Oregon Coast...

After arriving at Portland on the 17th June, Candace and I hired a rental car from Enterprise and drove to the coast. We drove out of Portland towards Tillamook State Forest. Along the way we found a quaint little restaurant, Coleman's, where we had a lovely lunch before continuing our travels.

We drove through beautiful coastal scenery and dense forest at Tillamook State Forest, before meeting up with US Highway 101 -which runs along the coast - and finally getting a glimpse of the Pacific Ocean! It was my first time at the Pacific and it was really beautiful seeing waves and sandy beaches again! Living in land-locked southern Indiana, I've really missed the ocean.

We continued through Depoe Bay - stopping here to look at the World's Smallest Harbour and to walk along the seafront - and arrived at Newport that afternoon. We explored Newport's historic Bayfront with its many restaurants and curio shops and then ate supper at the famous Mo's Restaurant. It was great to have real fish and chips at the sea!

 Coleman's 9N Shady Rest.

 Old tractor inside the restaurant.

 Candace ready for lunch.

 My massive avocado and blue cheese burger. Delicious!

 Driving through Tillamook State Forest.

 About to turn left onto US Highway 101.

 This is one of the world's largest wooden structures - originally built (in 1942) to hold military blimps - outside Tillamook. It now houses an aviation museum.

 Pacific Coast Scenic Byway.

 Our little blue Hyundai Accent.

 There are miles as well as kilometres on the distance signs here. :)

 Tsunami Evacuation Map at Depoe Bay.

 View looking north from Depoe Bay.

 Seagull with the Pacific behind.

 At the bridge where small boats sail under to enter Depoe Bay.

 Tourist boat heading into port.

 The vessels sail through this narrow passage...

 Under the bridge carrying US Highway 101...

 And safely enter the small harbour.

 Depoe Bay seafront.

 Entering Newport, Oregon.

 Historic Bayfront.

 Mo's Restaurant, Newport.

Aunt Belinda's Candies on Newport's Bayfront.

 Lots of cool paintings like this Coast Guard rescue boat...

 And this fishing vessel painted on the side of a building.

 Small fishing vessel on the lagoon in Newport.

 View of the Yaquina Bay Bridge carrying Highway 101 over the Yaquina Bay.

 Another seabird at Newport.

 Oregon is a very bike-friendly place to live. :)

 Whale memorial at Newport.

Yaquina Head Lighthouse flashes as dusk arrives. We explored this lighthouse and promontory the following day. :)