Woke up early this morning, just after 6 AM. Looking out over the Pacific beach in the distance we could see the Yaquina Head Lighthouse in great detail whereas last night it was merely a series of flashing lights, signaling out to sea. After a Helium related call, we packed up and made ready for the day.
Our first stop, even before breakfast was to be the Yaquina Head Lighthouse, mentioned above. After a short drive, less than three miles, we entered the access road to the light and came upon the state operated entry gate. Seems that though the park is a state operated area, the actual lighthouse is owned and maintained by the Bureau of Land Management; as such the lighthouse and access to the park were closed. Our distant photos of the lighthouse will have to suffice this time.
We then proceeded back into the Port of Newport to find a good breakfast location. Turned out that there were only a few options. We selected The Coffee House for drinks and pastries until we were in and saw the chalkboard menu. Our order became, pancakes, corned beef hash and omelets. When the food was served it became evident that the portions were huge. The entrees were excellent but over-the-top in quantity.
After breakfast we walked along the docks past numerous fish processing plants and any number of shops, all selling typical beach souvenirs. One of the most interesting activities of the morning was simply watching the numerous California Seal Lions, calling Newport their home.
Before leaving the area we went to the Oregon Coast Aquarium, where we saw a wide variety of coastal wildlife from in and around the sea. I thought the jelly fish, sea nettle and seahorse displays were some of the best I've seen as was the starfish "petting" pool. Of note Diane saw her first live Halibut with its head on and not as a filet at Wegmans. Perhaps it's not as large as the Portland Aquarium, nevertheless, the Oregon Coast Aquarium made for a good morning visit.
Continuing south along the coast we headed for the Heceta Head Lighthouse. This is perhaps one of the most picturesque lights on the coast, perhaps in the country. The light is in automated active service. As for general appearance, a local association of lighthouse enthusiasts provide support for upkeep and for visitation. We hiked up and back down the 0.6 mile trail to the light and enjoyed a beautiful elevated ocean view. Once again several whale spouts were spotted within a mile or so of the shoreline.
We stopped at one last lighthouse for the day, the Umpqua River Lighthouse. No walk needed here, you can drive right up to the light. After a quick look for whales from the lighthouse spotting station we finished the tour aspects of today's travel.
By now we had selected Bandon, OR as our goal for the night. Arriving about 5:30, we checked in to ocean view rooms at the local Best Western and made our dinner plans.
Tonight, dinner was to be simple. We walked over the the hotel restaurant, Tony's for pizza. While there we watched the sun set into the Pacific (no green flash to report). Upon receiving our pizza and finishing our drinks we adjourned to our room, started a fire and tuned in to watch the Monday night football game and continue with our simple dining.
While watching the game, we worked on our travel plans for the upcoming days. At this point we've pretty much resigned ourselves to no further national park visits, though our Yosemite planned dates are still a week away. As such, looks like we'll stay close to the coast but move on south toward the California Redwood areas near Crescent City and Humboldt State Park.
So that's it for the night. Only four days now until we meet up with MART teams #3 & #4 in Monterey, CA.
Our first stop, even before breakfast was to be the Yaquina Head Lighthouse, mentioned above. After a short drive, less than three miles, we entered the access road to the light and came upon the state operated entry gate. Seems that though the park is a state operated area, the actual lighthouse is owned and maintained by the Bureau of Land Management; as such the lighthouse and access to the park were closed. Our distant photos of the lighthouse will have to suffice this time.
We then proceeded back into the Port of Newport to find a good breakfast location. Turned out that there were only a few options. We selected The Coffee House for drinks and pastries until we were in and saw the chalkboard menu. Our order became, pancakes, corned beef hash and omelets. When the food was served it became evident that the portions were huge. The entrees were excellent but over-the-top in quantity. |
| Two of the Four Entrees at The Coffee House |
After breakfast we walked along the docks past numerous fish processing plants and any number of shops, all selling typical beach souvenirs. One of the most interesting activities of the morning was simply watching the numerous California Seal Lions, calling Newport their home.
Before leaving the area we went to the Oregon Coast Aquarium, where we saw a wide variety of coastal wildlife from in and around the sea. I thought the jelly fish, sea nettle and seahorse displays were some of the best I've seen as was the starfish "petting" pool. Of note Diane saw her first live Halibut with its head on and not as a filet at Wegmans. Perhaps it's not as large as the Portland Aquarium, nevertheless, the Oregon Coast Aquarium made for a good morning visit.
 |
| Caught The Big One |
 |
| "See, It's A CALIFORNIA Sea Lion" |
Continuing south along the coast we headed for the Heceta Head Lighthouse. This is perhaps one of the most picturesque lights on the coast, perhaps in the country. The light is in automated active service. As for general appearance, a local association of lighthouse enthusiasts provide support for upkeep and for visitation. We hiked up and back down the 0.6 mile trail to the light and enjoyed a beautiful elevated ocean view. Once again several whale spouts were spotted within a mile or so of the shoreline.
We stopped at one last lighthouse for the day, the Umpqua River Lighthouse. No walk needed here, you can drive right up to the light. After a quick look for whales from the lighthouse spotting station we finished the tour aspects of today's travel.
By now we had selected Bandon, OR as our goal for the night. Arriving about 5:30, we checked in to ocean view rooms at the local Best Western and made our dinner plans.
Tonight, dinner was to be simple. We walked over the the hotel restaurant, Tony's for pizza. While there we watched the sun set into the Pacific (no green flash to report). Upon receiving our pizza and finishing our drinks we adjourned to our room, started a fire and tuned in to watch the Monday night football game and continue with our simple dining.
While watching the game, we worked on our travel plans for the upcoming days. At this point we've pretty much resigned ourselves to no further national park visits, though our Yosemite planned dates are still a week away. As such, looks like we'll stay close to the coast but move on south toward the California Redwood areas near Crescent City and Humboldt State Park.
So that's it for the night. Only four days now until we meet up with MART teams #3 & #4 in Monterey, CA.
No comments:
Post a Comment