We always look forward to our first motorcycle trip of the year and I had put a lot of planning into this one.

We were booked for a ferry trip from Victoria, BC to Port Angeles, Washington, a couple of nights stay at beach hotels in Washington, a week at Rockaway Beach Resort in Oregon and day trips to Portland, Florence and more.

A lot of planning went into preparing for the wet, cool weather of early May and preparing our dog, who had surgery in January, for our departure. Her familiar kennel and caregivers were ready and waiting.

After a cold morning ride, a warm two hour wait in the ferry line up and an evening ride to Sequim, Washington, we received news that our dog had freaked out at the kennel.

She had been sent home from kennel and friends were looking in on her for the day. She was happy to be home alone, but nobody was available to care for her for two weeks.

Rockaway Beach, Oregon

So, yes, we did what we had to do and turned back the next day. The look on the custom officer's face was priceless when we explained why we were returning to Canada. Well, that was the first setback! I was ready to have a vacation; I work full time and my husband is retired. So the next day...

I decided to drive my car to the resort to make use of the week booked via RCI. My husband chose to stay with the dog so off I went. Two hours later the engine seized due to an oil leak and I was towed home. Now what? My husband offered his truck and I exclaimed, "third time is the charm!" and off I went!

This time I made it to Rockaway Beach Resort for a quiet, reflective week of glorious beach walks, stunning sunsets, chats with the locals on the beach with their dogs and mini trips along the coast highway. I returned home rested and rejuvenated to a happy dog and only slightly disgruntled husband.

Beach view from suite balcony

First impressions can be deceiving and this resort was like that. It appeared tired and a bit worn out. The decor was lacking in style with poorly placed pictures and dated colour scheme.

After one day I had to re-evaluate my impression as I came to appreciate the stunning beauty of a third floor balcony only feet from the high tide line, the sweeping view miles to the north and south, the spacious rooms and newly renovated kitchen.

Friendly, accommodating staff always make up for the small inconveniences of worn stair treads! Cleanliness makes the dark hallway irrelevant.

The Resort

Rockaway Beach Resort (#0751)
615 N. Pacific Ave.
Rockaway Beach, OR, 97136, USA
Phone: 503/355-2191
www.ezrbr.com

All in all, it was a lovely beach resort in a quaint village that is not quite yet overrun with new condos. The local folks are welcoming and genuinely love their beach. Crabs were fresh daily, Tillamook ice cream a five minute walk away and the best pizza I've had in years! It was a charm!

- Linda Moore