We awoke to a sunny morning, none of the forecasted fog, just sun! Our plans to head over for donuts at 7, didn't materialize but by 9 we were ready to go. We went back to Dundee's initially thinking we'd have coffee and pastries but once we saw the breakfast menu we ordered up standard breakfast fare, wraps, waffles, biscuit sandwiches, etc. Before leaving the restaurant we had purchased cookies for later, chocolate and macaroons.
Departing Seaside we drove about ten miles to Cannon Beach. Here we parked and walked to the beach. The tide was such that we had an extremely wide beach with the Ebola Creek flowing out to sea. It was a great beach day by Pacific standards, warm and sunny with little wind. Greg tested the water temperature and determined it to be COLD. We probably spent 30 minutes on the beach before moving on.
Our next stop along US-101 was at Tillamook, OR, a major farm and dairy area of Oregon and the home of Tillamook Cheese. Pretending to be tourists we visited the Tillamook cheese factory where we took the self guided cheese tour, sampled a variety of cheeses, purchased cheese, crackers, fudge and ice cream; all good and healthy dairy products. Today as we saw on the tour, the factory was pressing and packaging white cheddar, dividing up 40 pound blocks into 2 pound blocks for retail sale.
From Tillamook we continued south and diverted from US-101 onto state highway OR-131 which runs through the farm country and ultimately to the shore and is designated as the Three Cape Highway, as it encompasses Cape Meares, Cape Lookout and Cape Kiwanda. Along the way we stopped at one of the Oregon state parks and again took a beach walk. Diane and I extended our walk traversing flowing streams and river rock beds before climbing back to the main trail and parking area. Oregon has some great state parks, all meticulously maintained.
Originally we had planned to drive as far as Florence today but with our late start and many stops, we booked into a hotel at Newport, OR. After check-in we headed into town for dinner and while en-route, were fortunate enough to spot whales spouting off shore; looked like only a small pod, perhaps we'll see more tomorrow. Continuing into town we arrived at the Port of Newport, primarily a fishing port but now also the home port for the NOAA Pacific Fleet. Amongst the docks were scattered numerous large and small fishing boats and a group of Sea Lions, California Sea Lions to be specific, barking repetitively along a sea wall.
As recommended by the hotel staff, we found Local Oceans Seafoods Restaurant on the waterfront. Looked like a popular place for locals and we soon found out why. After a 30 minute wait, our table was ready. For starters Diane and I had a dozen oyster shooters (shot glass with oyster, red sauce and lemon). They easily went "down the hatch" so to speak, good serving, good taste. As a note, Diane confirmed these to be "cold water oysters". Our entrees included tuna wraps, dungeness crab chowder and salmon, along with appropriate drinks, wine, beer and Arnold Palmers. Good place to eat, the preparation was slightly different than experienced elsewhere but enjoyed by all.
By dinner time the Tigers vs. Red Sox game had started so occasionally we had to have score updates throughout dinner. Once back at the hotel and packed in, we watched the final endings and the comeback victory by Boston.
All in all we had a good day, meandering along the coast, with no set schedule in mind; suspect will do something similar tomorrow and keep hoping that the feds do something to reopen the parks.
Departing Seaside we drove about ten miles to Cannon Beach. Here we parked and walked to the beach. The tide was such that we had an extremely wide beach with the Ebola Creek flowing out to sea. It was a great beach day by Pacific standards, warm and sunny with little wind. Greg tested the water temperature and determined it to be COLD. We probably spent 30 minutes on the beach before moving on.
Our next stop along US-101 was at Tillamook, OR, a major farm and dairy area of Oregon and the home of Tillamook Cheese. Pretending to be tourists we visited the Tillamook cheese factory where we took the self guided cheese tour, sampled a variety of cheeses, purchased cheese, crackers, fudge and ice cream; all good and healthy dairy products. Today as we saw on the tour, the factory was pressing and packaging white cheddar, dividing up 40 pound blocks into 2 pound blocks for retail sale.
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| On the Road |
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| Marionberry Ice Cream |
From Tillamook we continued south and diverted from US-101 onto state highway OR-131 which runs through the farm country and ultimately to the shore and is designated as the Three Cape Highway, as it encompasses Cape Meares, Cape Lookout and Cape Kiwanda. Along the way we stopped at one of the Oregon state parks and again took a beach walk. Diane and I extended our walk traversing flowing streams and river rock beds before climbing back to the main trail and parking area. Oregon has some great state parks, all meticulously maintained.
Originally we had planned to drive as far as Florence today but with our late start and many stops, we booked into a hotel at Newport, OR. After check-in we headed into town for dinner and while en-route, were fortunate enough to spot whales spouting off shore; looked like only a small pod, perhaps we'll see more tomorrow. Continuing into town we arrived at the Port of Newport, primarily a fishing port but now also the home port for the NOAA Pacific Fleet. Amongst the docks were scattered numerous large and small fishing boats and a group of Sea Lions, California Sea Lions to be specific, barking repetitively along a sea wall. |
| Friend of Greg |
As recommended by the hotel staff, we found Local Oceans Seafoods Restaurant on the waterfront. Looked like a popular place for locals and we soon found out why. After a 30 minute wait, our table was ready. For starters Diane and I had a dozen oyster shooters (shot glass with oyster, red sauce and lemon). They easily went "down the hatch" so to speak, good serving, good taste. As a note, Diane confirmed these to be "cold water oysters". Our entrees included tuna wraps, dungeness crab chowder and salmon, along with appropriate drinks, wine, beer and Arnold Palmers. Good place to eat, the preparation was slightly different than experienced elsewhere but enjoyed by all.
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| Shooters All Around Well Maybe. |
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| Needing a Wash |
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| Port of Newport |
By dinner time the Tigers vs. Red Sox game had started so occasionally we had to have score updates throughout dinner. Once back at the hotel and packed in, we watched the final endings and the comeback victory by Boston.
All in all we had a good day, meandering along the coast, with no set schedule in mind; suspect will do something similar tomorrow and keep hoping that the feds do something to reopen the parks.
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