This month I have been crazy about Neil Gaiman books! I think he has the best imagination! I read four of his books and they were all completely different from each other. He writes for people of all ages! I read Odd and The Frost Giants which was based on a Norse mythology and viking tales. Odd runs away to the forest and finds new friends and himself along the way. It was a quick read. I read it less than a day, but it was super cute and had a good moral. As a family, we read Fortunately the Milk which is a crazy story about a dad that goes out to get milk for his children’s cereal and some seriously silly stuff happens! This was a cute read with even cuter illustrations. I think little kids would really get a kick out of this one. I know we were giggling while we read it! Neil Gaiman’s New York Times bestseller Interworld made it into my hands next. This is a sci-fi trilogy about a boy who accidentally wanders into another dimension of his world and then has to fight to save all the worlds that have been created. He goes on this quest with people that are him but from other dimensions-it totally messes with your head! There is action, adventure, really bad guys and a little romance thrown in, but it is mostly about appreciating family and the world we live in. It brought up some serious questions about God and other ways in which the earth could have been created. The creativity in characters and story line was off the charts! I am not a sci-fi, time travel, fan but this book kept my interest and I enjoyed reading it. The last book I read is Stardust. This book was a delight from beginning to end. I loved it and I found out that there is a movie so I am going to watch that this week. This is a book about a boy that leaves his hometown in search of a fallen star. The girl he likes tells him that if he brings back the star she will give him whatever he wants. He, of course, wanting to marry her sets off. He finds the star and the star happens to be a young woman! They have many adventures together defeating witches, sailing on a ship in the sky, escaping on unicorns and generally having an exciting time. The only thing I didn’t love about this book was that it had two love scenes that I thought were too detailed for young adult readers. I would recommend all these books for any age, but I would recommend parents read Stardust first to make sure it fits with your family values. I love reading Neil Gaiman. I love his imagination, I love that every time I read his books I have to look up new and interesting words that he uses and I love that he writes so many different kinds of stories. He is a wonderful storyteller. Pick up one of his books and give it a read!
WHERE TO GO?
Since all of these books happen in make believe lands I am going to review a place that I didn’t even know existed but seems like it will be a fun adventure! My family is going to Yachats, Oregon this summer and as I have been researching I have found some fun trails and activities that seem like they would fit into an adventure story. Yachats(YAH-hahts) is located on the coast of Oregon and is three hours south of Portland. There are only about 700 people in the town. In 2011, Frommer’s Travel Guides, listed Yachats number seven among his ten favorite vacation destinations in the world. Picture below is found at www.uniqueinns.com
WHAT TO DO?
What sounds more adventurous than a hike on Hobbit Trail?! This trail is in Florence, Oregon. Which is about 25 miles from Yachats. It got excellent reviews on Tripadvisor. People say it is magical and not too hard. It is rated moderate. The trail leads to a small beach in about 15 minutes. For a magical adventure down a shady coastal trail, take the Hobbit Trail to Hobbit Beach. You’ll find the trailhead just north of Heceta Head, along Highway 101 . https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/oregon/hobbit-trail-to-beach-or/
Cape Perpetua Visitors Center: This is in Yachats and got excellent reviews on Tripadvisor. There is a giant spruce tree called Spouting Horn you can hike to from here. There also trails to Thor’s well, tide pools, etc. https://www.inspirock.com/united-states/yachats/cape-perpetua-visitor-center-siuslaw-national-forest There is a $5 day use pass or you can use your federal park pass to go in. From blog “. Don’t miss the extraordinary tidal display at Devils Churn and Spouting Horn, two dramatic blowholes. Marvel at Thor’s Well, where the raging Pacific seems to drain into a bottomless pit at high tide” https://traveloregon.com/things-to-do/eat-drink/restaurants/three-days-in-yachats/
Whale Watching: There are several places along the coast to go whale watching. If you want to go in a boat there are several companies in the area, but if you want to watch from the shore try out:
Depoe Bay Whale Watching Center: 119 S Highway 101, Depoe Bay, OR 35 minutes from Yachats
(541) 765-3304
https://www.inspirock.com/united-states/depoe-bay/the-whale-watching-center-a
A review from Tripadvisor: “Whale watching from the Oregon Coast doesn’t get any better than at Depoe Bay Whale Watching Center. The position of the center atop a plateau overlooking the ocean is perfect for such novelties and the whales are fairly reliable. Whale enthusiasts on staff know the best time of day and year to see these magnificent creatures playing along the line where ocean meets sky. The center staff is friendly and helpful, and the atrium features plenty of information about the whales as well as some fossils. It’s great for the whole family. – This is free!
WHERE TO STAY?
Heceta Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast is the place to stay on a romantic adventure! This B&B is right in Yachat’s and the reviews say the view is the best part. From their website https://www.hecetalighthouse.com/
“Nestle into a room at one of the last remaining Lightkeeper’s cottages on the Pacific Coast. A handcrafted wooden staircase leads to our well appointed rooms. Dream about a Lightkeeper’s life on your nighttime walk to the lighthouse. Wake to a decadent seven-course breakfast and taste the riches of Oregon. Year round the Heceta Head Lightstation offers a Bed and Breakfast for the romantic and adventurous traveler.” This location has 6 rooms. Most rooms have one queen bed. Some have their own bathroom, others are shared. Price depends on the room and the time of year. They range from $200-500 a night.
Overleaf Lodge and Spa got rave reviews on many of the travel sites I visited. This is a family owned and run hotel and spa. It sits on the cliffs overlooking the ocean in Yachats. Many rooms have views of the ocean from private hot tubs. There is a full spa in the hotel, workout room and pool. You can even make a reservation for a picnic by the sea!https://www.overleaflodge.com/overleaf-spa-6/ Their site is great because you can get a 360 degree view of their beautiful rooms. The prices range from $300-600 a night depending on room size and location.
For a more budget friendly experience try out Deane’s Oceanfront Lodge. This 1940’s single story motel does not look like too fancy,but it got excellent reviews on tripadvisor! From their website : ” Deane’s is newly renovated although you won’t find a modern “look” Do you remember the 1950’s, retro/vintage feel with glass block showers and pink salmon tile? If you loved it then you will love Deane’s Oceanfront Lodge.” Deane’s did not get a single terrible review. Mostly excellent and a few good to fair. This hotel has access to 4 acres of private beach front. They don’t serve breakfast in the lobby, but they do have fruit, coffee and donuts. https://www.deaneslodge.com/about.php Rooms range from 80-$200 depending on the time of year and location of the room. I thought this looked like a fantastic adventure for the budget conscious family. They even have some rooms that are pet friendly.
I know I am looking forward to our stay in Yachat’s! Pick up a book and dream up an adventure of your own! Until next time happy reading!!
The Traveling Bookworm 