Wednesday Walk at the Coast

During the week between Christmas and the New Year, we took a day trip to the Oregon Coast. We drove west on Hwy 126 to Florence, then headed north on Hwy 101 - the Coast Highway.

We picked a lovely, if cold day to visit.

Our main reason for the trip was to attempt to see some of the 20,000 Gray Whales that migrate from Alaska to Baja Mexico this time of year. 

And we were so lucky!  At the very first turn off we were able to watch two whales heading south.  I wish I had photos to share with you - but as large as the whales are, the Pacific Ocean is immense and I could never find the whales in my viewfinder.  

The land meets the ocean on steep mountains and hillsides.

These signs are everywhere.  When I was very young my parents concocted a tale about a missing Native American child whose parents had never given up looking for him; thus all the signs saying look out for Fallen (or Falling) Rocks! 

The Oregon Coast has eleven pretty lighthouses including this one at Heceta Head.

This is the keeper's house. 

The coast is also famous for its many Depression Era bridges.

Unlike all the other ocean sates, Oregon does not have any large occupied islands off shore.

Here's a view of the coastal forested hillsides.

Though named Pacific for peaceful, the ocean is usually stormy and churning.

Lots of foam and froth.

As you can see the hills tumble down steeply to the ocean.

Here's the pretty bridge that crosses Yaquina Bay at Newport, Oregon.  

To the north, off in the distance is the Yaquina HeadLighthouse.

Newport has a thriving dishing industry - Dungeness Crab usually begins around Christmas.

Here's a mural of the gray whales.

This is one of the oldest buildings in Newport.

Had to check out this candy store!

We drove to the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area which juts out a mile to the sea. 

It's supposed to be an amazing spot to bird, but as we were there in the afternoon, I totally struck out.

But I did get to see the 93' tall lighthouse built in 1873.

There are wonderful views to the north and south.

And a poignant memorial to those lost at sea.  

As is often the case when the Willamette Valley is socked in with fog, the Oregon Coast is clear and sunny.

Tomorrow I will share some Oregon Coast bird photos.