On the road from central Oregon to the coast, we stopped in Albany to visit friends. We went for Mexican dinner and I was introduced to a CoronaRita. Or maybe it was called a MargaRona. Regardless, it was pretty darned tasty.
The four of us drove to McMinnville to see the Spruce Goose. It is Howard Hughes' monstrous airplane built entirely of birch wood. It flew only one time but continued to be staffed for many years in the event Mr Hughes decided to use it.
This is the view of the cargo hold. The beach balls were Mr. Hughes idea should the plane require more buoyancy in the event of an accident on the water. Prior to the test flight the beach balls were replaced with styrofoam.
There is a water park next door. You can see the tube slides coming out of the planes doors.
We enjoyed our personal tour of the beautiful countryside with Neil and Shirley. The rolling hills and farmlands were beautiful. We couldn't figure out what the commercial fields of clover looking flowers were until Neil researched it to be "Meadow Foam".
These are the vineyards of Willamette Winery
Dennis and Jackie were travelling through and spent the night at the RV park we were in. They did some wine tasting with us.
Jill drove up from Grants Pass to join us also. Willamette Winery is stunning. As you drive the I-5 corridor, stop in. It's between Salem and Albany.
When we arrived on the coast it was warm, but overcast. Pictures, especially of the sky and the water do not look as lovely as when they are blue.
This is the promenade at Seaside. Touristy with a lot for families to enjoy.
We stayed in Cannon Beach, walking distance to Haystack Rock. This view is looking north towards Ecola State Park.
Oregon has several famous bridges and scenic by-ways. The pull-out gave information of how this cliff hugging road was constructed.
Anytime I see my name - and it's famous, instead of infamous - I get a little excited.
It was his first name, not his last name, but close enough for me.
A protective sea grass path leads to the beach in Manzanita
There we watched kite-surfers ripping through the waves
Our favorite place was Ecola State Beach. We went twice in the short time we were here. The views looking over the Pacific Ocean are incredible. Notice Haystack Rock at low tide and the high tide water mark on the sand.
We viewed the tide pools at the Park
The Lewis and Clark Expedition came to Cannon Beach froim Astoria because they had heard of a whale that was beached. They made the 30 mile journey south to trade for blubber and oil. Ecola means whale in the Native American language.
We watched some early morning surfers.
Although 50 miles away from Tillamook, this is named Tillamook Lighthouse.
The Lewis & Clark National Park comprises several historic areas. This is Fort Clatsop where the expedition wintered after reaching the Pacific Ocean.
Where the Columbia River and Pacific Ocean meet in Astoria is called "the Graveyard of the Pacific" because it is studded with thousands of shipwrecks.
Our view from South Jetty. The jetty's were built to protect the mouth of the river from erosion and influence the current. Our weather today was mild, but passage could change to treacherous within minutes due to wind and wave conditions.
Shipwreck at Fort Stevens
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