and we got a late start. We got tired of leaving before 6am and made the decision that we don't leave early for the rest of our vacation. This would turn out to be a big mistake. This morning after the hotel supplied continental breakfast and waffles we hit the saddle at precisely 9:16am and headed north towards the border. It was a little cool as we had been accustomed to the 100 degree heat of Yakima and Bend and we headed up Hwy 101 . At first the traffic was fairly light and we made good time in the cool 15c air. I was in the lead and the intention was to do the 3 Cape Loop



We had already passed a few photo opps as we do not stop if we are in a dangerous place but I wanted to capture a hilltop view of the beach below from atop a hill. I made SonjaM take the lead and by the time I hit the PTT button on our radio it was too late and she had to turn around. That is why she is pointed in the wrong direction. There was a lot of gravel on this section so caution had to be taken



While SonjaM was not aware at the time, I was headed towards those 3 rocks in the water, at the top of the photo.

Today, SonjaM was in an adventurous and daring mood . She actually wanted to try her F650GS in the sand and go over the hill



I was not so daring. The V-strom is very heavy, esp that it is now loaded down with another 100 lbs in the side cases. I packed everything including the kitchen sink



After she finished playing in the sand we went to the west side of Pacific City and found a newly constructed development by the water where we could pose our bikes for photos.

After a few more twists and turns along the 3 Cape Loop, we had finally arrived.


(Roseanna's Cafe, Oceanside, Oregon)

This is my favourite beachfront hideaway in Oceanside, OR which I had discovered a decade ago when I first landed here



I don't know why she parked her bike so far away. I was sure to wear a new T-shirt as today was Sonja's Birthday and I wanted to look presentable while we had a meal overlooking the ocean, on her special day.

True to form, she ordered a healthy choice while I had the greasy one ladened with extra carbohydrates



We had a very efficient, friendly, helpful hostess and after I mentioned this to her, she came back with a cupcake complete with candle


(Virgina, our server du jour)

Here she is again. Her smile is contagious. If you have a chance come here for a meal and say hello. She offered to take "OUR" picture but I told her she didn't understand. We are not a couple.


(Virgina, behind the counter)

The cupcake was sooo delicious it was soon devoured and there was nothing left, but crumbs. I also snagged a good portion of it, with her permission, of course



Here is the view from the inside



Here is a sample view of the main street


(Oceanside, Oregon)

There is a hotel, on top of the hill



There is a nice sandy beach with few people and we noticed a few surfers in the distance. Notice the 3 rocks ? They are the same ones as in the very first photo.



Sonja, Happy Birthday to You and hope your dreams come true.