Seal Rock and Newport

Today was a two-discovery day! We left Yachats after a nice breakfast at the Blue Whale. We agree that we like Yachats a lot  - would gladly return. Its a tiny town, very eclectic, some great little eateries and its centrally located to some great ocean adventures.

Our first surprise today was just beyond the town of Waldport (which we don't like any better today). We came to a state park at a feature called Seal Rock. A great place to hike down to the beach and explore the tide pools and watch the crashing waves on spectacular rock formations.

From there we continued north of 101 to the city of Newport. Our goal was just to snoop around the fishing piers. So, as soon as we crossed the rather large bridge and turned right to go toward the harbor we were, all of a sudden, in whats called the Bayview section. Very cool! Like Coney Island! A fish factory, eclectic eateries, Ripley's, undersea tourist trap, barking seals, and more! We sat on a bench on the boardwalk and ate a crab sandwich from a Thai cafe.

We left Newport around 2:00 aand headed off into the wilderness toward Bend, passing through
Corvallis, Albany, Lebanon, Sweet Home and eventually Sisters.  US 20 all the way!

Stopped in Bend at the SugarLoaf Motel - a cheapy fleabag but OK for a place to sleep! Dinner at Shari's. Home tomorrow.

P.S. As it turns out, with a good internet connection, this little netbook works just fine!