Cool Corridor -- The Oregon Coast

Now and again, we both need a Coastal "fix" -- a yearning to see the ocean and all that goes with it -- cool winds, beautiful beaches, offshore rocks, flowers, lighthouses, tide pools, and quaint seaside villages.

When everywhere else is hot, the coast is cool -- dependably cool -- even chilly. We and half of Oregon head for the coast. Every major Oregon City has a road to the sea. All of them end at Hwy 101, one of America's loveliest drives. Where else can you see so much ocean from your car window? Lots of view points, parks and campgrounds. We, of course, prefer to park free, so we settled in at a gravel pit on FR57 near 101. It was lovely, with Big Creek running nearby.

Soon Al Vargas joined us to help celebrate Randy's birthday.

We had a great time in the lovely town of Waldport, staying at the Moose lodge.

A bike bike rack nearby.

The beautiful bridge at Waldport was built in the late 80s to replace the original bridge designed by Conde B. McCullough, which was deteriorating.

Tillamook is our favorite coastal town. Lots of good stuff-- Beaches, museums, cheese factory, Saturday Farmers' Market, and inexpensive camping at the Air Museum RV Park. The scenic loop to Cape Mears will charm you.

A herd of elk came to our back door.

Three Arch Rock near Cape Mears. A half-million birds nest here each year!

Randy gets the Texas Longhorn story at the Tillamook Farmers' Market.

A week of chilly winds and super scenery is about enough for us, however. We'll head inland on Monday.