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

Rain, Boredom, South Beach & Yaquina Head

Well, yesterday was simply the pits! It rained the whole gol darned day. I mean it did not stop. Around noon even mom couldn't take it anymore so we piled in Shadow and headed north on 101. But, it was hopeless. After about an hour we headed back to Clementine and spent the rest of the day RV bound.

This morning there was a break in the clouds and we were all excited. Our first idea was to head south on 101 and ended up at South Beach, which is just a few miles past the Yaquina Bay Bridge. This is a great place for walking. When we started out everything was coming up sunshine not so long after we were pelted by hail and soaked through to the bone. So, soaked were we, we had to head back to Clementine and a change of clothes for mom.

After mom got a new set of clothes and I got a toweling we headed north on 101. We ended going to Yaquina Head which turned out to be a great place. There is the Yaquina Head Lighthouse, and way cool tide pools. Mom took a picture of herself in one with green anemone. She's a card. We also saw a bunch of Harbor Seals resting in the rocks. Then there was Jonathan Livingston Seagull parked on Shadow's head!

I had the best time poking around in the tide pools. I mean these are great ones. Just chock full of good sea stuff. El nose-o was in overdrive yet gain. If you are ever by this way, that would be around Newport, do not miss this stop! It is super deluxe!

We are now tucked away inside Clementine for the night and it's raining and blowing again. Clemmie is just rocking. But, this was another great day!

Cannon Beach to Newport

Well, wow! I think I'm lucky to be alive! Ok, so that may be a little dramatic but it really was stormy coming down the coast and mom was white knuckling the steering wheel I guarantee you that. Old Clementine was swayin' and sashayin' down the highway like we were on the way to a dance. It took us about three hours to do a two hour drive. But, we are here and none the worse for the wear.

When we got into Newport we set ourselves up in the RV park and took a little walk around the area to check things out.

While we were walking we could hear sea lions barking and thought we needed to check them out. We jumped in Shadow and headed to where we thought the barking was coming from. We found ourselves in the old port which is pretty quaint. Well, quaint for two leggeds but fabulous for me. I am here to tell you; the smells, the incredible smells. Fish, bait I can't begin to tell you what all. It was fantastic! I was dragging mom along with reckless abandon. Nearly got myself sent to the car. Narrowly escaping punishment my nose took me into overdrive. But, gads it was great. We found the barkers and stopped to watch them lolly gagging on the pier. I had never seen anything like it. What I would have given to be able to mix it up with those big boys! We know that isn't going to happen.

We walked along the quay. There were lotsa shops and restaurants. And, naturally people made a great fuss over yours truly.

Mom was fascinated by the murals painted on the buildings. That's what the photos are of. She didn't even notice the marvelous smells. In fact, I even thought I saw her scrunch up her nose like she smelled something bad. Oh, well, no accounting for taste!

Can't hardly wait for tomorrows adventure!