I really thought Russ would beat me to the campsite—he was already three + hours on the road when I left the RV park in Lincoln City, and I stopped at two wildlife areas along the way (without much sighting of wildlife). But it was when I decided to take the Three Capes scenic route (only an extra four minutes, according to Apple Maps) that I really got delayed. Halfway around the loop, I came across emergency crews dealing with a downed power line. I had to backtrack eight miles or so, then take the inland road to Tillamook.

As it was, I had just set up camp in the dreary, featureless RV park when Russ pulled in. I was primed for a seafood dinner—last night I was so tired out by my fruitless search for a camping site in Olympic National Park that I gave up hopes of dinner out, and ordered a pizza delivery. So I told Russ to hurry up his shower, and we headed back into town to the Old Oregon Smokehouse, an unassuming, counter service fish and chips place that I’d been assured was THE place for seafood in Tillamook. It did not disappoint. We both had the most delicious, fresh prawns and fries, and had a great conversation with the cook afterwards (they were about to close). He even gave us free samples of their famous clam chowder, and I can tell you, that fame is well deserved!

After that, it was time for the highlight of any trip to Tillamook:

The Tillamook Creamery!

You can tour their facilities, where they make cheese, ice cream, and other dairy products, but we headed straight for the ice cream stand. It took a little convincing to make the young woman at the counter understand that Russ wanted TWO three-scoop dishes of Oregon Black Cherry ice cream (because they wouldn’t just sell him a half gallon container), but we finally got our orders and went outside to enjoy (yes, I got some too).

Like I say, enjoy what the day hands you!