Sleeping well, I was up to have free motel coffee, and surfed on my tablet to get the news and other information. The forecasts had all been good or acceptable at my destinations during this trip, as far as the ten day saw. They continued to remain sunny or party cloudy, so I was good to go.
I had two more major Oregon Coast Range highways to drive. I had some breakfast, and motored north to Eugene, OR. Taking the Randy Papé Beltline, I shot video as I drove along. Puffy clouds and blue sky. I had researched my route, and took the roads to the OR 126 highway and passed Fern Ridge Lake. I got lost a bit, and guessed on back roads to head north, winding up in about Elmira. Stopping at a mini mart on OR 36, I got drink and asked for directions. This is a minor highway headed west through the Coast Range, but maybe sometime I’ll come back and drive it. I seek the passes, and didn’t have the time to check to see if it crossed one.
Headed north on OR 200, I came to 99W and passed through Monroe, OR, and looked for my turnoff. I took the Alsea Falls Road, a backcountry route that leads to a state park. With little traffic and winding roads, I set up my video, and let it run. In the trees, it is nice.
Coming to the park, I had it to myself. I looked about, paid the fee, and walked over the short trail to the falls. I did my camera work, taking my time. I had only to go about 200 miles this day, and wished to enjoy. I used the restroom, and got back on the road, doing more video.
Intersecting then OR 34 at about Alsea, I went west. Driving was faster, but I recorded some of the sights. Nearing the coast, I let my camera run again, but wasn’t sure if the video was running. Sometimes, you press the button, but it doesn’t do anything.
Coming into Waldport, OR, I headed for the visitor center. There was another desk person, and workmen were fixing the restroom. I looked about and snapped photos, the April 2013 trip photos being all unrecoverable at any affordable rate, from my past major memory card failure. They told me how to walk over the highway bridge, and mentioned that seal pups can be viewed from the bridge. I took my pack and gear, and walked on the beach below the south end of the bridge, then crossed under it on sand to access the pedestrian walkway on it’s east side. I had been stopped my last time on the west side, coming from the north, by still ongoing construction. Soon, I spotted seals swimming about below, in the ocean bay water. I didn’t get any good video, being that it takes some time to do, and wildlife shot ops may quickly pass by. Waiting a bit, I went further and saw the seals on the bay shore, basking in the sun. There was another lost op when a boat passed by, causing them to rush into the water in a flurry, but then they calmed down, and I shot video as they ventured back onto the beach. I went to the north end of the bridge to complete walking it in full, and then did more photos and video as I walked back south.
Back to the visitor center and my car, I used the restroom, then motored north on U.S. 101, over the bridge. With a short stop at the beach, it is a little way further to Newport, OR, where I didn’t do more photos of the buildings, all lost from April. Tourist attractions, anyway. There is an aquarium, but I’ll leave that and more for another time.
Headed past Tsunami Hazard zones, I crossed another large bridge, and took the turn to the busy street where I like to dine. I had it in mind to try seafood, and found a highly rated spot. In mid afternoon, they were still busy. I got a table outside, but it was tilted and shaky, so I moved to another table, thanks to the gracious help. I had already looked at their menu online, so knew about what I wanted. I began with ordering non alcoholic beer, and then seared King Salmon with grilled oysters. Enjoying the open air, I consumed my food, and then figured to try steamer clams. They weren’t local like the oysters, from Washington State, but I wouldn’t be going up there maybe for some time. The portion was big, and I ate slowly, stuffed then from all of the seafood. This makes up for fast fish sandwiches on my 2004 visit to the Oregon Coast! Leaving a sizable tip, then, this was my most expensive meal ever at about 4 twenties total. Looking, I saw through the displays of seafood for sale under their counter.
They had advised me of the oyster farm further down the road, so I had the time. Motoring east along the edge of Yaquina Bay, I enjoyed my road trip. I then came to the farm, where they were still open. There is a store, and there is seafood available, but nothing that would keep. You can order and it is shipped nationwide, but to be fresh, I guess has to be packed on ice. I spoke with the help, and they assured me that it is all natural, and there are yet no GMO oysters, although they are said to be working on a “super oyster” that grows to maturity quickly as do some of the other GMO items. Though the taste then is not to be so good, with some other catch.
Continuing along the Bay, I did more camera work, then came to a road that headed north to U.S. 20. I headed east on this major highway, to take it the next day all the way to Sisters, OR. I don’t remember much but for my photos, as it drives fast, and soon, I was coming to Albany, OR, my lodging destination. I got my room, surfed more with my tablet, and ate a candy bar later, full from the sumptious seafood meal.
Summary, 30, 31, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, Movies
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