Pacific City, Oregon: No rain on our roof overnight and the sun was shining this morning. Finally. We took the bicycles off the rack (then I had to install the battery and seat on my bike) and rode into town. "Town" is just over a mile from our campsite, and a block or so off the beach. It holds a few dozen businesses - hardware store, grocer, library, a few restaurants and many homes. We rode through town, past town, around town, but there really didn't seem anything to interest us for lunch as many restaurants are closed on Monday & Tuesday. One place was open and hopping so much there was a line. We turned our bikes back to the RV, locked them up again, and walked across the street to the beachside brewery we had lunch Sunday, Pelican Brewing Company. This time I ordered the kids fish & chips. I ate the fish, but couldn't finish the fries.
Dave was a bit more adventurous and ordered the tuna poke bowl. Unfortunately this dish is not on the kid/senior menu. He didn't come close to finishing his bowl. (I guarantee you 100%, if Leo were here, he would have ordered this tuna poke bowl. And finished it all.)
After lunch, we took a stroll along the beach. This what Haystack Rock (Kiwanda version) looks like in living color:
Please note the people on the beach were wearing jackets. The temperature rose to only 60 degrees today and it was windy. We were thankful we had packed our rain/wind jackets. They were most welcome on the bike ride this morning and on the beach after lunch. I even broke down and bought a knit stocking cap.
We spent much of the afternoon around the campsite. It was too windy to sit outside! Needlepointing did occur. This is my current "purse" project - meaning something small enough to fit in my purse/tote. I started this cheetah-drinking-champagne while we were on our Caribbean cruise in January, and worked on it again in LA when we went to see Leo at the Whiskey A GoGo, and at the hospital while waiting for my drugged-up hubby to wake after his ablation in April. I only stitch purse projects when I am away from my home (currently, a massive 18x18-inch elephant) project. This cat is about 6x8-inches, but is on teeny 18-holes-per-square-inch canvas. I am using silk fiber to cover the canvas. This will eventually become a pillow for an empty bar stool in our house. I'm about 2/3 finished with this little kitty.
Before we set off this morning, I made dinner. Dijon Chicken (with a little nod to the Barefoot Contessa). I used an entire 8-ounce container of crème fraîche (Vermont Creamery), 1/4 cup Dijon mustard (Maille), probably three tablespoons of minced shallot and 2 teaspoons dried tarragon. Already sounding very French, eh? I added just a bit of salt, as mustard is pretty salty, and a bit of black pepper. This base was stirred together and tossed-in three boneless skinless chicken thighs to well coat the meat. The whole mess was dumped in a teeny 8"x5" oiled baking dish (to fit our Barbie RV oven). Left all day to marinate in the refrigerator, the dish was baked for 35 minutes (I set the oven to 350° but my trusty oven thermometer never went above 300°, so who knows. I did check the chicken with an instant-read thermometer and the chicken was over 165-degrees), and served with rice, and a tomato & avocado salad. I think this same crème fraîche base could be easily used with four (or more) boneless skinless thighs - there was plenty of sauce. This was a remarkably delicious meal. I can't wait to make it again.
While finishing up dinner, and watching the Giants v Cubs game, we heard the very sad news Willy Mays had passed away at 93.
it is National Martini Day
After dinner, we walked (again!) down to the beach. It was getting dark, but there were still little kids jumping around in the freezing waves. (Dave and I were shivering in our windbreakers.) Still, even with the wind, it was a very pretty evening in Pacific City.
More chilly excitement planned for tomorrow.
Until my next update, I remain, your really cold correspondent.
Campground Information: Cape Kiwanda RV Park - This is a very old campground, with sewer connections in the grass and old-school electric posts. RV sites are paved, and the picnic tables and firepits are in grass. Many amenities, as they also have a hotel and the RV sites can use the indoor pool/hot tub. Shop, RV supplies, laundry, bath houses, walk to many restaurants and the beach is across the street. There are rabbits everywhere, so be aware if you bring your dog. We are paying about $119 per night for a drive-through site.
Love the cheetah!
Remember the chilly Oregon coast when you are back in toasty La Quinta!
Try the Riverhouse for dinner tonight if you can!