Life is good on the Oregon Coast

Casting cares to the wind, the decision was made. Our friends and us would spend two days together on the Oregon Coast. There would be no mention of everyday concerns – health, financial or otherwise. It was time for a break, time to have fun!

We started at Newport where the male sea lions, who spend their summer mating along the California coast, had returned for the winter months. Their loud barking and territorial behavior attracts thousands of visitors. They lay on large anchored wharfs to soak in the sun. Watching them squabble as they vie for position is entertaining.

 

We then ventured out to the tip of a peninsula to visit the Yaquina Head Lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse on the Oregon coast.

 

“The light has been active since Head Keeper Fayette Crosby walked up the 114 steps, to light the wicks on the evening of August 20, 1873. At that time the oil burning fixed white light was displayed from sunset to sunrise. Today, the fully automated first order Fresnel lens runs on commercial power and flashes its unique pattern of 2 seconds on, 2 seconds off, 2 seconds on, 14 seconds off, 24 hours a day. The oil burning wicks have been replaced with a 1000 watt globe.

The nightly vigil of watching the light is gone as are the resident keepers and their quarters, but the staff of the Bureau of Land Management, who are now responsible for the tower, guide you through the lighthouse with tales of yesteryear” (www.yaquinalights.org).

All four of us climbed the 114 steps to see the lens at the top and hear the guide’s stories and descriptions of lighthouse operation. It was an unforgettably unique experience!

We stopped at various scenic views and lookouts as we meandered along the highway. Each was unique and each was beautiful. An interesting item at most stops was the large sign about what to do in case of finding tsunami debris. In our hotel room was a map for the tsunami escape route.

We overnighted in Manzanita at a cozy motel only a block from the ocean. Spindrift Inn was built in 1946, modern and clean but with antique charm. The morning walk down the beach was delightful. We purposely chose quaint, out-of-the-way restaurants to add to the adventure, resulting in some unique dining experiences.

Another stop was at Hug Point, where we explored caves and streams and each had a picture taken to remember the spot. I have since learned that the name comes from before the highway was built, when stagecoaches or wagons had to travel along the beach and hug the point even at low tide.

 

A hug at Hug Point!

Our last stop was at Fort Stevens State Park, former site of a military fort that operated for 84 years, from the Civil War to World War II. Time was limited, but we had a quick glimpse into the past from a military view. On the museum grounds was a garden where families could plant a rose bush in memory of a veteran.

 

The mini-trip ended with pizza at St. Helens, Oregon. It was within sight of Mt. St. Helens, Washington, the mountain that erupted in 1980  and was as close to that location as we reached during the trip.

What a great two days we had. The sightseeing and camaraderie made for sweet memories!