What's Happen'Inn at Sandlake Country Inn?

Our Family Vacation Pic

2010-06-07T17:01:00.000-07:00

For our anniversary in May, we decided to go visit our friend Sally up on San Juan Island, WA. Sally owns San Juan Souveniers, a great little souvenier shop near the boat dock. If you’re ever on the island, stop in and say hello to Sally and her wonderful chocolate lab Scooby!

On the island, there is a beautiful sculpture park. It looks like this artist was using us as models! Even Sandy our dog was there with us.

Many of our summer guests make their way all the way up to the San Juan’s. It’s a great place to go whale watching for orcas. Unfortunately, the two times I’ve tried weren’t in the summer and I haven’t seen a single one. Oh well, it’s fun to try.

The Origins of Pacific City's Haystack Rock

2010-06-07T15:32:00.000-07:00

This is an article reprinted from Beach Connections

Haystack Rock is located just 8 minutes from our Oregon Coast Bed and Breakfast, Sandlake Country Inn!

Freaky Oregon Coast Facts: Geology of Pacific City's Haystack Rock

Published 06/01/2010

(Pacific City, Oregon) – It's been an Oregon landmark for - well, millions of years - scores more decades than Euro-descended tourists have been around to gawk at it or consider it a favorite.

There are two Haystack Rocks along the Oregon coast: one at Cannon Beach and a slightly less famous one at Pacific City. They both have their mysteries, but the one at Pacific City is finally seeing the light of day as Oregon Coast Beach Connection went digging for answers with Oregon geologists.

One local tourism entity has claimed the Pacific City seastack is one of the largest in the world. That, if you’ll excuse the pun, is still up in the air.

But just how tall is Pacific City's Haystack Rock?

“The rock has an estimated height of 340.6 feet (103.8 m) as determined from Lidar data collected by our agency last year,” said Jonathan Allan, Coastal Geomorphologist and Coastal Section Team Leader with Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries, in their Newport office.

And what is the origin of this grand structure?

Geologists aren’t completely sure – but about 95 percent sure – that it’s part of a massive lava flow that came searing through the northwest millions of years ago. This was the Miocene era, about 23 million years to five million years ago.

They call this the “Columbia River basalts,” which means it’s essentially the same basalt flow that created the Gorge.

“The lithology of the rock is definitely basalt and is probably part of the Grande Ronde basalt formation that is characteristic of Cape Lookout,” Allan said. “However, since we are not aware of any chemical analysis having been done on the basalt, I am not completely sure."

Seaside-based geologist Tom Horning said it’s the “same as nearly all other sea stacks and mountains south of the Columbia River.”

Horning adds:

“I personally believe it is the remains of a canyon-filling lava that followed the ancient Nestucca River to the ocean.”

In other words, there was a canyon in this spot at one time, and the lava flow was so huge it filled it. Eventually, the area that formed that canyon was eroded away, leaving just structures like Cape Lookout and whatever basalt formation was once connected to what we now know as Haystack Rock. Eventually, all that was worn away to leave Haystack and Lookout in their current forms.

Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach is actually known as an “instrusive,” meaning the lava flow that it’s a part of shot its way back into the ground, probably in softer ground like mud or such, and then re-erupted again a ways away. This left blob structures that were eventually worn down into shapes we know today like the ones around Cannon Beach.

There may be further investigations into Pacific City’s intriguing monolith, and some more answers.

“I have proposed getting a permit to boat out to the rock and scope it or climb it,” Horning said.

North Coast Land Conservancy Coast Train Trip

2010-05-28T20:14:00.000-07:00

Riding the Coastal Edge

Saturday, August 7, 6 P.M. - 9 P.M., Garibaldi Train Depot

Does a train ride on the scenic water's edge sound like the perfect way to spend a summer evening? Make plans to board the train on Saturday, August 7 at 6 p.m. when the North Coast Land Conservancy and the Lower Nehalem Community Trust join together to offer their second annual popular educational and fun excursion for the whole family. Tickets go on sale June 1 for this open-air railway round-trip from Garibaldi to Wheeler to experience the sights and sounds of the sweeping coastal edge lands.

Stewart Schultz, author of "Northwest Coast, A Natural History" will be the guest interpreter on the trip as the train travels past such notable viewpoints as the Garibaldi Bar, Nedonna Beach, the Nehalem Spit, Fishers Point and the Nehalem Bay Estuary. Along with being the author of the quintessenial book on north coast natural history, Schultz is a professor of biology at the University of Zadar in Zadar, Crotia. For those fortunate enough to own a copy of his book, he will be available to sign prior to boarding the train.

"We are so pleased that Stewart will be joining us this year for our trip," said Katie Voelke, executive director of NCLC, "his in-depth knowledge of our coastal edge is unprecedented and his interpretation is not to be missed."

The $40 fare for adults and $20 fare for children 12 and under includes the train excursion, a box picnic dinner catered by Parkside Cafe in Garibaldi and an opportunity to experience this scenic corridor from a new perspective. Seating is limited and will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Last year's "Ride The Coastal Edge" sold out quickly so plan to reserve your ticket early by calling the NCLC office beginning June 1 at 503-738-9126, Monday-Friday, 8 A.M. - 5 P.M.

Directions: Take highway 101 to Garibaldi -- the train depot is off third street in the center of town [click here for map].

The North Coast Land Conservancy and the Lower Nehalem Community Trust are non-profit organizations that own and manage land for ecological and cultural values. These two organizations are offering this excursion as part of their ongoing education and outreach activities for the community.

Summer Reservations on the Oregon Coast

2010-05-08T11:09:00.000-07:00

Taking a trip to the Oregon Coast in the summer without a reservation, especially on a weekend, is like playing Russian Roulette. I can't tell you how many times I get call after call from desperate travelers nearly in tears trying to find a place to stay at the last minute. Many times my response is "don't go north, don't go south, but you'll have to go east"! We try to help travelers as much as possible, but sometimes there just is not a room to be had on the coast.

Whether you choose to make a reservation with us or some place else, please do yourselves a favor and make a reservation for your summer trip BEFORE you leave home.

DON'T LET THIS BE YOU THIS SUMMER!!

Tillamook County Fair Pig and Ford Races

2010-05-01T10:23:00.000-07:00

When making your summer plans, consider coming to stay with us during the "World Famous Pig-N-Ford Races" at the Tillamook County Fair. This year the dates of the fair are August 11-14, 2010. This is an Oregon Coast event you shouldn't miss!

If you've never experienced this, come and join us! Each year, we do our best to go to the Tillamook County Fair. Since we are located in the middle of dairy country and farm country, this Tillamook County Fair shows off the best of this community. Hob nob with the cows, pigs, llamas and locals. It's a great time and we try our best to attend each year.

The Pig-N-Ford races have been featured on the Today Show, many news outlets and here's a picture from National Geographic!

Drivers use stripped model T Fords with stock mechanicals. Five cars are lined up with the engines off at the start line of the horse racing track. Drivers stand next to the grandstands. When the starter pistol fires, the drivers run to the opposite side of the front straight, grab a live 20-pound pig from a bin, then must hand-crank their car and drive it one lap. They then stop, kill the engine, get a different pig, and race another lap. The first driver to complete three laps in this manner without losing their pig is the winner. The race was first run in 1925. The "official" story is that two local farmers were chasing a runaway pig in their Model Ts and were having so much fun, they decided it should be a race at the next county fair. The Pig-N-Ford Races have been run every year since 1925. Drivers belong to the Tillamook County Model T Pig-N-Ford Association, and membership is often a life-long affair. Cars and memberships are often passed down through families or sold to close friends. Some of the cars that first ran in 1925 are still on the track today

Now, who would have thought that Pigs could fly on the Oregon Coast?

Dungeness Crab Mac and Cheese with Hazelnut Crust

2010-04-27T15:49:00.000-07:00

Last year, the Best Places to Kiss Cookbook came out. Sandlake Country Inn for many years has been listed in the book Best Places to Kiss in the Northwest with the highest rating of 4 lips (Simply Sublime). We were very fortunate to be featured in this new cookbook!

A couple of days ago I was browsing through the cookbook and I came across a recipe that I can't wait to try. Our breakfasts here at Sandlake Country Inn are based on real comfort food. This new recipe, while not for breakfast, screams real comfort food to me! I haven't tried it yet, but I thought I would share it with you. It uses local ingredients and if you try it before I do, let me know what you think! We would use Tillamook aged white cheddar, local dungeness crab & Oregon hazelnuts. It's Oregon's Bounty!

DUNGENESS CRAB MAC & CHEESE WITH HAZELNUT CRUST
Recipe from Sybaris Bistro, Albany, OR

2 1/2 Cups uncooked penne pasta
2 Cups heavy cream
1/4 Cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 Cup grated white cheddar cheese
1 Tbl Dijon mustard
1/2 Lb Dungeness crabmeat (from a 2 lb crab)
Dash of Tabasco
1 tsp salt
Freshly ground white pepper
1/2 Cup hazelnuts, roasted and finely chopped
Lemon wedges (optional)

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Cook the pasta in boiling water, following package directions, until it is not quite al dente. Drain and let cool.
In a medium saucepan, bring the cream to a boil over high heat. As soon as the cream boils, add the cooked pasta. Bring back to a boil and stir in the cheeses and mustard. Bring the mixture back to a boil and add the crabmeat, Tabasco and salt. Remove from heat and season to taste with pepper.
Put the crab-pasta mixture in a greased casserole dish and sprinkle with the hazelnuts, Bake until hot and bubbly, 15 to 20 minutes.

Variation: Fpr am attractove [resemtatopm. bake the crab macaroni and cheese in clean crab shells. Ask your neighborhood fishmonger to save four crab shells for you to clean and bake in. Preheat the oven to 400 degress F. Place the shells on a baking sheet, carefully fill with the crab-pasta mixture, and sprinkle with the hazelnuts. Bake until hot and bubbly, 15 to 20 minutes.

2010-04-22T15:19:00.001-07:00

Our Home Roast Rocks!

2010-04-17T15:37:00.000-07:00

Here at Sandlake Country Inn, we take coffee seriously! Ron has been roasting our green beans about 4 years now. The beans we purchase are organic, AAA & free trade! Even our home roast decaf is chemical free using the Swiss water system.

Enjoy Ron's home roast which we deliver to your door before breakfast, and for the rest of your day if you ever want a great cup of coffee, just help yourself to our 24 hour beverage table. There we have a Flavia beverage system with a variety of coffees. We also have a large variety of Stash Teas which are a local Oregon company.

Sandlake Country Inn is a certified "Green Lodging" property and we are proud of being able to offer luxury accommodations which are able to meet green standards. Whenever possible we purchase products made in Oregon. Not only does it help stimulate our state's economy, but it's a great way to lower our carbon footprint. The least distance a product has to travel the better it is for the environment.

Earth Day, April 22, 2010

2010-04-14T16:12:00.000-07:00

Earth Day and Being Green

It's been encouraging to see how going "green" has become mainstream. We still have a long way to go as a society, but Oregon businesses have really been in the forefront.

We have been using green practices for many years here at Sandlake Country Inn, but now with the help of the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild's partnership with the group Sustainable Travel International, we became a certified "Green Lodging Establishment"in 2008! Be careful of those businesses who are "green washing"! That's the practice of just claiming they're green but are not able to provide proof.

Going "Green" doesn't have to mean that you can't enjoy luxury! In fact, most of our guests over the years have no idea that when they stay with us we are a "green" property.

Since we purchased the inn 9 years ago, we have made a commitment of our business practices to promote the sustainability of our planet's natural resources. Here are a few things we have done to help

Compost
Recycle
Buy locally when possible
Use environmentally friendly cleaning products with all natural ingredients
Use durable products instead of throw away
Use e-mail for most all business communications
All bubble baths, soaps & lotions are environmentally friendly...no chemicals, all natural products
Purchase our lotions & bubble bath in bulk & provide each guests room with reusable glass containers instead of disposable travel bottles
When an appliance breaks, we've replaced it with an energy efficient appliance.
Purchased a TerraPass for each of our vehicles to eliminate it's carbon footprint
Replaced light bulbs wherever possible with florescent or LED blubs
Encourage our guests to reuse their towels if they feel comfortable doing so
Reusable grocery bags when shopping (Costco has great ones 3 in a pack for $4.00)

Come celebrate Earth Day 2010 with us! We'll show you how our Oregon Coast Lodging mixes green practices and affordable without any hassles or attitude!

New Restaurants!

2010-04-13T12:50:00.000-07:00

I've got 2 new restaurants to tell you about.

Whiskey Creek Barbeque & Grill
Last night we decided give this new place a try. It's been only open a couple of months and it's located on Whiskey Creek Rd (along the 3 capes scenic route). It's only a 15 minute drive from Sandlake Country Inn on your way to Netarts.

The decor is Texas BBQ and quaint. Our waitress was very warm and hospitable and gave us great service. I had the BBQ pork ribs dinner. Their dinners come in 2 sizes, regular and Texas. We decided to get the Texas size so we would be sure to have enough to take home with us for the next days lunch. Ha! There was so much food, I'm sure that even the regular size would have given us enough to take back with us! The ribs had great flavor, but frankly were a little tough for me...next time I'll try the brisket or sausage. You get several choices of sides with your dinner and on the waitress' recommendation I chose the onion rings and coleslaw. Both were wonderful. Ron had the brisket and it was juicy and tender. His sides were fresh homemade french fries and cowboy beans. He gave a thumbs up to both of those.

Their prices are very reasonable with sandwiches in the $7.50-$10.50 range and huge dinners in the $17.00-$20.00 range

We're looking forward to going back to try more!

Ben & Jeff's Burgers and Tacos
We haven't tried this brand new place out yet, but the buzz around town is we're going to be in for some good food. Ben & Jeff's Burgers and Tacos is located in Pacific City, right next to the Pelican Pub. It's a fabulous location and will be a great alternative to the Pub which gets insanely busy and tends to be pricey for pub food. The menu is just as the name says...Burgers and Tacos. Nothing on the menu is more than $6.00 A place like this is definitely much needed in Pacific City. Just a few feet from the beach and Haystack Rock, it would be fun on a sunny day to take your burger & tacos with you, get your toes in the sand and enjoy the amazing view of Haystack Rock.

We're looking forward to trying their food and wish them a lot of success!

Unfamiliar with Our Area? Use our Interactive Map!

2010-04-11T15:16:00.000-07:00

Are you someone who is not familiar with our area of the Oregon Coast or where our Oregon Coast Bed and Breakfast is located? Check out our Interactive Google Map on our website.

This Google Map allows you to see not only where we are located, but where all our favorite hikes, outdoor activities, beaches, whale watching sites, restaurants and museums are. You can zoom in and out to view the different areas. Make sure you check out the satellite view!! You can see exactly what kind of area we are in, how close to the beach we are and what an amazing area this section of the Oregon Coast is. Our location is perfect to explore Cape Kiwanda, Cape Lookout, Cape Meares, Tillamook and the Three Capes Scenic Route.

Since this map is personalized just for us, we've added all of our favorite spots, shopping and restaurants. It doesn't mean that you'll find every single restaurant or store on our map and we've only concentrated on areas that can be reached by car within a short period of time.

Once you are on our map and you want to see where all the restaurants are, just click the "on" button in the white "Dining" box. There are separate boxes for "Activities", Dining", "Shopping" and "Museums". The museums category also includes our local art galleries.

If your idea of a getaway or trip is to explore nature at it's finest and get away from the traditional touristy large towns, then Pacific City and Sandlake Country Inn is a perfect fit!

Birding and Blues Festival

2010-04-01T12:19:00.000-07:00

Birding and Blues Festival - For three days discover secrets about the intriguing bird life and wildlife along our spectacular Oregon coast. There will be morning guided field trips and interactive daytime seminars. Then, each evening after an ocean sunset, try some fine restaurant fare, check out the art galleries, and warm your soul with blues in the night. Expect dancing and concerts both Friday and Saturday night plus music around town.

The festival will occur the weekend of Friday, April 9, Saturday April 10 and Sunday, April 11th 2010 in Pacific City. April sits at the front door of the migratory season when birders ready themselves for the wildlife’s seasonal awakening. The weather is starting to include many spring-like days and the birds are become more lively.

Stay with us at Sandlake Country Inn , your Oregon Coast Hotel alternative, and be only minutes from the action. Click here for a complete program guide to the Birding and Blues Festival

Tillamook Medium Cheddar Wins Best Medium Cheddar in the World!

2010-03-31T11:45:00.000-07:00

Tillamook Medium Cheddar Wins Best Medium Cheddar in the World
March 19, 2010

Cheesemakers from 20 different nations united in Madison, Wisconsin from March 16-18th for the 2010 World Cheese Championship Cheese Contest. Tillamook Cheese, traveling cross-country from Oregon, took home the gold medal for “Best Medium Cheddar in the World,” beating a whopping 59 other entries.

Here at Sandlake Country Inn bed and breakfast on the beautiful Oregon Coast, we exclusively useTillamook Medium Cheddar. Located just 20 minutes from Tillamook means that we have amazing locally produced milk, cheese, yogurts and ice cream produced at the Tillamook Creamery. Our commitment to using local, fresh products whenever possible is certainly made easier by having the Tillamook County Creamery Association Cooperative farms nearby.

When your travels take you to near the Tillamook Cheese Factory, consider staying in one of our romantic, luxurious and affordable rooms where we will deliver your 4 course hot breakfast to your door each morning. Unless you're sensitive to dairy foods (let us know if you are), you'll be delighted each morning to taste the unparalleled quality of Tillamook products!

Congratulations Jason & Rachel!

2010-03-20T20:41:00.000-07:00

We first met Jason and Rachel in 2003 during their stay with us at Sandlake Country Inn. We have had the pleasure to see how their lives have changed over the years. During one of their stays with us, Jason proposed. Rachel of course said YES!

Then came the wedding...

After the honeymoon, Jason and Rachel shared with us pictures of their trip to Jamaica and it sounded wonderful. Ron and I decided we wanted to go to the same resort, so for our next vacation we went to Couples Swept Away in Jamaica. We had a fabulous time!

Now the next phase in Jason & Rachel's lives is they just had a baby!

Isn't baby Jack adorable?!?!?!?!

Congratulations again Jason & Rachel and we can't wait to you again. If you want to bring baby Jack, the Cottage is perfect for you, but if you want some alone couple time, the Timbers Suite or Starlight Suite are waiting for you!

It's Ron's Birthday!

2010-03-18T10:59:00.001-07:00

Today is Ron's Birthday! We've been away for a couple of weeks recently so I haven't done any birthday shopping. I'm thinking I'll probably take him out to dinner in Lincoln City, then give him a $100 to go blow at the casino.

Honeymoon & Anniversaries

2010-03-15T08:05:00.000-07:00

We're always so honored to play a small part in couple's milestones. Today, we have guests celebrating their new marriage (married Saturday), another couple celebrating their 1st Anniversary, and a couple who have been staying at Sandlake Country Inn since 1993 celebrating their 30th Anniversary!

Congratulations to all!!!

Food Challenges

2010-03-14T22:50:00.000-07:00

We get many guests staying with us who are vegetarian, vegan, egg restricted, etc.. Whether it's an ethical choice or a medical one, we do our best to always prepare a delicious 4 course breakfast for all. Here is a delicious recipe for our vegan guests. They are so delicious, our non-vegan guests are enjoying them too!

If you are challenged with dietary restrictions, don't be afraid to come stay with us! Our Oregon Coast Bed and Breakfast can be a romantic retreat knowing that we'll take good care of you by cooking a special vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, or other unique breakfasts for those whose diet usually limits their eating in restaurants.

Vegan Peanut Maple Cookies

Ingredients

* 1/2 c real maple syrup
* 1/4 c canola oil
* 1/2 c chunky peanut butter, natural, no-sugar added
* 1 t pure vanilla extract
* 1 c unbleached flour

Instructions

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix maple syrup, oil, peanut butter and vanilla in a medium bowl. Add flour and mix until combined well - do not over-mix. Drop generous teaspoons of mix onto a greased or parchment-lined cookie sheet. Press a fork across the top of the cookie to flatten, both directions.

Bake for 20 - 23 minutes. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before removing from the cookie sheet.
Notes

You may need to add a bit more flour if mixture is not stiff enough to hold together - I made these on a humid day and they need a little extra flour help.

It's a Beautiful Day in Pacific City!

2010-02-27T15:22:00.000-08:00

Grant's Getaways - Three Capes Scenic Drive from Travel Oregon on Vimeo.

The sun is shining, the flowers are blooming (they're a bit confused, they think it's spring!) and there's no Tsunami on the Oregon Coast! Check out the video about the Three Capes Scenic Route.

Sunday's weather should be another spectacular day, so if you're able, come and see what Pacific City and the Three Capes Scenic Route is all about. We have 2 rooms still available, so spend the night and wake up to our 4 course hot breakfast & home roasted coffee.

2010 Looks to be a Great Year!

2010-02-27T10:00:00.000-08:00

ANOTHER PROPOSAL AT SANDLAKE COUNTRY INN!

Congratulations to John & Jessica! Last week John proposed to Jessica as they were enjoying the spectacular vistas along our Three Capes Scenic Route.

This is the 2nd proposal we're aware of this year. We are honored that we were able to help in a small way, create a romantic, private atmosphere to help make their proposal weekend memorable.

WAY TO GO JOHN!!

Congratulations Daragh & Leanne!

2010-02-08T20:20:00.000-08:00

Our first Sandlake Country Inn proposal of 2010!

Having a long distance relationship is difficult, but Daragh & Leanne are making it work. We first met this lovely couple at the end of December 2009 when they stayed in the Starlight Suite. They tell us that after a few years apart, they were able to reconnect and during their stay in the Starlight Suite, they decided that they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together.

We are so priviledged to play a small part in their engagement. To make their engagement "official", they decided that another stay at our B&B for the official proposal and exchanging of engagement rings was in order.

This time they stayed in the Cottage where Daragh proposed to Leanne, and of course the answer was YES!

We want to wish Daragh and Leanne many years of happiness and of course are looking forward to seeing those wedding pictures!

Big Possibilities in 2010

2009-12-31T14:27:00.001-08:00

I want to introduce you to this wonderful organization. North Coast Land Conservancy (NCLC) has been working since 1986 as a land trust with citizens, agencies and municipalities to preserve some of the most precious and sensitive land along the north Oregon coast. NCLC has more than 25 fee title (owned by NCLC) conservation lands, totaling over 680 acres are preserved in perpetuity. They also hold conservation easements on more than 349 acres.

We are very excited to have been in close communication with Neal Main who is the Conservation Director for NCLC, due to their interest in acquiring sensitive wetlands near Sandlake Country Inn. If the acquisition goes through, the land will be protected in perpetuity.

In 2009 North Coast Land Conservancy closed on four conservation properties totaling more than 250 acres that will be protected forever. These areas ranged from a 1.5-acre tidal marsh along the Necanicum River in Seaside—one of the last remaining undisturbed marshes on the Necanicum—to an 80-acre Sitka spruce forest in Nehalem Bay. Seventy acres of estuarine wetland forest, 100 acres of coastal prairie, and more than a mile of beachfront dunes and forests were added to the network of conservation and natural resource lands this year.

With all of our support, North Coast Land Conservancy can continue to protect some of the most sensitive areas of our wonderful and diverse coast. With your end-of-year gift, North Coast Land Conservancy will be poised to accomplish more in 2010 and will continue to take stewardship of these natural lands very seriously.

Sun & Fun in December!

2009-12-26T16:02:00.000-08:00

Who says winter on the coast is stormy? I took this picture today at Haystack Rock in Pacific City. We've had chilly nights, but the days have been filled with sun and blue skies.

Pack a jacket and come to the coast to explore our amazing coast without the crowds of summer. Whale migration has begun and it's the perfect weather to hike to the tip of Cape Lookout, Cape Meares or Cape Kiwanda to whale watch.

Not only is it whale migration time, but the birds are traveling too. A multitude of geese, blue herons and many more. Are you interested in bird watching? Check out this Oregon Coast Birding Trail Checklist

All Oregon beaches are public and most allow you to drive on them. Don't even try it without a 4 wheel drive vehicle. Even with 4 wheel drive you can get yourself in trouble. Such was the scene this afternoon on the beach at Cape Kiwanda.

Here's the sign inviting you to park/drive on the beach...notice there's no warning sign!

Looks like fun, right?

Check out how deep those back tires are. Yup, they're stuck! Tide is coming in too. Sure hope someone is able to pull them out in time! DOH!!!

Oregon Coast Bed and Breakfast Celebrates Oregon's Bounty

2009-12-01T09:19:00.000-08:00

Here at Sandlake Country Inn you can experience Oregon's Bounty in many ways. All you have to do is look out your window of your suite or take a walk. Don't be surprised if you see deer, beaver, a multitude of birds and amazing beauty. Take a walk on the nearby beaches and the bounty of beauty will astound you.

As part of our commitment to being "green", we purchase local and regional foods and products when possible. For an example, our exceptionally comfortable Englander Eurotop beds are made in Oregon, we use our local Tillamook Cheese for all our cooking and we buy only Pacific Seafood smoked salmon for our Togetherness Baskets. That's just a fraction of what we do to not only promote green practices, but we feel it's very important to help promote our local economy and businesses.

In our historic farmhouse which was built in 1894, the original homesteader was the very first cranberry grower in Oregon! His name was W.C. King and he became known as "The Cranberry King". His original property here was approximately 250 acres and so he had plenty of room to grow his cranberries. To harvest the berries, he would block the creeks (there are 2 on our property) which would flood the fields. The cranberries float to the top of the water and then are harvested. The areas around us now are mostly dairy farms, but there still are a few Ocean Spray cranberry growers left.

This time of year fresh produce is a bit limited, but Oregon is fortunate to have fresh cranberries, apples and pears. When you stay with us, you will have an amazing 4 course breakfast delivered to your door each morning. The menu changes every morning, but you always will get some kind of fruit course. One of our guest's favorite this time of year is my Apple Cranberry Crisp. Sometime I will also add fresh pears with the apples.

To help celebrate Oregon's Bounty, I thought I would share this favorite recipe with you! Better yet, come and stay at our Oregon Coast Bed and Breakfast and I'll make for you. No dishes to wash up!

Apple Cranberry Crisp

1 12 Oz Packages Fresh or Frozen Cranberries
4 Cups Chopped Apples (or a combo of apples and pears)
2 Tbl. Butter, cut up
1 1/4 Cups Sugar
3/4 Cup Chopped Walnuts (or Oregon Hazelnuts)
2 Eggs
3/4 Cup Butter, melted
1 Cup Sugar
3/4 Cup Flour
Whipped Cream or Ice Cream

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease bottom of 13x9 baking dish. Toss berries & apples in dish. Dot cranberry mixture with butter. Sprinkle evenly with the 1 1/4 cup sugar and nuts. In bowl, whisk eggs, melted butter, 1 cup sugar and flour. Pour over top of berry mixture. Bake 1 to 1 1/4 hours. Top with whipped cream. Serves 8

Whale Watching Spoken Here

2009-11-19T13:42:00.000-08:00

Winter Watch Week Dec. 26, 2009 - Jan. 1, 2010

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department each year sponsors the Whale Watching Spoken Here program. The program places trained volunteers at 28 great whale-watching sites from 10 a.m.-
1 p.m. during the winter and spring watch weeks.

We are fortunate here at Sandlake Country Inn to have 3 locations close by! The Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint, Cape Lookout Trail and Cape Kiwanda.

The whales that we see here on the Oregon Coast are the Eastern Pacific Gray Whales. This population of whales move between Alaska and California each year. This is over 12,000 miles, making it one of the longest migrations known for any mammal. They all move north in the summer to feed in the cold and productive waters, and then south in the winter to the warmer waters off California to breed. They can grow to over 50 feet, weigh as much as 36 tons, and live for over 50 years. At this time of year, the whales are on their way southward to breed in Baja California. They travel both night and day and average about 80 miles per day!

A population of about 2,000 Gray Whales stay along the Oregon coast throughout the summer, not making the farther trip to Alaska waters. This means that all year around you have a pretty good chance of a whale sighting.

When looking for your Oregon Coast Lodging to view the whale migration, staying and the Sandlake Country Inn Bed and Breakfast is a great choice! We are located just minutes from amazing viewing locations. Enjoy whale watching, storm watching and the amazing Oregon Coast beaches nearby. When you're ready to return to your room, suite or cottage, you can warm up with a luxurious bubble bath, sit in front of your fireplace and relax with your loved one. In the morning, stay in your comfortable warm robe we provide for you and your hot beverages and a sumptuous 4 course hot breakfast with be delivered to your door!

Click here to check our room availability and book online at Sandlake Country Inn

Perfect Beach Weather

2009-09-21T20:27:00.001-07:00

The winds are blowing in from the east and providing us with amazing warm weather to enjoy our Oregon Coast beaches. It was in the 80s today!

Here at Sandlake Country Inn bed and breakfast, we are fortunate to have one of only two major estuaries designated as a "natural" estuary by the state of Oregon. The Sandlake Estuary is only about a mile from us. If you've never been there, it sometimes can seem like you're on another planet. Check out our interactive map where you'll be able to click on the satellite option to see our location and the estuary.

It seems that every time we take a walk out there, the landscape changes. When the tide is high, it very much looks like a lake. When the tide is low, it's a whole other world. Enjoy exploring this area and very often you will be wondering where all the people are. There is an abundance of wildlife. Last time we were there we looked up and a magnificent bald eagle was perched high on a tree. Take time to walk the soft sandy beach around the dune and out to the ocean's surf. On a day like today, be sure to bring your sunscreen!

click here to view a video of Sandlake Estuary from Oregonwaters.org and see the beauty for yourself.

Our location is perfectly situated to explore not only the estuary, but just a 10 minute drive will take you to one of the most beautiful hikes on the Oregon Coast. The Cape trail at Cape Lookout is a 2 1/2 mile (5 miles round trip) incredible hike with breathtaking views of both the north and south of the cape. The trail ends at the tip of Cape Lookout and it's definitely worth the effort.

The whale migration season is in full swing in December and if the weather is good, Cape Lookout trail will be a perfect location to see them.

Come and enjoy our beautiful weather at our Oregon Coast Bed and Breakfast to experience this amazing coastline without the tourist traps. If you appreciate being away from the noise and hustle and bustle of the city, give us a try. It's a nature lover's paradise along the 3 Capes Scenic Route.