Coast and college

We’ve been in this coastal jewel for four nights now (two to go) and not only has it provided a conveniently located base but also a beautiful haven for relaxation. We have whale watched every evening from our deck ( and even seen some!) caught up on the laundry, walked on the beach, read books, watched Le Tour and even baked Anzac biscuits – albeit with maple instead of golden syrup 😉

‘Our beach’ low tide

American bald eagles keeping an eye on our beach

We visited Cape Perpetua, a little south of us on Monday morning and we were surprised to read that it was named by our very own (🤣) Captain James Cook – who would have thought he did anything other than discover Australia!

Cape Perpetua

Practicing my dirty dancing routine

Later, we made our way on to stunning Heceta Head Lighthouse where we spent quite a while checking out the rock pools or ‘tide pooling’ as the Americans say. The anemones and starfish were the same species we had seen many years ago  in Tofino  on Vancouver Island.

Heceta Head Lighthouse

Anemones

Starfish and anemones

The beaches were moderately busy with other holiday makers but not crazy, I think we’re still fairly early in the ‘season.’

The interpretive board informed us that before the bridge, tunnel and coastal highway were constructed the quickest way up and down the coast was on the beach and horse drawn wagons would time their dash around the headlands at low tide!

The next day we visited Newport, a little to the north of us and forced ourselves to do a bit of retail therapy – Bow Wow Meow was an immediate beacon – then had a lovely lunch overlooking this very busy fishing port. We see numerous fishing vessels out front of our house almost all day and there are several fishing charters and whale watching tours available from the port.

Newport Bridge

In 2011, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) moved its base for research ships from Seattle to Newport , it’s objective to focus on the conditions of the oceans, major waterways, and the atmosphere. We’ve noticed many businesses in Oregon promoting the eco friendly messages and in a state with such outstanding natural beauty from coast to mountains and beyond, it’s easy to see why.

View nearly at the summit of Mary’s Peak

Yesterday we ventured inland to the college town of Corvallis, exploring Mary’s Peak ( the highest point in the Oregon Coastal Range) en route. We then spent a delightful couple of hours checking out the Oregon State University (OSU) campus – the home of the Beavers – having our picnic in the grounds watching beach volleyball practice.

We stopped in Newport on the way home for dinner at the very popular Lost Ocean with a port view before making it home in time to see a bit of whale action from the balcony 🐳

Newport Bridge with fishing boats in foreground

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