The Oregon Coast (21)

(I should note that due to our late night city adventures, and the lack of decent Internet Service, we have been behind on our blog posting. I have posted three days at once tonight to correct this.)

We drove through downtown Portland on our way to Highway 26, westward. This took us over the beautifully forested coastal mountains to Hwy 101, where we turned south.

Along the way, we had an opportunity to see the end result of clear cut mountain logging. As much as we both know our country needs this resource, it is none the less painful to see. We can only hope the logging industry and the government manages this beautiful resource responsibly.

As we came over the mountains, the fog thickened and dropped down to obscure most of the coastal scenery. Not good! We were both afraid the beautiful coastline would be hidden by the increasing fog.

The fog began to lift at Yaquina Head Lighthouse. The Oregon coast is ruggedly beautiful. The waves crash in and out of the coves with such mesmerising fluidity.

By the time we reached Newport, the fog had lifted and beautiful blue skies were abundant!

The bridge and harbor at Newport, Oregon has a wonderful atmosphere. It has quaint shops and restaurants along it's bay that yearn to be experienced.

Jaw dropping beauty at every turn!

Notice how far out on the point these houses are built. Can you imagine the sunsets from here?

The Heceta Head Lighthouse just north of Florence, Oregon. This picture says it all when it comes to the Oregon Coast. The lifting fog made us feel we were lost in the clouds.

A late afternoon seafood lunch/dinner came at Mo's in Florence, Oregon. This dockside eatery is well known for it's clam chowder. Coming from two clam chowder aficionado's, it's a bit overrated.

The fisherman's harbor at Florence is a true working fishing village.

Just before reaching Coo's Bay we turned east, toward our first goal for tomorrow, Crater Lake. Along the way ,we spotted a small herd of Roosevelt Elk along side the road. It is truly a privilege to view these magnificent animals at such close range.

A quick side note about the amazing weather. As mentioned, we experienced fog as we arrived at the Oregon coast this morning. The fog gradually cleared out by the time we reached Newport.

The temperatures stayed in the high 50's and low 60's the entire day with a light, steady wind. Truth told, it was very pleasant. As we turned east and climbed over the coastal mountains, the temperatures began to rise quickly, reaching a high of 97 in Roseburg, less than 80 miles later. That is quiet a dramatic temperature change for such a short distance. We are expecting hot temperatures (high 90's) until we return to the northern California coast later tomorrow.


We are spending the night near I-5 at Roseburg, Oregon.

Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you. ~Carl Sandburg~