Just horsing around in Oregon!

Today we drove south to the town of Florence. The drive was incredible, with beautiful veiws of the coast. We stopped along the way for a picnic lunch, and took a picture for the 2009 Christmas card. Can't you tell that attractive genes run in the family ;-)

After eating lunch we went to the Sea Lion Caves. Lacey found a pamphlet that talked about these sea lion caves and we knew we had to go. The cave itself is one of the largest sea caves in the world and is a place where sea lions flock naturally (So all the sea lions you see are not forced to be there, and can leave any time, but they don't because they like it). Even before entering the cave you can look out in the ocean and see sea lions playing.

When you walk into the cave you look down and can see hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of sea lions sleeping on the rocks, and playing with each other. There are so many that they are laying on top of each other. It is a phenomenal sight! It is pretty loud in the cave due to the sea lions and crashing waves. I had never actually seen a sea lion, and I could have stayed there all day just observing them. As I watched I learned many things about sea lions that I hadn't known. For example, did you know that sea lions use their tails to scratch like a dog uses it's back leg? If you ever get a chance to come here, take it! It is so much fun!

After the cave we split into two groups. Grandma, Karl, Liz, Maddie & Ivy left to go on a dune buggy ride through the dunes.

Dad, Mom, Lacey, Steve, Eric & I went horseback riding. After being assigned a horse our group headed off. First we went on a trail through a beautiful wooded area. Next, we rode up and down through some sand dunes before we reached our final destination - the beach!

I love horseback riding on the beach! It is something that everyone should experience at least once in their lives! Today was a perfect day for it. The weather was great, and there was a mist rolling in off of the ocean and across the tops of the trees (which made it feel almost dream like). It was BEAUTIFUL! Even the guides commented on how unusual and pretty it was!

We are NOT experienced riders, but we still had a lot of fun!

Hercules & Dad

Kansas & Mom

Minx & Eric

Styles & Steve, Woody & Lacey

Me & Buddy

I wish I could ride on the beach every day. I don't think it could ever get old!

Afterwards we all met back up and headed over to Mo's to enjoy some clam chowder. You can't come to Oregon and skip the chowder!