The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

SEASIDE, Ore. – The kids and I spent much of last week lapping up the sunshine (yes, there was sunshine!) and playing on the beach during a much-needed getaway to Seaside, Ore. Since I was on vacation, I wasn't required to submit much writing for this week's issue of The Times, but I did promise to return with a travel piece.

Let me start out by being honest – I have avoided Seaside for years. In fact, the last time I visited, my son, who turned 16 during this trip, was in utero.

I enjoy the crowded, touristy scene in small doses, but once children entered the picture, the continual lure of arcades, bumper cars and junk food was too much to bear. So long Seaside! Until this year, that is.

Dena Wood

Seaside commemorates Lewis & Clark just like in The 'Burg.

With three teens still at home, ages 14, 16 and 18, I decided they should experience a real "tourist town" beach trip. (Plus, I'd warned them to save their own money for the arcade where they are now old enough to hang out alone while I enjoy reading peacefully on the beach.)

Once at Seaside, I grabbed my camera to scout photos for my article, which I anticipated would center on Seaside's history and notable sights. But once I began observing, I noticed the (sometimes-humorous) similarities between Waitsburg and Seaside, a town that appears, at first glance, to be Waitsburg's polar opposite.

So instead of describing the Lewis & Clark Salt Cairn (which you can easily look up online) my article evolved into a lighthearted photo essay documenting items familiar to Waitsburg and their tweaked Seaside version.

Oh! And we had a great trip and the kids never even entered the arcade. Though we did have ice cream (twice) and stopped for a Go Kart ride before heading home.