OREGON RESEARCH AQUARIUM & YAQUINA HEAD

We decided a drive in weather was more fun than a day stuck in Clementine so we piled into Shadow and headed north on 101. It was really raining and blowing and we could barely see a thing. But, when in doubt keep on going. Before we knew it we were all the way up in Newport.

Since mom had not seen the aquarium when we were here in November she decided to give it a go. Unfortunately, it was the weekend and the place was crowded with people. They have a number of outdoor exhibits but it was raining so hard everyone was crowded inside.

The good news is mom didn't spend as much time as she might have and I didn't have to get stuck in the car as long as I might have.

When we were here in November both of us decided that Yaquina Head was one of our most favorites places so we headed back up there. As luck would have it, there was a break in the weather and we got to walk around and enjoy the place one more time.

If you ever get by this way you really don't want to miss Yaquina Head. It is really very special. At least we think so. And Newport is a must stop on any coastal road trip.

The drive back to Florence was rainy and blustery but we didn't care because we had a great little trip. Just goes to show. When you think things look bleak if you will just venture on you will find some gems to make it all worthwhile.

©Kinsey Barnard Photography

Cannon Beach, Ecola Park, Stormy Weather!

Yesterday, it was really stormy. We drove down the coast a ways but it got so foggy we couldn't see our nose in front of our face so we turned back. We found out the road to Ecola Park was finally open and headed there but, it was raining and the wind was blowing so hard we could hardly stand up. My beautiful fluffy tail was bent flat on my back, I kid you not. This was some serious wind. We finally threw in the towel and returned to Clementine.

It rained like crazy most of the night. You shoulda heard it on Clementine's roof. Sounded like somebody pouring buckets of nails on our head. Sheesh, hard for me to get my beauty sleep!

Things looked a little better this morning. It seemed like there was a break in the storm. We headed on over to Ecola Park again. It certainly was no sun shiny day but at least the wind had calmed down. We took the trail to Indian Beach. It's about 1.5 miles to the beach through a rain forest. Rain forests, of course do nothing for me but mom loves it. I could tell the elk had been through the night before and that got my attention. While mom gawked I tracked.

From Ecola we headed south again and got as far as Mo's. Which is a place supposed to be good for clam chowder. You'll have to ask mom how it was. I was left in the car as usual. I'm always getting left in the car at chow time. I wonder how comes is that?! How come they don't have restaurants dog's can go in?! I've got good table manners!

After mom, no doubt, made a pig of herself we headed north up the coast as it looked less socked in. We drove over to see the biggest Sitka Spruce in the US but it was kind of a yawner. The poor old thing has seen better days I should imagine. After the Spruce we headed up to Seaside. Mom stopped at the aquarium there but once again I got left in the car. Must not have been much cuz she wasn't gone very long.

After the aquarium we continued north and stopped in at Cullaby Lake. There wasn't a single soul there. We walked around and enjoyed the setting with just a few mallards for company. By this time mom had had enough for one day so we headed back to Clementine.

Until next time .....
LAKOTA SUNRISE

©Kinsey Barnard